11 Best Places To See The Arkansas Fall Foliage
Every fall, I make the short drive from Tennessee to Arkansas because the foliage here is just that stunning.
Arkansas is often overlooked when people think of fall colors, but I promise the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains put on a show that rivals anywhere in New England.
If you’re planning a trip in 2025, the best time to see peak fall colors in Arkansas is typically late October through early November, depending on the region.
In this guide, I’ll share the exact spots I visit every year, the updated foliage forecast, and my favorite scenic drives so you can plan the perfect fall getaway.
After you’ve taken in the stunning foliage, there’s so much more to do in Arkansas that makes fall one of my favorite times to visit.
Whether you love hiking, history, or just want to relax in a cozy cabin, these are the activities I always recommend:
Float the Buffalo National River: Imagine kayaking or canoeing surrounded by bluffs lined with fall colors — it’s one of the best experiences in the state. (Viator: kayaking and canoeing tours.)
Take a Scenic Drive: The Pig Trail Scenic Byway and Talimena National Scenic Byway are two of the most breathtaking routes in the South. Both drives cut through mountain ranges painted in fall colors. ( Renting a car is the best way to explore and see the foliage.)
Explore Hot Springs National Park: Beyond the fall colors, Hot Springs is perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of hiking. The historic bathhouses, trails, and mountain tower views make it a must-do. (Viator: Hot Springs walking or spa experiences.)
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Hike the Ozark Mountains: Trails like Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) and Lost Valley Trail are famous for panoramic views of the fall leaves. Bring good hiking shoes — the trails are worth it. (Viator: Guided hikes in the Ozarks.)
Visit Mount Magazine State Park: At the state’s highest point, the views stretch for miles. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching in the fall. (Viator: outdoor adventure activities in Mount Magazine area.)
Guided off-road adventure through the Ozarks: Zip around a private cattle ranch in Omaha in your own off-road vehicle on this exciting Ozarks adventure. Join a small group and ride along the trails of the ranch that follow ridges, valleys, and a creek (Viator: Small Group off Road tour).
Here is your Fall 2024 Weekend Guide to Arkansas Fall Colors:
- Where is the fall foliage in Arkansas
- Where can you see the fall foliage in Arkansas
- When do the leaves change in the Ozarks
- Best time to see the fall foliage in the Ozarks
The Ozarks aren’t limited to scenery; fall weather is ideal for enjoying the state’s various outdoor activities. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Arkansas for camping, hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
The weather in Arkansas ranges from the ’40s to the ’70s in the fall months, making it a perfect fall getaway for family-oriented fall festivals or romantic weekend getaways with the hubby.
In this article, we will explore some of the best places in Arkansas to see the fall foliage.
So grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and begin a memorable journey through Arkansas in the autumn.
👉Guided Off Road Ozarks Tour
👉Half Day Arkansas River Rafting
👉Arkansas Accommodations
Arkansas Fall Foliage Timeline
The peak time for leaf change is generally from late October to around Thanksgiving. When the leaves are at their most colorful, take a drive down nearby Scenic Highway 7 or the Pig Trail Scenic Byway.
The Ozarks have over 4,000 acres of parkland, three beautiful lakes, and over 60 miles of trails for those who love fishing, biking, hiking, and exploring awe-inspiring caverns.
In the northern part of Arkansas, specifically in the Ozarks region, the leaves start to change color in late September or early October with the peak happening in late October.
Moving to central and west-central Arkansas, in the Ouachita Mountain Range, you can expect to see noticeable changes in tree colors by early to mid-October. The peak color is typically observed in late October or early November.
In southern and eastern Arkansas, foliage usually begins to change during mid-October, reaching its peak color in early to mid-November.
- You can book a guided off-road adventure here if you’d rather go with a local expert.
- This scenic drive tour is available year-round, but fall is when it truly shines.
- I booked my Guided walking tour through Viator, which made the trip even better.
best places to see fall colors in Arkansas
1. Ozark Mountains:
During the fall season, the Ozark Mountains in northwestern Arkansas offer a kaleidoscope of colors.
As the leaves transition from green to vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, the hillsides and valleys become a breathtaking panorama.
Explore the scenic byways, such as the Pig Trail Scenic Byway or the Arkansas Grand Canyon Drive, to witness the beauty of the changing foliage.
2. Buffalo National River:
A Serene Retreat Nestled within the Ozark Mountains, the Buffalo National River provides a serene setting to enjoy the fall foliage.
Embark on a canoe or kayak trip along the river, surrounded by towering bluffs draped in vibrant autumnal hues.
Take a leisurely hike along the riverbanks to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the changing seasons.
3. Mount Magazine:
An Elevated Experience At 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas.
This lofty vantage point offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests as they transform into a breathtaking medley of colors.
Take a scenic drive along the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, hike the diverse trails, or even spend a night at the mountaintop lodge to witness the sunrise amidst the golden foliage.
4. Historic Bathhouse Row:
A Quaint Backdrop Hot Springs National Park, renowned for its therapeutic hot springs, reveals a different kind of therapy during the fall season.
Stroll along the picturesque Historic Bathhouse Row, where colorful foliage complements the grandeur of the historic buildings.
Relax in the thermal waters while soaking up the autumnal ambiance.
5. Mountain Tower:
A Panoramic Perspective, The Mountain Tower offers a breathtaking view of the Hot Springs and their surrounding natural beauty.
Ascend the observation deck to witness the city and the Ouachita Mountains transformed by the fiery hues of fall. Enjoy a leisurely picnic while relishing the stunning vistas spread out before you.
6. Cedar Falls:
A Stunning Cascade Nestled within Petit Jean State Park, Cedar Falls showcases nature’s artistic prowess.
As the autumn leaves adorn the landscape, the 95-foot waterfall cascades amidst a tapestry of vibrant colors.
Take a hike along the Cedar Falls Trail to witness this captivating sight and immerse yourself in the season’s enchantment.
7. Seven Hollows Trail:
A journey through geological wonders and fall foliage at Seven Hollows Trail in Petit Jean State Park.
This trail leads you through unique rock formations, hidden caves, and vibrant forests. Marvel at the colors of the changing leaves while discovering the park’s rich natural history.
Best Photo-op To See Fall Colors in Arkansas
Hawksbill Crag, Whitaker Point
This is the most iconic and recognizable spot in Arkansas, and it is easily the best spot in the state to take stunning Instagram-worthy photos of the fall colors for your friends and family to see.
Hawksbill Crag is in Ozark National Forest. It’s an easy 3.0-mile round-trip hike through the forest that will take you through gigantic boulders, stunning waterfalls, and colorful trees.
Peak Viewing: October 12 – 28
Arkansas fall foliage peak 2025
If you want to see as many brilliant colors as possible in a day or two, I suggest staying on the main highways if your time is limited to two hours or less to see the fall foliage in the Ozarks.
For the full adventure, travel the secondary paved roads and the backcountry dirt roads, then spend some time on the water.
Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake both have marinas and small resorts that rent lake boats. You can rent a riverboat with or without a guide.
If you want to float the rivers for fall color, remember that the foliage along the rivers turns earlier than any other fall color.
Since most of the trees along the river banks are Sycamores, the color will be mostly yellow. Plan your river foliage trip for the second week of October. Peak color upon the ridges happens at the end of October.
- Crowley’s Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway – the first National Scenic Byway in the state and roughly runs the length of its namesake– Crowley’s Ridge. It begins in the northeast corner at St. Francis, winding its way alongside the ridge through some of the most fertile areas of Arkansas, to its southern-most terminus at West Helena.
- Great River Road National Scenic Byway – The Arkansas section of this famous national road has recently been designated as the state’s second National Scenic Byway. The Great River Road winds through the eastern part of the state, tracing the course of the impressive Mississippi River. Spanning from Blytheville in the northeast to Eudora in the southeast, this scenic route provides exceptional views and showcases a diverse combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Boston Mountains Scenic Loop/U.S. 71 & Interstate 540 The scenic I-540 highway runs northward from Alma in the Arkansas River Valley, taking travelers through the untouched beauty of the Ozark Mountains. This picturesque drive includes lush, tree-covered canyons and mountain passes. U.S. 71, a charming mountain road, features plenty of twists and turns and leads to delightful encounters with quaint shops, inviting restaurants, and idyllic Ozark Mountain communities.
- Talimena National Scenic Byway The stunning Talimena Scenic Byway stretches 54 miles along the magnificent crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. It winds through one of the highest mountain ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies, offering breathtaking views as it passes through the forested mountain tops between Mena and Talihina, Oklahoma. This incredible national scenic byway allows you to enjoy one stunning panorama after another as it crosses the highest east-west mountain range in America..
- Scenic 7 Byway – “The designated state route starts at the Arkansas/Missouri state line and takes you on a picturesque journey southward through the vibrant towns of Harrison, Russellville, Hot Springs, and Arkadelphia, before eventually leading to the border with Louisiana. Along this route, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Ozarks in Jasper; traverse the scenic Buffalo National River; meander through the serene beauty of Hot Springs National Park; drive alongside the captivating DeGray Lake, and explore the delightful charm of El Dorado’s downtown square, widely regarded as one of the most endearing in the state.”
- Pig Trail Scenic Byway – Sure, here is the revised text:”Arkansas 16 and 23 are scenic routes through the Ozark Mountains, selected by the U.S. Forest Service. These drives are perfect for nature enthusiasts who enjoy vibrant fall foliage and visiting small communities. The route starts in Ozark and ends in Fayetteville. It is a beautiful drive but may not be suitable for the faint-hearted.”
- Interstate 530—This southbound route between Little Rock and Pine Bluff passes through the rich timberlands of South Arkansas. Bottomland hardwoods provide brilliant color in spring and fall and bright greens in summer while towering pines are showcased during the winter months.
- Mount Magazine Scenic Byway / Ark. 309 – Starting from Havana, Ark., the scenic byway quickly ascends through the forests on the slopes of Mount Magazine, Arkansas’s highest peak at 2,753 feet. At the top, you’ll discover Mount Magazine State Park which offers a lodge, conference center, restaurant, and cabins with hot tubs for visitors to enjoy. The park roads lead to overlooks that provide expansive views of Blue Mountain Lake and the Ouachita Mountains to the south, and of the Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark Mountains to the north. As the byway continues, it descends more than 2,300 feet to the town of Paris, passing by the picturesque Cove Lake along the way. Heading north of the town, the byway travels through rolling pastureland and hayfields adorned with hardwood shade trees.
Pack a picnic lunch, make sure you have a good County map and pick a series of roads that roughly form a circle so you end up back where you started.
While it is great to see area foliage, it is also a great way to get lost if you are not careful. Cell Phone signal is spotty in these areas so don’t rely on cell phones.
Fortunately, the locals are friendly and will gladly help if you get lost.
Additional Places To See The Fall Foliage
The region you live in or travel to will determine the color patterns. The type of trees in the area will dictate whether you see more reds, yellows, or oranges.
- Lake Catherine in Hot Springs
- Covered bridge near Ponca
- Richland Creek near Witts Springs
- Blanchard Springs Bridge near Mountain View
- Withrow Springs State Park in Huntsville
- Petit Jean State Park outside Morrilton
- Mount Magazine in Paris
- Eureka Springs (the entire town is unique and beautiful!)
- Hawksbill Crag Whitaker Point
Where To Stay in The Ozarks
1. Big Cedar Lodge
Nestled in its wooded hollow on 800 acres of rugged Ozark Mountain preserve, Big Cedar Lodge is the epitome of a luxury wilderness resort.
Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, purchased the then-humble property just 10 minutes south of Branson. He envisioned a modest fishing camp for his employees.
The final—and ultimately magnificent—project resulted in a retreat overlooking Table Rock Lake’s blue-green waters.
One would be remiss not to cast a reel here, as there are plenty of professional guides on hand and boat rentals for a no-doubt glorious day on the lake.
But if gills and rods aren’t your things, there’s a world-class, full-service spa, too.
Click here to book your reservation now!
2. The Hive at the 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville
This impossibly hip hotel is one-third of an art-focused mini collection that’s amassed best-of accolades across the U.S.
The Hive, the restaurant located on the first floor, is no different—sleek and funky, with modern embellishments like the neon green penguins—yet firmly rooted in Ozark culture.
The menu offers upscale but unfussy options. For example, there’s tangy pimento cheese crowned with sweet bacon jam or pickled shrimp with salt-cured country ham and mustard greens.
The cocktail list is inventive, the wine superb, and asking for a PBR in an ice-cold glass is not uncommon.
Click here to book your reservation now!
3. Tan-Tar-A Resort
A $10 million renovation is turning the 420-acre Osage Beach property, which opened in 1960, into a Margaritaville resort, with refreshed rooms and new restaurants.
Located just minutes from Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks, Tan-Tar-A Estates offers over 100 beautiful residential-style units in a neighborhood setting surrounded by all the fun and relaxation that Margaritaville Lake Resort offers.
A welcoming check-in experience at the resort’s front desk, staffed 24 hours a day, greets you with directions to your unit, information on current resort activities, answers to your questions, and a friendly smile.
Click here to book your reservation now!
4. Graduate Hotel
Stay at The Graduate Hotel’s modern boutique for a long weekend in Fayetteville.
The Graduate Hotel is just off the square in downtown Fayetteville it’s an ideal location for walking to shops, restaurants, and nightlife (and the farmer’s market on the weekends).
These spacious rooms have really great design features. My favorite is the wall across from the bed, which is one long countertop. It is perfect for laying out your things and easy for friends to get ready to go out!
Click here to book your reservation now!
Things To Do In The Ozarks
1. Dickson Street in Fayetteville
Fall and Winter in Ozark’s historic Downtown Fayetteville Square are known for their beautiful gardens and award-winning Farmer’s Market, which runs three days a week from April to November.
Starting in April, the square is transformed on the first Thursday of each month and features local artists, live music, a beer garden, and, last but not least, children’s entertainment.
The culinary scene in Fayetteville is just as spectacular as the entertainment and outdoor scene.
Your first stop should be the French Bouchee Bistro on Downtown Square, where you can sample their handmade chocolates and macarons. If you are into street food, try Shulertown Food Truck Court on Dickson Street.
2. Downtown Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs in the hills of northern Arkansas has been called the “place where misfits fit” and “the hole in the Bible Belt.” It’s here that bikers, artists, accountants, lawyers, and a large gay community happily thrive.
Lively restaurants, and seemingly haunted hotels, all with rambling vintage Victorian architecture, pepper the downright charming streets of the downtown area.
Naturally, there’s plenty of art to peruse at the local galleries and shops, perhaps a tarot reading, and spas boasting the healing waters of the town’s natural springs.
3. Copper Run Distillery
Moonshine has become a hot commodity at bars, but the history of bootlegged liquor runs deep in the Ozarks.
Because of the low hollows and caves, this nook of America became a favored location for making white lightning.
Jim Blansit, a master distiller, started Copper Run in 2008, along with his co-owner Aris Aristidou, who joined the small staff in 2012.
Both distilled long before they were legally allowed to swill the stuff and view the operation as more artistry than manufacturing.
It’s apparent when guests visit the small-batch distillery: More cozy cabin than a factory, the wraparound porch welcomes with live music—where you’ll often find one of the distillers picking a guitar or playing the bass.
The Swinging Bridges of Brumley
Located within the southeast boundary of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, near the small village of Brumley, two steel-suspension bridges have stood the test of time to remain a tourist attraction today.
Both bridges, the 414-foot Grand Auglaize and the 134-foot Miller Creek Bridge were built in the 1930s by Joseph A. Dice, a prominent swinging bridge builder from Missouri who was historically noted for “eyeballing” his bridge designs.
Regardless of his methods, visitors can still drive over the loose planks of the Auglaize Bridge today.
The entire area surrounding the two bridges is a dense woodland ripe for activity, including swimming in the shallows of Auglaize Creek or using the primitive camping sites found ashore.
Fall in the Ozark Mountains is a compelling scenic destination not to be missed.
🙋🏽♀️ FAQ About Arkansas Fall Foliage
Peak color usually shows up in late October through the first week of November. The Ozark Mountains turn first, followed by central Arkansas, and the southern regions (like the Ouachitas) hold color a little longer.
My go-to spots are the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Mount Magazine State Park, Hot Springs National Park, and the Buffalo National River. The drives alone are worth the trip.
Yes! I live in Tennessee and drive over every fall because Arkansas gives me those same vibrant reds, oranges, and golds you see in the Smoky Mountains — but without the heavy crowds.
Hands down, the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Highway 23). It winds through a tunnel of fall color and feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard. The Talimena National Scenic Byway is another favorite.
Absolutely. October and November are packed with small-town festivals, craft fairs, and food events. I love planning my leaf-peeping trips around them because it gives me the best of both worlds: scenery + culture
Layers. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings cool again. Hiking shoes, a cozy sweater, and of course, a good camera are musts.
Yes, especially in October. Cabins in the Ozarks and Hot Springs book up months in advance. If you see something you love, reserve it right away.
Definitely. Between hikes, scenic drives, and small-town festivals, there’s plenty for kids and adults to enjoy together.
Conclusion of Arkansas Fall Foliage
I’ll be honest, every fall I pack up the car in Tennessee and head straight for Arkansas because the fall colors here just hit different.
The 2025 Arkansas fall foliage forecast is calling for peak colors in late October through early November, and trust me, the Ozark Mountains and Ouachitas never disappoint.
Some of my favorite memories are driving the Pig Trail Scenic Byway with the windows down, hiking to the top of Mount Magazine for those wide-open views, and ending the day with a soak in Hot Springs National Park.
Arkansas might not get the same attention as the Smoky Mountains, but the reds, golds, and fiery oranges here are just as gorgeous (without all the crowds).
So here’s my advice: don’t wait until the last minute. Book that cozy cabin, grab your hiking shoes, and maybe even line up a guided tour so you don’t miss a thing.
Whether it’s a family road trip or a quiet weekend for two, once you’ve experienced fall in Arkansas, you’ll understand why I make this trip part of my yearly tradition.
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ADDITIONAL ARTICLES FOR TRAVELING
11 Fall Getaways You Must Visit This Year
Ultimate Guide To Memphis Fall Festivals
Best Places to See the Fall Foliage in the Smokies
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I LOVE looking at Fall leaves! I am going to add this to my Fall travel bucket list. I love looking at Fall foliage.
Four senior young at heart ladies will be traveling together this fall in our lovely state of Arkansas. We graduated from HS together from a small rural town in NE Arkansas in 1958. We are so looking forward to the fall foliage road trip. Our adventure starts at Hot Spring travelling Hwy 7N to Branson Mo for several days. to take in some shows and on to Bentonville to enjoy the much recommended Crystal Bridge Museum of American Art . We’ll relax for a day from our travels to experience some beautiful views from our cabin on Beaver Lake. We’ll take the Pig Trail scenic Hwy and connect to Hwy 10 to see the views from Mt. Magazine and hopefully a nice lunch at the lodge. Back on Hwy 10 to Hwy 7 and arrive back at Hot Springs to enjoy a visit with another classmate. Camera in tow, looking forward to some beautiful foliage and good times with wonderful friends.
I loved reading about your experience in Arkansas. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!