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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,
Northwest Arkansas Land Trust Expands Conservation Work, Protects 30 Acres in Washington County
The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is entering 2026 with nearly 1,600 acres of new conservation
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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, with guided tours scheduled to begin May 1. Under the agreement, Arkansas State Parks will assist with seasonal operations at the Stone County landmark, including guided cavern tours running through the end of October. The Visitor Center and caverns will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the season. “This agreement allows us to work alongside the Forest Service to maintain access to this incredible destination while planning for its
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, with guided tours scheduled to begin May 1. Under the agreement, Arkansas State Parks will assist with seasonal operations at the Stone County landmark, including guided cavern tours running through the end of October. The Visitor Center and caverns will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the season. “This agreement allows us to work alongside the Forest Service to maintain access to this incredible destination while planning for its
The Ozark Grinder: Can You Conquer Arkansas’ Hardest Bikepacking Route?
Adventure Cycling · Searcy County, Arkansas One patch. 134 miles of Ozark grit. Zero excuses. 134.3 Miles 12,145 Feet of Climbing 13.5% Max Grade 8 Selfie Checkpoints GILBERT, Ark. —
The Spa City Reigns Supreme Again
2026 Arkansas MTB March Madness Champion Northwoods/Cedar Glades Trail System in Hot Springs captures the state’s most coveted crown, outlasting 31 challengers in a month-long battle decided by the people
The Ozark Grinder: Can You Conquer Arkansas’ Hardest Bikepacking Route?
Adventure Cycling · Searcy County, Arkansas One patch. 134 miles of Ozark grit. Zero excuses. 134.3 Miles 12,145 Feet of Climbing 13.5% Max Grade 8 Selfie Checkpoints GILBERT, Ark. —
The Spa City Reigns Supreme Again
2026 Arkansas MTB March Madness Champion Northwoods/Cedar Glades Trail System in Hot Springs captures the state’s most coveted crown, outlasting 31 challengers in a month-long battle decided by the people
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
Proposed Whitewater Park on Cedar Creek Promises “Exciting Final Feature” at Petit Jean State Park
A bold new concept circulating among outdoor recreation enthusiasts suggests transforming Cedar Creek at Petit Jean State Park into Arkansas’s most dramatic whitewater park. The proposal would create a series
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
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