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What Repealing the Roadless Rule Could Mean for Arkansas National Forests
A proposed federal policy change could affect how thousands of acres in Arkansas’s national forests are managed, including landscapes near some of the state’s most popular hiking, mountain biking, hunting
Guide ARK Directory Now Live, Connecting Visitors with Verified Outdoor Guides Across Arkansas
The Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation has officially launched the Guide ARK Directory, giving residents
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What Repealing the Roadless Rule Could Mean for Arkansas National Forests
A proposed federal policy change could affect how thousands of acres in Arkansas’s national forests are managed, including landscapes near some of the state’s most popular hiking, mountain biking, hunting and camping destinations. On August 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, commonly known as the Roadless Rule. The rule currently applies to more than 44 million acres of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. In Arkansas, approximately 95,000 acres have historically been identified as Inventoried Roadless Areas covered by the rule. For Arkansas outdoor recreationists, repeal would not mean
What Repealing the Roadless Rule Could Mean for Arkansas National Forests
A proposed federal policy change could affect how thousands of acres in Arkansas’s national forests are managed, including landscapes near some of the state’s most popular hiking, mountain biking, hunting and camping destinations. On August 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, commonly known as the Roadless Rule. The rule currently applies to more than 44 million acres of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. In Arkansas, approximately 95,000 acres have historically been identified as Inventoried Roadless Areas covered by the rule. For Arkansas outdoor recreationists, repeal would not mean
Arkansas State Parks Offers Ways to Beat the Heat
With another round of summer heat settling over the state, Arkansas State Parks is reminding visitors to rethink their outdoor plans this week. The agency issued a heat safety notice
5 Ways to Spend Labor Day Weekend Outside in Arkansas
From a classic road race and a scenic cycling event to mountain biking, hiking, and one last summer float, Labor Day weekend is a great time to get outside in
Arkansas State Parks Offers Ways to Beat the Heat
With another round of summer heat settling over the state, Arkansas State Parks is reminding visitors to rethink their outdoor plans this week. The agency issued a heat safety notice
5 Ways to Spend Labor Day Weekend Outside in Arkansas
From a classic road race and a scenic cycling event to mountain biking, hiking, and one last summer float, Labor Day weekend is a great time to get outside in
Climbing
Arkansas’s First State Park Reaches New Heights with Opening of Nation’s Only State Park Via Ferrata
MORRILTON, Ark., Arkansas outdoor adventure took another major step forward today as Petit Jean State Park officially opened the Petit Jean Via Ferrata, a guided fixed cable climbing experience that
To Hell and Back Again: A Climber’s Tale
Editor’s Note: This story is part of our #ThrowbackThursday series, revisiting memorable adventures from the Arkansas Outside archives. Originally published in 2014, this firsthand account captures Cris Slaymaker’s experience competing
Forest Service Proposes First National Climbing Policy for Federal Lands
For decades, rock climbing on federal lands has been managed through a patchwork of local plans, forest-specific guidance, and agency interpretations of existing laws. Now, the U.S. Forest Service is
Hiking & Backpacking
Get Out There: Enjoying Arkansas Summers Without the Itch
Arkansas is a paradise for outdoor lovers in the summer. From the misty peaks of the Ozark Mountains to the forests of the Ouachita National Forest, from the clear waters
How to Protect Your Dog from Summer Heat on Outdoor Adventures in Arkansas
With another scorching Arkansas summer underway, the trails, rivers, and parks of the Natural State are calling. If you are bringing your dog along, a little preparation goes a long
Bear Aware in Arkansas: How to Avoid Bear Encounters While Hiking and Camping in Bear Country
Arkansas earned the nickname The Bear State long before it became known as The Natural State, and today that nickname once again fits. After black bears were nearly wiped out
Paddling
Throwback Thursday: Paddling the Maumelle River and Lake Maumelle: A Peaceful Kayak Adventure Near Little Rock
Originally published in 2012. Updated for 2026. Just a short drive west of Little Rock, the Maumelle River offers one of Central Arkansas’ most peaceful paddling experiences. Flowing into Lake
WOKA Whitewater Park Hosts National Youth Development Camp as Region Eyes Olympic Future
WATTS, Okla. Some of North America’s most promising young paddlers will converge on the Arkansas and Oklahoma border this week as WOKA Whitewater Park, operated by the Grand River Dam
Remmel Dam Recreational Releases Resume Just in Time for the Fourth of July
After weeks of suspended flows during one of the region’s driest stretches in recent memory, paddlers and tubers finally have something to celebrate heading into the holiday weekend: recreational water
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