Experience Fall Colors of Arkansas

Every autumn, nature paints the mountains and values of Arkansas State Parks with gorgeous hues of gold, red, and orange. Scenic drives showcase autumn’s finest colors while allowing you to explore the state’s varied landscapes and even wildlife on a fun-filled road trip. Come see what makes Arkansas one of the best places to experience the fall colors of Arkansas. The parks offer great adventures in Arkansas outdoors, too.

Experience Fall Colors of Arkansas as they begin to appear in the Ozarks and other northern sections of the state by the second week in October and continue slowly southward. Mid to late October generally provides peak fall color in the northern portions of Arkansas. October and November are two of the most popular months for visitors due to the beautiful fall colors and favorable weather.

Arkansas Fall Colors – HAWKSBILL CRAG

Hawksbill Crag is iconic Ozarks!  This unusual mountain formation is a favorite place for locals and travelers.  Bring your camera because this is the most photographed location in the area! 

From its top, you can catch huge panoramic views of the valley and hear the Buffalo River.  Hawksbill Crag (also known as Whitaker’s Point) is a powerful sight, easily accessible via car, and then hiking in 1.5 miles (3.0 miles round trip).

Arkansas Rocky Mountain Elk

Watching and photographing Ponca’s herds of majestic Rocky Mountain Elk is one of the finest wildlife experiences you can have not just in Arkansas, but anywhere!  

The elk are reliably viewable almost year ’round, especially in the fall, winter, and early spring.  Fall is especially a great time to elk watch as the bulls go into mating season form, bugling and battling for herd domination right before your eyes!  

Only in summer do we see only a few here and there as high temperatures and juicy tree leaves (a favorite meal) keep them hidden in the forest shadows.

WHY ARKANSAS HAS ELK

Rocky Mountain Elk were introduced here a few years ago to replace the somewhat smaller Eastern Elk that had been hunted into extinction.

Today, happily, the Buffalo National River has elk ranging throughout its entire 150-mile corridor and a herd population of more than 800 animals.

ARKANSAS ROARK BLUFF

Roark Bluff  towers several stories above the Buffalo National River where kayakers and canoers delight in passing through. The Roark Bluffs run for about 3/4 of a mile along the river and is a favorite spot.

Maplewood Cemetery

Located just a few minutes from downtown Harrison AR, Maplewood Cemetery is planted with over 733 Sugar Maple trees that explode in an array of vivid colors every autumn. The peak of color is usually in mid to late October or early November depending on environmental conditions.

By nature, Sugar Maples turn many different colors with their own individual personalities which mean that they turn the same each year. From deep reds, to vibrant oranges and bright yellows, the sugar maples in Maplewood Cemetery offer a wide array of colors and a terrific setting for walking, driving, photography or just absorbing the peaceful surroundings.

Organized in 1901, the “20th Century Club” is an important ingredient in the life of Maplewood Cemetery. The club has been selflessly dedicated to the maintenance and beautification of Maplewood Cemetery and Rose Hill Cemetery, a smaller burial ground within the Harrison city limits. They are critical to the success of the property and have been so for over 110 years.

JOIN US in the fall for this memorable Arkansas Fall Colors Photo Workshop.

More Information: Arkansas Fall Colors