Plainview ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Plainview, Arkansas.
1. Nimrod Lake
BEAUTIFUL LAKE RECREATION
Nimrod Lake offers visitors a serene environment for fishing, boating, and swimming in the Ouachita National Forest. The lake features multiple access points and is known for its excellent crappie and bass fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a day on the water or spend time exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
2. River Road Recreation Area & Campground
RIVERSIDE CAMPING GETAWAY
River Road Recreation Area & Campground provides campers with a peaceful riverside setting for overnight stays and outdoor activities. The campground offers amenities for both tent and RV camping along with easy access to water recreation. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene environment and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
3. Quarry Cove Recreation Area & Campground
SCENIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Quarry Cove Recreation Area & Campground features picturesque settings for camping and outdoor activities near Nimrod Lake. The recreation area offers visitors opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking in a natural environment. Its unique quarry setting provides a distinctive backdrop for memorable outdoor experiences.
4. Carter Cove Recreation Area & Campground
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE CAMPING
Carter Cove Recreation Area & Campground welcomes visitors to enjoy lakeside camping and recreation in a family-friendly environment. The area features camping facilities alongside opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating on Nimrod Lake. Guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty while enjoying well-maintained facilities and scenic views.
5. Carden Point Recreation Area
PEACEFUL LAKESIDE RETREAT
Carden Point Recreation Area offers a tranquil setting for day use activities along the shores of Nimrod Lake. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in this scenic location. The area's natural beauty makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.
6. Sunlight Bay Recreation Area & Campground
SUNNY WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Sunlight Bay Recreation Area & Campground provides visitors with a sunny waterfront location for camping and recreation. The area features boat ramps, swimming areas, and camping facilities for a complete outdoor experience. Its location on Nimrod Lake makes it ideal for water activities and enjoying Arkansas' natural beauty.
7. Nimrod-Rover Gravel Loop
SCENIC CYCLING ROUTE
The Nimrod-Rover Gravel Loop offers cyclists and hikers a scenic route through the beautiful landscapes surrounding Plainview. This trail showcases the natural beauty of the Ouachita region with varying terrain and stunning views. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained gravel path that provides access to remote natural areas.
8. The Weekender Cabins and RV Retreat
COZY FOREST ACCOMMODATIONS
The Weekender Cabins and RV Retreat offers comfortable lodging options in a peaceful wooded setting near Plainview. Guests can choose between well-appointed cabins or spacious RV sites with modern amenities. The retreat serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding recreational areas and natural attractions.
9. Mount Nebo State Park
MOUNTAINTOP PANORAMIC VIEWS
Mount Nebo State Park offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views from atop a plateau rising 1,350 feet above the Arkansas River Valley. The park features miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the challenging Rim Trail with its spectacular vistas. Visitors can also enjoy camping, cabins, and seasonal activities like hang gliding in this scenic natural setting.
10. Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge
PRIME WILDLIFE VIEWING
Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge serves as a protected habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife along the Arkansas River. The refuge offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during winter months when thousands of ducks and geese make it their temporary home. Visitors can explore the area via driving tours, hiking paths, and observation points designed for wildlife photography and appreciation.
11. Little Missouri Falls
SCENIC CASCADING WATERFALL
Little Missouri Falls showcases a beautiful cascading waterfall in the heart of Ouachita National Forest. The falls are easily accessible via a short, family-friendly trail with viewing platforms and picnic areas nearby. Visitors can enjoy the soothing sounds of rushing water while taking in the pristine forest scenery that surrounds this natural attraction.
12. Eagle Rock Loop
PREMIER BACKPACKING TRAIL
Eagle Rock Loop stands as Arkansas' longest loop trail, offering a premier 26-mile backpacking experience through the diverse landscapes of Ouachita National Forest. The trail features challenging terrain including multiple river crossings, ridge climbs, and scenic vistas that showcase the region's natural beauty. Backpackers typically complete the loop over 3-4 days, enjoying secluded campsites and pristine wilderness along the way.
13. Talimena Scenic Byway
SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Talimena Scenic Byway offers one of the most spectacular driving experiences in the South, winding along mountain ridges with breathtaking vistas of the Ouachita Mountains. This 54-mile route is especially popular during autumn when the forest explodes with vibrant fall colors. Numerous scenic pullouts, interpretive signs, and hiking access points make this drive both educational and visually stunning.
14. Lovers' Leap Trail
ROMANTIC MOUNTAIN PATH
Lovers' Leap Trail is a charming one-mile loop path located at Queen Wilhelmina State Park that offers romantic views and easy hiking. The trail features numerous vantage points overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys, with several benches for resting and enjoying the scenery. Despite its short length, the path provides a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains region.
15. Forked Mountain Falls
HIDDEN WATERFALL GEM
Forked Mountain Falls rewards hikers with a picturesque waterfall at the end of a nearly 3-mile round-trip trail near Perryville. The moderately challenging hike features a 223-foot elevation gain through beautiful Ozark forest terrain. Nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts particularly appreciate this less-crowded destination for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.