18 | DiscoverNorthwestArkansas.com
Arkansas is famously known
as the Natural State, so it
should come as no surprise that
Northwest Arkansas has some
of the most beautiful parks in
the nation tucked away amidst
the Ozark Mountains. Although
the weather in winter can require
some bundling up, the beauty is
spectacular.
For overnight stays, many
of the state parks have cabin
rentals available. From modern
designs to rustic log and stone
structures, the cabins feature
kitchen amenities and cozy
fireplaces to keep you warm on
harsh winter evenings.
The largest of Arkansas' 52
state parks is Hobbs State Park
and Conservation Area, located
on the southern shores of Beaver
Lake. As a conservation area,
Hobbs acts as an education
center for visitors, featuring
interactive exhibits on the park's
unique limestone landscape,
natural resources and history.
From November through February,
you can go on a guided eagle
watch cruise on Beaver Lake.
Many bald eagles return to
the lake in winter, and it's a
great opportunity to see these
majestic birds, along with other
wildlife. With thirty-six miles of
hiking and biking trails spread
out over 12,000 acres of park,
there is plenty to see at Hobbs!
Additionally, Hobbs is the only
state park in Arkansas to allow
regulated hunting during approved
seasons.
In West Fork lies the park
which solidifies Arkansas'
reputation as the Natural State,
Devil's Den State Park. Located
about twenty minutes south
of Fayetteville, Devil's Den is
home to eleven different trails,
seventeen cabins, and 135
campsites, all spread throughout
2,500 acres. Explore the park
from an updated, historic Civilian
Conservation Corps cabin. Winter
wildlife watching is wonderful
Devil's Den
State Park
Parks
provide year-round
beauty and
adventure