Bellefonte ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bellefonte, Arkansas.
1. Blanchard Springs Caverns
SPECTACULAR UNDERGROUND WONDERLAND
Blanchard Springs Caverns offers visitors an extraordinary underground experience with stunning limestone formations. Guided tours take visitors through massive chambers featuring dazzling stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. The caverns maintain a constant 58 degrees year-round, making it a perfect destination regardless of outside weather conditions.
2. Ozark Folk Center State Park
LIVING HISTORY CULTURAL TREASURE
Ozark Folk Center State Park preserves the heritage and traditional crafts of the Ozark Mountains. Visitors can watch artisans demonstrate more than 20 crafts including blacksmithing, pottery, and quilting throughout the grounds. The park also features live folk music performances and educational programs about Ozark culture and history.
3. North Sylamore Creek Trail
SCENIC WILDERNESS PATHWAY
North Sylamore Creek Trail winds through 22 miles of beautiful Ozark National Forest terrain near Bellefonte. Hikers enjoy stunning views of bluffs, streams, and dense forests filled with native wildlife and plant species. The trail offers various difficulty levels, making it accessible for both casual walkers and experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
4. Whitaker Point Trail
ICONIC HAWKSBILL CRAG
Whitaker Point Trail leads to the famous Hawksbill Crag, one of Arkansas's most photographed natural landmarks. The moderate 3-mile round trip hike rewards visitors with spectacular views of the Buffalo National River wilderness. Seasonal changes transform the experience, with spring wildflowers, summer greenery, vibrant fall foliage, and winter views through bare trees.
5. Hemmed-in Hollow Trail
TALLEST WATERFALL ADVENTURE
Hemmed-in Hollow Trail guides hikers to the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians, plunging 209 feet down a dramatic bluff. The challenging 5-mile round trip trail descends steeply into the Buffalo National River wilderness, requiring good physical conditioning. Visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the waterfall and surrounding Ozark Mountain landscape.
6. Goat Trail
BIG BLUFF OVERLOOK
Goat Trail takes adventurous hikers along a narrow path carved into the face of the massive Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo National River. The moderately difficult 6-mile round trip offers some of the most spectacular views in the Ozarks from 350 feet above the river. Hikers should exercise caution along the narrow ledge sections while enjoying the panoramic vistas of the pristine river valley below.
7. Lost Valley Trail
MAGICAL WATERFALL JOURNEY
Lost Valley Trail guides visitors through a magical landscape featuring waterfalls, a natural bridge, and a box canyon near Bellefonte. The family-friendly 2.2-mile round trip path leads to Eden Falls and a cave where explorers can venture with flashlights. This accessible trail showcases the diverse beauty of the Ozarks with minimal hiking difficulty.
8. Cedar Falls Trail
SPECTACULAR WATERFALL VISTA
Cedar Falls Trail leads hikers to one of Arkansas's most impressive waterfalls in Petit Jean State Park. The moderate 2-mile round trip descends into a picturesque canyon where Cedar Creek plunges 95 feet into a clear pool below. Visitors enjoy scenic views throughout all seasons, with the waterfall's flow strongest after spring rains.
9. Buffalo National River
AMERICA'S FIRST NATIONAL RIVER
Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains, offering spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping along its pristine waters and wooded shores. The river corridor preserves unique ecosystems, historic sites, and provides habitat for elk and other wildlife.
10. Locust Grove Picnic Area
PEACEFUL RIVERSIDE RETREAT
Locust Grove Picnic Area provides a serene setting along the White River for outdoor gatherings and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy riverside picnic facilities while watching for wildlife and taking in scenic views of the surrounding Ozark landscape. The area offers convenient access to fishing, swimming, and photography opportunities in a tranquil natural environment.
11. Mirror Lake
SCENIC MOUNTAIN REFLECTION
Mirror Lake sits nestled in the Ozark Mountains offering a peaceful retreat for fishing, photography and contemplation. The crystal-clear water perfectly reflects the surrounding mountains and sky, creating stunning photo opportunities year-round. Visitors can enjoy trout fishing in the lake and adjoining streams or simply relax along the shoreline.
12. Ozark Highlands Trail
LONG-DISTANCE WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Ozark Highlands Trail stretches for 218 miles across some of Arkansas's most rugged and scenic landscapes. Hikers encounter diverse terrain including ridges, valleys, streams, and scenic overlooks with minimal encounters with civilization. The trail can be enjoyed in sections for day hikes or as an extended backpacking adventure through remote Ozark Mountain wilderness.
13. JB Trading Co
LOCAL CRAFTS AND ANTIQUES
JB Trading Co showcases locally-made crafts, antiques, and unique gifts representing Ozark Mountain heritage. Shoppers can browse through handcrafted furniture, quilts, pottery, and other artisan items created by regional craftspeople. The shop provides visitors with authentic souvenirs and keepsakes that reflect the cultural traditions of the area.
14. Neighbor's Mill Bakery & Café
FRESH-MILLED BREAD DESTINATION
Neighbor's Mill Bakery & Café serves fresh-baked breads, sandwiches, and pastries made from scratch using traditional methods. Diners enjoy meals featuring bread made with flour milled on-site in a warm, rustic atmosphere with a working waterwheel. The family-owned establishment has become a regional favorite for its commitment to quality and farm-to-table ingredients.
15. Gaston's White River Resort
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Gaston's White River Resort offers world-class trout fishing experiences along with comfortable lodging and dining on the banks of the White River. The resort features a restaurant with panoramic river views serving fresh trout and regional specialties. Visitors can enjoy guided fishing trips, boat rentals, and a private airstrip making this a complete destination for outdoor enthusiasts.