4 Best Things to Do in the Ozarks

The Ozark Mountains stretch from Arkansas to Missouri and offer all kinds of things to do and see. The area is home to everything from lakes for those who want a peaceful getaway to adrenaline-pumping adventures for visitors who want some excitement. The mountains are the ultimate paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and anglers looking for their next big catch. Discover the best things to do in the Ozark mountains.

Explore Underground Caves

Get out of the heat of the summer by heading to the caves at Blanchard Springs. This underground cavern has water-carved passages to explore, a river that runs below the surface of the earth, and lots of rock formations to explore. Visitors can choose from three different guided tours with varying degrees of difficulty. The Dripstone Trail lasts for an hour and is perfect for families who need stroller and wheelchair accessibility. The Discovery Trail takes you to the lower portion of the caverns, and the Wild Cafe Tour brings you to the more undeveloped parts of the middle cave.

Go Hiking

Head to the Ozark Mountains for the ultimate hiking trip. The Ozark Highlands Trail runs for over 200 miles and offers year-round hiking opportunities. You can access trailheads for the Highlands Trail in many different places throughout the mountains, and each area offers different terrains and difficulty. The Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park is a popular trail and easily accessible from Fayetteville. It has a beautiful overlook offering views of Lee Creek Valley. If you want something longer and more challenging, the Old Road Trail and Girley King Trail take you further through the mountain ranges.

Go Floating Down the River

Cool off in the summer by floating down the Buffalo National River. It stretches for over 150 miles, and you can get out on the water in a canoe or kayak or even go tubing. The Ozarks is also home to several smaller rivers that are excellent for floating, and if you want a guided tour, head to Ozark Outdoors. The rivers offer a wide variety of floating, whether you want a relaxing trip or a heart-pumping white water adventure with Class II rapids and even some Class III white-water headwaters.

Visit Waterfalls

The Ozarks have many different waterfalls that are worth checking out. Glory Hole is one of the area’s most unique waterfalls. It features water falling through a hole in the roof of a cave. The water comes from Dismal Creek and trickles right through the roof. If you visit in the winter, you can even see it as a huge icicle. Falling Water Falls is another waterfall worth checking out. It sits off the beaten path so you won’t run into a lot of crowds. Twin Falls in Richland Creek is also worth a visit. It is larger than Falling Water, and you’ll need to take a short hike to get there.

The Ozarks provide an outdoor escape no matter what you like to do. From hiking and biking to a relaxing float down the river, you can find something to keep you busy in these mountains.

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