Columbus
Arkansas Outside
Drawdown Scheduled for Nimrod Lake
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will commence the process of lowering Nimrod Lake on May 15, 2024. This action is being taken to improve aquatic vegetation and to carry out repairs to the channel markers, boat launch ramps, and swim beaches. This drawdown is a collaborative effort between the...
Shredding Through Paradise: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch Unveils New Mountain Bike Trails
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, nestled in the Ozark Mountains near Jasper, Arkansas, has upped the thrill factor with a brand-new network of mountain bike trails. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch now offers mountain biking trails in addition to rock climbing and ziplining activities, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a thrill on two wheels.
Stretch of Fayetteville Trail Detoured for Construction
Effective Monday, April 29th, a portion of the Town Branch Trail will be closed and detoured as part of the 15th Street-Interstate 49 overpass project by the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The closure is required to facilitate the installation of replacement water and sewer lines and vegetation clearing. The 0.75-mile...
Hot Springs National Park to Host “Hike to Health”
Hot Springs National Park has partnered with CHI St. Vincent, a regional health network serving central and southwest Arkansas, to introduce a seasonal health promotion program series called “Hike to Health.” The first event of this series is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Whittington Park. (374 Whittington Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71901)
WOKA Whitewater Park Official Grand Opening
The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) announced that the official opening event for the WOKA Whitewater Park will be on April 26th, Friday, at 10 AM. WOKA is a new whitewater destination located near Watts, Oklahoma, along the Illinois River. The facility is situated on a beautiful 30-acre site in the Ozark foothills. The highlight of the venue is a 1,200-foot long and 100-foot-wide whitewater course, which is located separately from the main river channel. This feature makes WOKA an ideal location for whitewater enthusiasts to test their skills and have fun.
Shotguns and Gravel Bikes
The Arkansas Outside Team loves a unique outdoor experience and this past weekend we enjoyed a classic Arkansas gravel bike ride with a twist. Phat Tire Bike Shop’s Double Barrel Gravel Ride offers a chance to conquer challenging gravel roads, test your skills with some skeet shooting, and refuel with a delicious jambalaya and crawfish boil – all for a good cause.
New Mountain Bike Trails to Officially Open at Craighead Forest
Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro, AR, is set to unveil a new network of trails next week. These trails have been crafted by Rock Solid Trail Contractors and are expected to add fresh new energy to the local cycling scene. This addition will cater to a wider range of riders and will expand the park’s existing offerings.
Local Climber Andrew Blann Wins Prestigious Access Fund Award
Andrew Blann, a climber from Fayetteville, Arkansas, has been acknowledged by the Access Fund, a national non-profit organization dedicated to preserving climbing areas and access for climbers, for his outstanding contributions to local bolt replacement and leadership. Blann has been awarded the 2023 Climbing Advocate Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes climbers who have made exceptional efforts to protect climbing areas for future generations.
Ozark-St. Francis National Forest Recreation Improvements Announced
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have recently completed improvements to several recreation areas across the Forests totaling over $300,000. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) has funded improvement projects addressing critical deferred maintenance issues. This legislation, passed in August 2020, is responsible for funding the deferred maintenance needs of all types of Forest Service infrastructure, including bridges, roads, trails, and recreation facilities. These investments in Forest Service infrastructure, recreation facilities, and public land access demonstrate the agency’s commitment to caring for the land and serving people.
Big Dam Bridge Will Be Closed During the Third Week of April
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers postponed the previous Big Dam Bridge closure and inspection because of mechanical issues. The equipment has been repaired and the closure rescheduled. The Big Dam Bridge, across Murray Lock and Dam, will now be closed to all traffic from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m....
Centennial Park trail closures for Ragnar Trail Arkansas race
From this Thursday, April 18, visitors will notice some changes in Centennial Park as the park is preparing to host the much-awaited 2024 Ragnar Trail Arkansas, a trail-running relay race. During the race that will take place from Friday, April 19, to Saturday, April 20, teams will be competing on three unique single-track trails, which will see them run up and around the trails of Centennial Park, as well as through the forest of Kessler Mountain, offering participants an unforgettable racing experience. To ensure the safety of all participants, some trails within the park will be closed to the public.
The City of Mena Moves Forward on New Trails
More than two years ago, a new trail project was initiated in Mena, Arkansas, to create a mountain bike trail system that would connect Mena to Queen Wilhelmina State Park situated at the top of Rich Mountain, the second-highest peak in Arkansas. The project was undertaken as a partnership between the Arkansas State Park, the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, the US Forest Service, the Walton Family Foundation, and the City of Mena. This ambitious project may eventually include lift-assisted trails on the west side of the ridge between the two destinations.
The EXPLORE Act Passes the US House of Representatives
The legislation will have a significant impact on the outdoor community of Arkansas (camping, cycling, rock climbing, etc.) Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Act (EXPLORE), bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) to expand outdoor recreation access nationwide. “Ever since the...
New Elevated Bridge Opens for Cyclists & Pedestrians
The long-awaited mountain bike and pedestrian bridge on NE A Street is now open for public use. The completion of the multi-modal elevated bridge project has resulted in improved access to the Razorback Greenway and All-American trails near the future Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art expansion for residents and visitors of Bentonville. The trail features a unique two-lane bike/pedestrian bridge that extends over NE A Street, with two designated sides – one for the Razorback Greenway multi-use trail and the other for the All-American Mountain Bike Trail – that safely separates each user group. The Greenway extension, which is 1053 feet long and nearly 1000 feet completely on piers, creates an exceptional trail experience woven through the existing tree canopy.
27K Run Added to Delta Grit Series
StudioDRIFT announces a new off-road running event on Saturday, May 11th in Helena, Arkansas: The Delta Dash. This event marks an important milestone in the realization of the newly formed Delta Grit series, which began with the annual Delta Grind bike rally. As studioDRIFT has grown, they have acquired the resources to expand the original event into a series that combines running, cycling, and paddlesports with music, food, and other fun cultural activities. It’s an event that caters to everyone interested in discovering what makes the Delta special. This year, the festivities include a Friday night jazz concert featuring Bri Ailene, Jose Holloway, and Rodney Block, as well as a Saturday afternoon community block party and cornhole tournament.
Culvert Failure on Forest Road 114 in Ouachita National Forest
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – April 3, 2024 – Ouachita National Forest officials have issued an alert for vehicles traveling Forest Service Road 114, located north of Lake Winona in Saline County, because of a culvert failure on a low water crossing. A temporary crossing has been installed, but...
Arkansas State Parks and the US Forest Service Recommendations on Viewing the Eclipse
The Great North American Eclipse is a highly anticipated event set to occur on April 8, 2024. Arkansas is located in an excellent position to experience it as the path of totality will be visible in the state, stretching from the southwest corner to the northeast point. In total, 53 of the state’s 75 counties will be in this path, including cities such as Little Rock, Hot Springs, Texarkana, Conway, and Jonesboro. The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is fully prepared to receive the expected record number of visitors to the state.
13.1 Miles of Bentonville: The Run Bentonville Half Marathon
The Run Bentonville Half Marathon is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 on Bentonville Square. The event will feature an estimated 3,800 participants competing in the Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, and 5k race, presented by Walmart and Nestle. Bentonville is a growing city, and as such, the race course changes every year. New sites, new buildings, new parks, and new trails redefine our landscape, city, race, and experience. The course will take runners through the historic downtown square, the vibrant market district, and the beautiful rolling hills and trails of North Bentonville, spanning a distance of 13.1 miles.
Gravel Cycling Gears Up Economic Benefits for Arkansas Counties
At the recent Arkansas County Judges Association meeting, a panel discussion explored the burgeoning popularity of gravel cycling and its potential to boost economic development in rural counties across the state. Runway Group representatives Katie Parsons and Andy Chasteen shared the success story of the Arkansas Rural Recreational Roads (R3) initiative in Benton County (More information here and here).
Little Rock to Soar to New Heights with Pinnacle Mountain Chairlift Groundbreaking
Little Rock, Arkansas (April 1, 2024) – Get ready to reach new heights! The journey to the breathtaking summit of Pinnacle Mountain just outside of Little Rock is about to get a whole lot easier and more scenic. Today, local officials and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of a brand new chairlift system that will transport visitors effortlessly to the top of the iconic landmark.
Arkansas Outside
647+
Posts
2M+
Views
Outdoor Recreation News from Arkansas with coverage of events and destinations mainly in the state. We cover Hiking, Camping, Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Kayaking, Canoeing, Trail Running, Backpacking, Rock Climbing, and more.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.