Get away to the natural state, Arkansas

November 2007

Arkansas in the fall

Fall is the American word for autumn (September – November), the best time to experience Arkansas, billed as the “natural” state, popular for its forests and trekking routes. Jana Greenbaum of the state’s Tourism Division, suggests a couple of routes:

• The Great River Road, running along the eastern border of Arkansas, along the mighty Mississippi River. It’s a wonderful source for historical sites and wildlife. The Big Woods of Arkansas is in the area and represents the largest stand of old-growth forest in the country at 550,000 acres.

Lakeport Plantation recently opened to the public at the southern end of the Great River Road, too. Along the way you could visit the Hemingway-Pfeifer house in Blytheville, Hampson Museum in Wilson, Powhatan in Parkin (both of these museums boast significant Native American collections), West Memphis and Southland Greyhound Track (recently re-opened with new $33 million electronic gaming facility), historic Helena-West Helena, the White River refuge and nature centre and Lake Village (home to Lakeport Plantation and one of the largest oxbow lakes in the country).

• The very popular Scenic Highway 7, which runs from north-west to south-west Arkansas. Along the way you will find Hot Springs National Park and its thermal baths, the Buffalo National River, and a couple of state parks nearby – Mount Magazine, Petit Jean, Mount Nebo (known for hang-gliding opportunities) and Lake Dardanelle (world-class fishing).

Camping in the woods

There are more than 2.9 million acres within the three national forests in Arkansas: the Ozark and St. Francis and the Ouachita forests. The US Forest Service has developed campgrounds at scenic points in these woodlands.

Most camp grounds are in ruggedly beautiful mountainous terrain, and are designed to blend into the landscape to preserve the forest atmosphere. In these forests there are hiking trails, horseback or ATV (all-terrain vehicles) trails, scenic drives, picnic areas, shooting ranges, and opportunities to watch wildlife and paddle your own canoe.

Get intellectual in Little Rock

If you fancy an intellectual detour, visit Bill Clinton’s presidential library, on the banks of the Arkansas River in a beautifully landscaped public park, in Little Rock. The centre, while working to support the many global initiatives of Clinton’s foundation, is the permanent home to the largest presidential archive in American history.

With an interactive exhibit, complete with a fullscale replica of the White House Oval Office and cabinet room, the centre provides an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

On display until May 2008 at the centre is The Long Struggle – Presidential Actions and African-American Civil Rights. The exhibit examines the actions and influences of US presidents on civil rights issues during a 100-year period, beginning with President Abraham Lincoln.

Getting there

Joe David Rice, director of tourism for Arkansas, recommends the best times to visit in April-May and October-early November. You should be able to make an easy connection to Little Rock, the state capital via Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver or Houston, he adds.