15 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Arkansas You Can Visit in 2024

Arkansas is known as “The Natural State” for good reason—its rolling hills, dense forests, sparkling rivers, and dramatic bluffs offer some of the most scenic and accessible outdoor experiences in the South. With over 50 state parks, a national park, and countless community and privately managed trails, Arkansas is a paradise for dog-loving hikers. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend adventure or a full-day exploration, these 15 well-maintained, dog-friendly trails promise unforgettable moments with your pup—all while keeping safety and trail etiquette top of mind.

Before you head out: All listed trails require dogs to remain on-leash at all times (off-leash hiking is not permitted). Always carry waste bags, plenty of fresh water, and check trail conditions ahead of time—especially after heavy rain. For reliable gear recommendations—from durable leashes to portable hydration systems—explore trusted resources like furpetvo.com, where every product is vetted for safety, durability, and real-world performance with active dogs.

A happy dog on a shaded forest trail in Arkansas, wearing a lightweight harness and looking alert and engaged

1. Lost Valley Trail

📍 Location: Lost Valley Rd, Kingston, AR 72742
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 2-mile roundtrip loop
  • Features cascading waterfalls and limestone caverns
  • Restrooms and picnic area available at the trailhead
  • Well-groomed, family- and dog-friendly terrain

2. Seven Hollows Trail

📍 Location: Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110
⏰ Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 5-mile roundtrip loop
  • Highlights include a stunning natural bridge and ancient rock formations
  • Moderately challenging—ideal for dogs with solid stamina
  • Trail winds through mixed hardwood forest with frequent shade

3. Glory Hole Falls Trail

📍 Location: Glory Hole Falls Trail, Ozone, AR 72854
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 9-mile roundtrip out-and-back
  • Centerpiece: a dramatic, multi-tiered waterfall
  • Rugged elevation changes—plenty of uphill climbs and steep descents
  • Parking is limited; arrive early and bring extra water for your dog

4. Pinnacle Mountain Base Trail

📍 Location: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Roland, AR 72135
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 7-mile loop around the base of Pinnacle Mountain
  • Moderately challenging with varied terrain and gentle elevation gain
  • Excellent birding opportunities—great for curious, scent-driven pups
  • Watch for muddy or flooded sections after rainfall

5. Collins Creek Trail

📍 Location: Hatchery Rd, Heber Springs, AR 72543
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 2-mile roundtrip, easy and well-marked
  • Starts near a picturesque cascading waterfall just steps from the parking lot
  • Shaded, flat path ideal for puppies, seniors, or dogs building endurance
  • Popular local spot—best visited weekday mornings for quieter access

6. Mirror Lake Trail

📍 Location: Fifty-Six, AR 72533
⏰ Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 9-mile roundtrip loop around a serene, spring-fed lake
  • Gentle grade and wide, stable footing—perfect for relaxed strolls
  • Fishing allowed on-site (keep dogs away from bait areas)
  • Easy trailhead access makes it great for first-time trail visitors
Two dogs walking side-by-side on a sun-dappled gravel trail beside a clear mountain stream in Arkansas

7. Round Top Mountain Trail

📍 Location: Jasper, AR 72641
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 5-mile roundtrip with significant elevation gain
  • Historic WWII fighter plane crash site along the route
  • Stunning panoramic views from the summit—worth the climb
  • Bring paw protection if hiking in summer; rocky sections can heat up quickly

8. Pigeon Roost Trail

📍 Location: AR-12, Rogers, AR 72756
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 3-mile roundtrip with moderate inclines and switchbacks
  • Plan for ~3–4 hours total—including rest stops and photo breaks
  • Carry ample water—no reliable sources along the route
  • Scenic overlooks and native wildflower meadows en route

9. Historic Van Winkle Trail

📍 Location: AR-12, Rogers, AR 72756
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 6-mile roundtrip, easy to moderate difficulty
  • Interpretive signs tell the story of the historic Van Winkle Mill
  • Restrooms available at the trailhead
  • Wide, packed-dirt path suitable for dogs of all sizes and energy levels

10. Kings Bluff Trail

📍 Location: AR-16, Pelsor, AR 72856
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 7-mile roundtrip, connecting seamlessly to the 2.2-mile Pedestal Rocks Trail
  • Ample parking and clean restrooms on-site
  • Rocky outcrops and oak-hickory woodlands provide rich sensory stimulation for dogs
  • Great option for combining two shorter hikes into one rewarding day

11. Louisiana Purchase Boardwalk

📍 Location: AR-362, Holly Grove, AR 72069
⏰ Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • ⅜-mile loop—short but immersive
  • Fully ADA-accessible and stroller-friendly
  • Boardwalk winds through a wetland habitat teeming with dragonflies and songbirds
  • Wear insect repellent—mosquitoes are active here, especially at dawn/dusk

12. Yellow Rock Trail

📍 Location: 354655 AR-74, West Fork, AR 72774
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 2-mile roundtrip with moderate elevation gain
  • Offers sweeping, unobstructed views from a sandstone bluff
  • Cliff edges are unfenced—never allow dogs off-leash here
  • Best enjoyed in cooler months; summer sun exposure is intense

13. Alum Cove Natural Bridge

📍 Location: Deer, AR 72628
⏰ Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 2-mile roundtrip loop
  • Features Arkansas’s iconic natural sandstone bridge and sculpted rock formations
  • Shaded, moderately challenging path with some rocky steps
  • Picnic tables nearby—perfect for a post-hike snack with your four-legged companion

14. Whitaker Point

📍 Location: Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • 7-mile roundtrip, moderately challenging
  • Ends at “The Hawk’s Nest”—a dramatic cliffside overlook with 360° views
  • Use extreme caution near drop-offs; keep your dog securely leashed at all times
  • Sunrise or sunset visits offer cooler temps and magical lighting

15. Eagle Rock Loop

📍 Location: LaFayette, AR (Ozark National Forest)
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
💰 Fee: Free
🐾 Leash required: Yes

  • Approximately 5 miles roundtrip through pine-oak forest and open glades
  • Named for its prominent granite outcrop shaped like an eagle’s head
  • Less trafficked than other Ozark trails—ideal for dogs who get anxious around crowds
  • Look for deer tracks and turkey feathers along the way

Whether you're chasing waterfalls, scaling bluffs, or simply enjoying quiet forest walks together, Arkansas delivers adventure at every turn—and your dog is always welcome, leash in hand. For trail-ready essentials—from weather-resistant harnesses to GPS-enabled trackers—visit furpetvo.com. Their curated collection helps keep your hikes safe, comfortable, and joyful—because every trail should be shared.