Top 5 Best Eureka Springs Hiking Trails

Eureka Springs is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting breathtaking mountain views, serene lakes, and captivating wildlife. If immersing yourself in nature is your top priority, you’ve come to the right place! With the stunning Ozark Mountains as your backdrop, there’s no shortage of incredible hiking trails where you can experience it all. Here are some of our top picks.

Our Favorite Eureka Springs Hiking Trails

Lake Leatherwood Loop

If you’re looking for a moderately challenging hiking trail, the Lake Leatherwood Loop is definitely worth checking out. This 2.4-mile loop trail is located in Lake Leatherwood City Park in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and offers a great opportunity to get outside and explore nature.

The Lake Leatherwood Loop takes you through mature hardwood forests, past rock formations, and offers beautiful views of the lake. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy to navigate.

The loop starts at the parking lot near the dam and follows the shoreline of Lake Leatherwood before heading up into the hills. You’ll encounter some steep sections along the way, but they are manageable for most hikers. The trail also features several creek crossings and a bluff overlooking Leatherwood Dam.

Black Bass Lake Trail

The Black Bass Lake Trail is a 1.8-mile loop trail that is suitable for all skill levels and takes an average of 40 minutes to complete. The trail winds through lush forests and around the tranquil Black Bass Lake, offering nice views of the water and surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll also encounter several picnic areas where you can stop and enjoy a snack or meal.

If you’re planning a trip to the Black Bass Lake Trail in Arkansas, you may be wondering about parking options. While the trailhead on the map does exist, there is no parking available there.

Dogwood Trail

If you’re looking for a moderately challenging hiking trail near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Dogwood Trail is definitely worth checking out. This 1.4-mile loop trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding woods and is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Starting at the Beaver Lake Dam and spillway, the trail winds through the forest and features some elevation changes that will get your heart pumping. Along the way, you’ll see an old rock quarry and plenty of dogwood trees (hence the name!).

While not as long or difficult as some other trails in the area, the Dogwood Trail is still a great option for hikers who want to experience nature without pushing themselves too hard. And if you’re up for more of a challenge, you can always check out nearby trails like Lake Leatherwood Loop.

Minors Rock

If you’re looking for a short and easy hike with beautiful views, the Minors Rock trail near Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a great option. This 32-mile loop trail takes an average of one hour to complete and is perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick outdoor adventure.

The trail features unique rock formations and scenic views of Lake Leatherwood City Park. One of the highlights of the trail is Minors Rock itself, which is a large rock formation that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

While the trail is considered easy, it does have some inclines and uneven terrain, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its peak.

Eureka Springs Loop

This 2.7-mile loop trail takes an average of 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The trail is generally considered easy, making it perfect for hikers of all skill levels.

Starting at Lake Leatherwood Park, the west side of the lake has a 350 feet elevation gain and leads you around the stunning Lake Leatherwood. The moderate-level trail is perfect for a late afternoon hike or a morning stroll. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful trees and greenery as you make your way around the loop.

If you’re interested in mountain biking, there’s also a historic loop mountain biking route available in Eureka Springs. This route is rated as “green” difficulty and offers plenty of opportunities to explore the area on two wheels.

Tips For Hiking The Eureka Springs Trails

Are you planning a hiking trip to Eureka Springs? Here are some tips to make the most of your experience:

Choose the right trail for your skill level: Eureka Springs offers a variety of trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Make sure to choose a trail that matches your fitness level and experience.
Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing: Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes with good traction. Consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Bring plenty of water and snacks: Staying hydrated is crucial when hiking, so bring enough water for the duration of your hike. Pack some snacks like energy bars or fruit to keep you fueled.
Stay on the trail: To preserve the natural beauty of Eureka Springs, it’s important to stay on designated trails and avoid creating new ones.
Respect wildlife and other hikers: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and respect their habitats. Be courteous to other hikers by yielding the trail when necessary and keeping noise levels down.

Eureka Springs offers some amazing hiking opportunities, with trails that lead through beautiful forests, past stunning waterfalls, and around serene lakes. So get out there and explore all that this charming town has to offer!

Outdoor Activities in Eureka Springs

Water Activities

Boating, canoeing, rafting, kayaking – take your pick! Eureka Springs is surrounded by three lakes and two rivers that are perfect for water activities. You can explore the rock shelters at Lake Leatherwood or go fishing at Beaver Lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, try paddleboarding on Table Rock Lake.

Biking

Biking enthusiasts will love Eureka Springs’ many bike-friendly routes and trails. The Razorback Regional Greenway is a 36-mile paved trail that connects Fayetteville to Bella Vista. For a more challenging ride, check out the Great Passion Play Mountain Bike Trail.

Other Activities

If you’re looking for something unique, try ziplining through the Ozark Mountains or taking an eco-tour of Eureka Springs’ natural beauty. You can also visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to see rescued exotic cats up close.

No matter what your interests are, Eureka Springs has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!

For more activities and Events around Eureka Springs, check out EurekaSprings.org