Alaska in the fall is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Imagine vibrant colors, stunning landscapes, and a chill vibe that’s perfect for exploring.
Whether you’re an adventure junkie or just want to unwind in nature, Alaska has something to offer everyone.
In this article, we’re diving into the 15+ best places to visit in Alaska this fall. So, let’s begin.
1. Ozark National Forest
The Ozark National Forest, spanning over a million acres in northern Arkansas, is a must-visit in the fall.
The forest is home to a diverse range of tree species, including oak, maple, and hickory, which transform into a stunning mosaic of red, orange, and yellow as the season progresses.
Hiking and Scenic Drives: The forest offers numerous hiking trails, such as the Ozark Highlands Trail, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant fall colors.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the Pig Trail Scenic Byway is one of the most popular drives in the state, offering breathtaking views of the forest’s autumnal display.
Camping: Fall is also the perfect time to camp in the Ozark National Forest, with cooler temperatures making it comfortable to enjoy the great outdoors.
The forest is dotted with campgrounds, many of which are located near streams and lakes, adding to the serene atmosphere.
2. Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is a unique destination that combines natural beauty with historical significance.
Located in central Arkansas, the park is known for its thermal springs, which have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties.
Bathhouse Row: One of the highlights of visiting Hot Springs in the fall is Bathhouse Row, a collection of historic bathhouses that offer a glimpse into the past.
The fall foliage adds a beautiful backdrop to these grand structures, making it a perfect time for a leisurely stroll through the area.
Hiking Trails: The park also features several hiking trails that wind through the Ouachita Mountains.
As you explore, you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant colors of autumn, and the cooler weather makes the trails more enjoyable.
Be sure to hike to the top of Hot Springs Mountain for panoramic views of the area.
3. Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas’s first state park and remains one of the most popular destinations in the state.
Located near Morrilton, the park is named after a French legend and is known for its stunning natural beauty.
Mather Lodge: The park’s Mather Lodge is a great place to stay during your visit, offering cozy accommodations with views of the surrounding landscape.
In the fall, the lodge is surrounded by a sea of colorful foliage, making it an ideal spot to relax and take in the scenery.
Cedar Falls Trail: The Cedar Falls Trail is one of the park’s most famous hikes, leading to a 95-foot waterfall.
In the fall, the trail is lined with vibrant trees, and the waterfall is framed by a stunning backdrop of autumn colors.
It’s a moderately challenging hike, but the reward at the end is well worth the effort.
4. Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas, standing at 2,753 feet above sea level.
Located in the Ozark National Forest, Mount Magazine State Park offers some of the most spectacular views in the state, especially in the fall.
Overlooks and Scenic Drives: The park features several overlooks where you can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and forests, all ablaze with fall colors.
The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway is a must-drive route, offering a series of viewpoints that showcase the beauty of the area.
Rock Climbing and Hiking: For the more adventurous, Mount Magazine offers opportunities for rock climbing and hiking.
The Signal Hill Trail takes you to the highest point in Arkansas, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the fall foliage below.
5. Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states, and it offers a pristine natural environment that’s perfect for a fall getaway.
Flowing through the Ozark Mountains, the river is surrounded by towering bluffs and dense forests, which come alive with color in the autumn.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Fall is a great time to paddle down the Buffalo River, as the cooler temperatures make for a more comfortable experience.
The calm waters and vibrant foliage create a peaceful and picturesque setting, making it one of the most scenic paddling destinations in the country.
Hiking and Camping: There are also numerous hiking trails along the river, such as the Hemmed-in-Hollow Trail, which leads to one of the tallest waterfalls between the Rockies and the Appalachians.
Camping along the river is a popular activity, with several campgrounds offering riverside sites where you can wake up to the beauty of the fall season.
6. Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a charming Victorian town nestled in the Ozark Mountains.
Known for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and natural springs, Eureka Springs is a popular destination year-round, but it’s particularly enchanting in the fall.
Historic Downtown: The town’s historic downtown area is a joy to explore, with its winding streets, unique shops, and well-preserved Victorian buildings.
In the fall, the town is decorated with festive displays, and the surrounding hills are ablaze with color, making it a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.
Outdoor Activities: Eureka Springs is also a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
There are several hiking and biking trails nearby, such as the Lake Leatherwood Loop, which offers stunning views of the fall foliage.
The town is also home to several parks and gardens, where you can enjoy the colors of the season in a more tranquil setting.
7. Blanchard Springs Caverns
Blanchard Springs Caverns, located in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, is one of the most impressive cave systems in the country.
While the caverns themselves are a year-round attraction, the surrounding forest is particularly beautiful in the fall.
Cave Tours: The caverns offer guided tours that take you through a series of stunning underground chambers, filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations.
It’s a fascinating experience that offers a different kind of natural beauty, contrasting with the vibrant colors of the fall foliage above ground.
Mirror Lake: After exploring the caverns, be sure to visit Mirror Lake, a serene body of water fed by the springs that flow out of the cave.
The lake is surrounded by trees that turn brilliant shades of red and gold in the fall, creating a picture-perfect scene.
8. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Located in Bentonville, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a world-class museum that combines art, architecture, and nature.
While the museum’s collection is impressive in its own right, the surrounding grounds are what make it a must-visit in the fall.
Art and Nature Trails: The museum is set on 120 acres of woodland, with several trails that wind through the property.
In the fall, these trails are ablaze with color, creating a stunning backdrop for the outdoor sculptures and installations that are scattered throughout the grounds.
Museum Exhibits: Inside the museum, you’ll find a diverse collection of American art, ranging from colonial times to contemporary works.
The museum’s architecture, designed by Moshe Safdie, is also worth noting, with large glass walls that allow the beauty of the surrounding landscape to become part of the museum experience.
9. Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens, located near Hot Springs, is a 210-acre botanical garden that is particularly beautiful in the fall.
The gardens are home to a diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers, many of which put on a spectacular display of color as the season changes.
Japanese Maple Hill: One of the highlights of visiting Garvan Woodland Gardens in the fall is Japanese Maple Hill, where you’ll find a stunning collection of Japanese maples that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
It’s a serene and peaceful area that feels almost magical when the leaves are at their peak.
10. Devil’s Den State Park
Hiking and Biking: The park offers several hiking and biking trails, including the Devil’s Den Trail, which takes you past caves, crevices, and unique rock formations.
In the fall, the trails are surrounded by colorful foliage, making for a visually stunning experience.
Camping and Cabins: Devil’s Den State Park is also a great place to camp, with a variety of options ranging from tent sites to fully-equipped cabins.
The cooler fall temperatures make camping more comfortable, and the crisp autumn air adds to the overall experience.
11. Ouachita National Forest
The Ouachita National Forest, located in western Arkansas, is another great destination for fall foliage.
Covering over 1.8 million acres, the forest is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, as well as numerous recreational opportunities.
Scenic Byways: The Talimena Scenic Drive, which runs through the Ouachita National Forest, is one of the most popular ways to experience the fall foliage.
The 54-mile route takes you along the crest of the Ouachita Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the colorful forests below.
There are numerous overlooks where you can stop and take in the scenery, making it a perfect drive for those looking to enjoy the fall colors at a leisurely pace.
Hiking and Camping: The Ouachita National Forest also offers a wealth of hiking opportunities, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes.
The Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which stretches for over 200 miles, is a favorite among serious hikers, especially in the fall when the forest is ablaze with color.
The forest is also home to several campgrounds, where you can spend the night under a canopy of colorful leaves.
12. Mount Nebo State Park
Mount Nebo State Park is perched atop Mount Nebo, offering stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley.
This park is a fantastic destination for those looking to enjoy both the beauty of nature and the tranquility of a mountain retreat.
Sunset Point: One of the highlights of visiting Mount Nebo in the fall is watching the sunset from Sunset Point.
The viewpoint offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, which are painted in vibrant autumn colors.
The sight of the sun setting over the colorful landscape is truly unforgettable and a perfect way to end a day of exploring.
Rim Trail: The Rim Trail is a popular hike that circles the top of Mount Nebo, offering continuous views of the valley below.
In the fall, the trail is surrounded by trees that are ablaze with color, making it a favorite among photographers and nature lovers alike.
The trail is relatively easy, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
13. Village Creek State Park
Village Creek State Park, located in eastern Arkansas, is the state’s second-largest state park, covering nearly 7,000 acres.
The park is situated in the unique Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which offers a different kind of fall beauty compared to the mountainous regions of the state.
Lake Dunn and Lake Austell: The park is home to two large lakes, Lake Dunn and Lake Austell, both of which are surrounded by dense forests that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall.
These lakes are popular spots for fishing, boating, and picnicking, and the calm waters reflect the vibrant fall colors, creating stunning photo opportunities.
Horseback Riding: Village Creek State Park is also known for its equestrian trails, which wind through the colorful forests.
The park offers guided horseback rides, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the fall foliage from a unique perspective.
The cooler fall temperatures make it an ideal time to explore the park on horseback.
14. White Rock Mountain
White Rock Mountain, located in the Ozark National Forest, is one of Arkansas’s most scenic locations, especially in the fall.
The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding forested valleys, which are transformed into a sea of color during the autumn months.
White Rock Rim Trail: The White Rock Rim Trail is a 2-mile loop that offers some of the best views in the state.
The trail follows the edge of the mountain, providing panoramic views of the colorful Ozark National Forest below.
It’s a relatively short hike, but the views are truly breathtaking, especially in the fall.
Cabins and Camping: White Rock Mountain is also a great place to spend the night, with rustic cabins and campsites available.
The cabins offer cozy accommodations with incredible views, while the campsites provide a more rugged experience.
Either way, waking up to the sight of the sun rising over the colorful valleys is an experience you won’t soon forget.
15. Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita, located near Hot Springs, is the largest lake in Arkansas, covering over 40,000 acres.
The lake is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, making it a beautiful destination in the fall.
Water Activities: While many people associate water activities with summer, fall is also a great time to enjoy Lake Ouachita.
The cooler temperatures make for comfortable boating, fishing, and kayaking, and the surrounding forest offers a stunning backdrop of fall colors.
The clear waters of the lake reflect the vibrant foliage, creating a picture-perfect setting.
Scenic Hiking Trails: The park offers several hiking trails, such as the Caddo Bend Trail, which takes you along the shoreline of the lake and through the surrounding forests.
The trail offers several scenic overlooks where you can take in the beauty of the fall colors, making it a great hike for leaf-peepers.
16. Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Queen Wilhelmina State Park, located atop Rich Mountain, is one of the most scenic spots in Arkansas, particularly in the fall.
The park is named after Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and is known for its stunning views and historic lodge.
Rich Mountain Overlook: The highlight of visiting Queen Wilhelmina State Park in the fall is the view from Rich Mountain Overlook.
At nearly 2,700 feet, it’s one of the highest points in Arkansas, offering panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains and the colorful forests below.
The overlook is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the light enhances the vibrant fall colors.
Lodging and Dining: The Queen Wilhelmina Lodge offers comfortable accommodations with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The lodge also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the fall scenery.
Staying at the lodge allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the season, with easy access to the park’s trails and overlooks.
Conclusion
Arkansas is a state that truly comes alive in the fall, with its diverse landscapes offering a wide range of experiences for visitors.
Whether you’re hiking through colorful forests, exploring charming small towns, or simply taking in the views from a scenic overlook, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Arkansas during the autumn months.
Each destination on this list offers a unique way to experience the magic of the season, making it a perfect choice for your next fall getaway.