ARKANSAS

Many lists of “Best Trails in Arkansas” place hikes in Buffalo National River right at the top. That just makes dogs sad. So it is with regrets that trail hounds must look for their hiking fix in the Natural State. The Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges that blanket the northern part of the state are a good place to start. The Ozark Highlands Trail through the rugged Boston Mountains will deliver 164 miles of some of the best scenery Arkansas has on tap. Again, it will be impossible for backpacking dogs to complete all 270 miles of one of America’s top long-distance trails since it heads into the Buffalo River. Day hiking dogs must do the White Rock Rim Trail that delivers nearly continuous views of the Ozarks in a two-mile loop around a 2,309-foot promontory. Many of the 52 tail-friendly state parks in Arkansas received a boost from Civilian Conservation Corps projects during the Great Depression and Devil's Den is one of the best-preserved government-built parks in the country. Another with a national park-feel is Arkansas's first state park, Petit Jean. Its enchanting mix of eroded bluffs and forested canyons was considered for national park status but eventually deemed too small at 2,500 acres. Hot Springs, the first land acquired by the federal government solely to be protected and preserved way back in 1832, has that status and dogs can hike among its bathhouses and along the ridges to sunrises and sunsets. Other unique canine hikes in Arkansas include hunting for America’s biggest diamonds - and the only place in the world where can take home what you find in a doggie bag - at Crater of Diamonds State Park and through world class art installations at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

The Best Day Hike You Can Take With Your Dog In Arkansas

Seven Hollows Trail
Petit Jean State Park • Morrilton

“If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them.” — Phil Pastoret

The Seven Hollows Trail actually only visits four hollows (the other three are on private land) but this 4.5-mile loop packs so much scenic wonder your dog is likely to lose count. Petit Jean (forget your high school French, it is “petty jean’) was an obvious choice to be Arkansas’ first state park, a slice of land between the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges considered so beautiful it was under consideration to be a national park before being deemed too small.

There are many scenic spots in the eroded bluffs and forested canyons lubricated by Cedar Creek, including 94-foot Cedar Falls where Seaman can enjoy a refreshing swim in the plunge pool. The Seven Hollows Trail is on the opposite side of the park.

The route takes Seaman from lush hardwood forests to desert-like terrain where the sandstone is known as Turtle Rocks for their mottled appearance. Each hollow on this sporty canine hike has its own delights, from a hefty natural rock bridge to a secluded grotto in a box canyon beneath a rock overhang. Seaman may even find a waterfall and seasonal swimming hole here, conveniently located about halfway through his hike. Be sure to stop at Stout’s Point to learn the story of Petit Jean at her gravesite and soak in the impressive views of the Arkansas River.

HIKING TIME: 2-3 hours

(from the book 300 Day Hikes To Take With Your Dog Before He Tires You Out: Trails where you won’t be able to wipe the wag off your dog’s tail)