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USDA Moves Forest Service Headquarters, What It Means for Arkansas National Forests
Since U.S. Forest Service land is home to some of the fantastic outdoor recreation in Arkansas, we felt we would try to keep you informed on what recently announced changes

Blanchard Springs Caverns to Reopen for 2026 Season Under New Partnership
Arkansas State Parks and the USDA Forest Service have announced a cooperative operating agreement to
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USDA Moves Forest Service Headquarters, What It Means for Arkansas National Forests
Since U.S. Forest Service land is home to some of the fantastic outdoor recreation in Arkansas, we felt we would try to keep you informed on what recently announced changes could mean to National Forest management in Arkansas. A major restructuring of the U.S. Forest Service is underway, and it could directly impact how Arkansas national forests are managed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to move Forest Service headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City while reorganizing how the agency operates across the country. For Arkansas, this raises an important question. What does the Forest Service move mean

USDA Moves Forest Service Headquarters, What It Means for Arkansas National Forests
Since U.S. Forest Service land is home to some of the fantastic outdoor recreation in Arkansas, we felt we would try to keep you informed on what recently announced changes could mean to National Forest management in Arkansas. A major restructuring of the U.S. Forest Service is underway, and it could directly impact how Arkansas national forests are managed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to move Forest Service headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City while reorganizing how the agency operates across the country. For Arkansas, this raises an important question. What does the Forest Service move mean

Historic Grounds, Storied Miles: AURA’s Three Signature Races at Lake Sylvia
Volunteer directors Katie Helms, Sharon Bennett, and Stacey Shaver carry on a decades-long tradition of ultrarunning in the Ouachita National Forest Deep in the hills of the Ouachita National Forest,

Blanchard Springs Caverns to Reopen for 2026 Season Under New Partnership
Arkansas State Parks and the USDA Forest Service have announced a cooperative operating agreement to keep Blanchard Springs Caverns and Recreation Area open to the public during the 2026 season,

Historic Grounds, Storied Miles: AURA’s Three Signature Races at Lake Sylvia
Volunteer directors Katie Helms, Sharon Bennett, and Stacey Shaver carry on a decades-long tradition of ultrarunning in the Ouachita National Forest Deep in the hills of the Ouachita National Forest,

Blanchard Springs Caverns to Reopen for 2026 Season Under New Partnership
Arkansas State Parks and the USDA Forest Service have announced a cooperative operating agreement to keep Blanchard Springs Caverns and Recreation Area open to the public during the 2026 season,
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

Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking the Ozarks & Ouachitas
Arkansas Outside · Trail & Gear Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Arkansas Spring in the Ozark & Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas There is a particular kind of morning that belongs only

Backpacking the Eagle Rock Loop: Days Two and Three on the Athens-Big Fork Trail (Part 2)
We slept well our first night on Saline Creek, which meant getting moving in the morning took a little longer than planned. It is actually easier to break camp fast

Backpacking the Eagle Rock Loop: Spring Break on the Little Missouri Trail (Part 1)
We lost count of stream crossings somewhere around 15 to 20 before noon on the first day. The sandals got a lot of use. It was a great three-day, two-night
Paddling


National Park Service Launches Free Real-Time Float Guide Dashboard for Buffalo National River
The National Park Service has introduced a free interactive dashboard that gives paddlers real-time river flow data for the Buffalo National River, making it easier than ever to plan a

Mile Zero Outdoor Festival Brings New Identity to Outdoor Recreation in Helena
Helena is positioning itself as a growing hub for outdoor recreation in the Delta with the launch of Mile Zero: Delta Outdoor Festival in April 2026. Formerly known as Delta
























