Hidden In The Heart Of Arkansas' Ozark Mountains Is A Riverside Town For Outdoor Beauty And Fun

Arkansas is an underrated outdoor destination. The Natural State is teeming with forests, mountain ranges, and natural rivers entirely undisturbed by human hands. Jasper is the perfect example of the natural beauty Arkansas has to offer — tucked away in the quiet Ozark Mountains, the small town is a central hub for hiking, kayaking, and all sorts of outdoor adventures.

Jasper is a bit off the beaten path. Sitting in northwest Arkansas, about two hours east of Fayetteville, you won't encounter many other travelers in this portion of the state. That makes it the ideal vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and sparsely populated trails. The charming town is home to just over 600 residents, offering a grocery store, a tiny downtown district, and a few different lodging options. The Little Buffalo River carves through most of the town before meeting up with the Buffalo River to the east.

Most visitors come here to find peace in the Ozark Mountains, a scenic region for Midwesterners craving a fall vacation that Samantha Brown recommends. The Buffalo River was named the country's first national river, and with Jasper as your home base, you'll have easy access to its banks. You can visit the region year-round, as you'll find endless activities in all four seasons. However, if you plan on kayaking, consider visiting in the spring when water levels tend to be highest.

The Buffalo National River was established in 1972, with 135 miles of pristine waterways. It's one of the few undammed rivers remaining in the country, making it a popular stop for kayakers and canoers. If you're interested in getting on the water, you can rent gear at the nearby Buffalo River Canoes. Located just 5 miles from Jasper, its crew will arrange for your shuttle service, help determine a good launch site, and even put together multi-day trips if you're interested in being on the water for over 20 miles.

Visiting during the hot summer months? Head over to the Buffalo River Trailhead in Pruitt to jump into the Buffalo River. The swimming basin is a short 10-minute drive from Jasper, and it features striking rock formations that soar high above the river banks. There's also a small path nearby if you want to get in some steps near the historic waterway. Further south you'll find Pruitt Landing South, another popular soaking spot and a good place to launch your kayak. Keep in mind that water levels are heavily dependent on rainfall, so you may have to be flexible with your schedule and keep a close eye on the weather.

Jasper is located deep in the Ozark Mountains — no matter which direction you head, you'll find plenty of adventure. If you don't want a long drive to your trailhead, opt for Round Top Mountain Trail. You can get there in about five minutes from Jasper, and the hike treats you to panoramic views of the rolling landscape. It's especially striking during autumn when the thousands of trees begin changing colors (although Little Rock, Arkansas, is the priciest U.S. city to rent a car in fall). The trail isn't too challenging, climbing just over 500 feet across its 3.5-mile loop. While you're south of Jasper, travel a bit farther to find the Arkansas Grand Canyon for expansive views of the Ozark Mountains.

About 20 minutes north of town is the Indian Creek Trail to Eye of the Needle. Like other U.S. national park trails that are only for experienced hikers, this primitive trek should only be traversed by skilled adventurers, as you'll find limited signage and extremely rough terrain. It's quite short at just over 4 miles, but the tricky navigation and unforgiving landscape make it more tiring than you'd expect. However, if you're up for the challenge, it's one of the most popular in the area, and you'll be rewarded with scenic waterfalls, babbling creeks, and plenty of chances to encounter wildlife. If you plan on squeezing it into your itinerary, be sure to read up on what to expect and see if you can learn more about its current conditions.