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Discovery Trail Returns, Wild Cave Still on Hold: An Update on Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
The 2026 season at Blanchard Springs Caverns and Recreation Area is well underway, and there’s good news for fans of one of Arkansas’s most spectacular underground destinations. Arkansas Outside recently

Federal Public Lands News: White Rock Road Reopens, New Motor Vehicle Maps Available, and a Summer Closure at Springhill Park
Several updates affecting Arkansas federal public lands were announced this week, including the reopening of
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Discovery Trail Returns, Wild Cave Still on Hold: An Update on Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
The 2026 season at Blanchard Springs Caverns and Recreation Area is well underway, and there’s good news for fans of one of Arkansas’s most spectacular underground destinations. Arkansas Outside recently spoke with Jeff King, Deputy Director of Arkansas State Parks, to get the latest on tours, the ongoing state-federal partnership, and what visitors can expect this summer. A Partnership That’s Working Blanchard Springs Caverns entered a new era late last year when Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service, setting in motion the process

Discovery Trail Returns, Wild Cave Still on Hold: An Update on Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
The 2026 season at Blanchard Springs Caverns and Recreation Area is well underway, and there’s good news for fans of one of Arkansas’s most spectacular underground destinations. Arkansas Outside recently spoke with Jeff King, Deputy Director of Arkansas State Parks, to get the latest on tours, the ongoing state-federal partnership, and what visitors can expect this summer. A Partnership That’s Working Blanchard Springs Caverns entered a new era late last year when Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service, setting in motion the process

First Look: The New U.S. Forest Service and Grasslands App
The U.S. Forest Service has launched its new National Forests and Grasslands mobile app, now available for both iOS and Android devices. The app is designed to serve as a

Your Complete Guide to Planning a Day of Paddling on the Buffalo National River
Everything you need to know before launching on America’s first national river. The Buffalo National River winds through the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks, flowing freely for 151 miles past

First Look: The New U.S. Forest Service and Grasslands App
The U.S. Forest Service has launched its new National Forests and Grasslands mobile app, now available for both iOS and Android devices. The app is designed to serve as a

Your Complete Guide to Planning a Day of Paddling on the Buffalo National River
Everything you need to know before launching on America’s first national river. The Buffalo National River winds through the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks, flowing freely for 151 miles past
Climbing

5th Annual Arkansas Climbers Festival Returns to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in 2026
The 5th Annual Arkansas Climbers Festival returns to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper from Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29, 2026. This three-day celebration of climbing culture brings together

New Climbing Area at Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Now, this beloved park is adding a new chapter to its legacy: rock climbing. For

For the Love of Climbing: From Rock Bottom to Rock Faces — How Climbing Gave Katie Jo Myers Life
By Sharon Bennett, featuring Katie Jo Myers Climbing is more than just a sport. It is a source of strength, hope, and community for many. In this installment of For the Love
Hiking & Backpacking

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

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

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

Your Complete Guide to Planning a Day of Paddling on the Buffalo National River
Everything you need to know before launching on America’s first national river. The Buffalo National River winds through the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks, flowing freely for 151 miles past

Drought Conditions Postpone Recreational Water Releases Below Remmel Dam
Paddlers hoping to catch scheduled whitewater and recreational releases on the Ouachita River this summer may have to wait for wetter conditions. Entergy Arkansas announced that full-generation recreational flows from

Northwest Arkansas Finally Gets Its Own Water Trail
Upper Illinois River Water Trail Opens in Benton County Northwest Arkansas has become nationally known for its extensive hiking and mountain biking trail systems, but until now, one of the























