Latest News
Birding Festival of the South Expands Lineup Ahead of Inaugural Event in Hot Springs
The inaugural Birding Festival of the South is taking flight in a big way. Since Visit Hot Springs first announced the festival earlier this year, organizers have continued to add
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
The Latest News
News Categories
Birding Festival of the South Expands Lineup Ahead of Inaugural Event in Hot Springs
The inaugural Birding Festival of the South is taking flight in a big way. Since Visit Hot Springs first announced the festival earlier this year, organizers have continued to add nationally recognized birding experts, musicians, conservation advocates, and educational programming, transforming the October event into one of the most anticipated outdoor festivals in Arkansas this fall. Presented by Oaklawn Hot Springs, the three day festival will take place October 8 through 10, 2026, with the Hot Springs Convention Center serving as the festival hub. Activities will extend throughout Hot Springs National Park, Northwoods Trails, Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Hot Springs
Birding Festival of the South Expands Lineup Ahead of Inaugural Event in Hot Springs
The inaugural Birding Festival of the South is taking flight in a big way. Since Visit Hot Springs first announced the festival earlier this year, organizers have continued to add nationally recognized birding experts, musicians, conservation advocates, and educational programming, transforming the October event into one of the most anticipated outdoor festivals in Arkansas this fall. Presented by Oaklawn Hot Springs, the three day festival will take place October 8 through 10, 2026, with the Hot Springs Convention Center serving as the festival hub. Activities will extend throughout Hot Springs National Park, Northwoods Trails, Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Hot Springs
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
Arkansas’s Darkest Skies Await: Two Star Parties Invite You to Experience the Summer Milky Way
If you’ve ever wanted to see the Milky Way arch across the night sky, watch a meteor streak overhead, or look through a telescope at distant galaxies, this is your
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
Arkansas’s Darkest Skies Await: Two Star Parties Invite You to Experience the Summer Milky Way
If you’ve ever wanted to see the Milky Way arch across the night sky, watch a meteor streak overhead, or look through a telescope at distant galaxies, this is your
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
Subscribe to the Arkansas Outside E-News Mailing List
Upcoming Events
