Date of Trip: October 21-24, 2021
I did this long weekend trip with the intention of checking off Oklahoma and Arkansas. If you’re playing the states game, I highly recommend this combination.
Day 1: I flew direct from Atlanta to Oklahoma City. I picked up my car and although I didn’t have much time to wander the city, I at least wanted to check out the Automobile Alley district as recommended by a friend. Grabbed a quick coffee from Coffee Slingers and strolled the streets.
I headed toward Tulsa next with the intent of seeing the Center of the Universe. It was an hour 40 minute drive and luckily parking was easy. I urban hiked about 3 miles around the downtown, looking through the street art, architecture and finally found the Center of the Universe.
I left Tulsa for the destination I was most excited to visit, Natural Falls State Park, filming location for Where The Red Fern Grows—the movie based on my favorite childhood book. I’ve linked some useful information below. I was the only visitor when I was there and had the whole park to myself.
Natural Falls State Park – Colcord, Oklahoma — Scott Emigh
I walked all the trails, around 3 miles, so essentially these two AllTrails hikes below.
Dripping Springs Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oklahoma/dripping-springs-trail?sh=sxlnu6
Ghost Coon Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oklahoma/ghost-coon-trail?sh=sxlnu6
After a full day in Oklahoma I made my way to Arkansas. I stayed in a trendy renovated roadside motel which caters to the many mountain bikers that travel to Bentonville. I learned of this place from a coworker who had recently stayed there and described it as having a “Schitt’s Creek vibe” —I couldn’t agree more. I’ve linked the motel’s website below.
I met some fellow motel residents and joined them for dinner at The Preacher’s Son downtown Bentonville. It’s a restaurant in an old Church and the food was fabulous.
https://www.thepreachersson.com
Day 2: This is the day I made the biggest solo travel blunder to date. My intention was to navigate to a hike called Eagle’s nest in middle Arkansas recommended by my motel. I plugged in Eagle’s Nest into google maps and hit the road. I started the hike and noticed the trail didn’t match the scenic bluff description I read in the motel brochure. I looked closer at the map and realized I was in MISSOURI. I made the best of it by exploring Mark Twain National Forest and Roaring River State Park.
Eagles Nest Loop Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/missouri/eagles-nest-loop-trail?sh=sxlnu6
Mark Twain National Forest – Nature & Science
https://mostateparks.com/park/roaring-river-state-park
Once I sat with an old fashioned map from the Ranger Station, I noticed I could swing by Eureka Springs on my way back. I’d read about this cool haunted town and it was my original destination in Arkansas I had planned to hit before deciding on Bentonville.
I didn’t want to have to drive up the narrow mountain road into town so I parked at the bottom and walked up (forever) till I got to the Crescent Hotel which is touted as America’s most haunted hotel.
They let you walk around the hotel for free and I just wandered the floors. But it wasn’t very scary during the day.
Unlike the rest of the houses. Notice the “help me”…
I walked through the cute little town, bought candy and some souvenirs. Contemplated doing an old timey photo but decided against it.
Apparently the passion play is a big thing in Eureka Springs and here’s my view of the 67 foot Jesus.
I found a hike on the way back to Bentonville in Beaver, Arkansas and noticed the sign.
The hike was just a walk around a lake but it was quite pretty.
I made it back to my motel after sunset and built a little fire for s’mores in the back yard of the motel.
Day 3: Left early after getting some locally baked artisan snacks from the Walmart around the corner.
Today, I hiked one of my favorite trails of all times. I’ve linked it below.
Centerpoint to Goat Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arkansas/goat-trail-to-big-bluff?sh=sxlnu6
I ended up taking a local’s advice and trailblazed a bit to the river. The views of the Buffalo River were spectacular. But it did extend the trail a couple miles and added 600 feet of elevation gain.
On the way down to the river stumbled into a landmark- Granny Henderson’s cabin.
The fall colors were so vibrant.
Had my lunch on the river then headed back.
Day 4: Got up early to explore downtown Bentonville a bit more. Visited the first Walmart, walked around and grabbed a coffee from the Fire Truck.
I drove the quick 20 minutes to Northwest Arkansas Airport and caught my direct flight back to Atlanta.
Note that it does cost way more to pick up and drop off a rental car at two different locations but it was worth it to me to maximize my time and check off two states (well three if you count Missouri— which I would have since I hiked there but I had already been prior).
That’s all for this trip. Let me know if I can help you plan your weekend getaway!
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