Exploring Arkansas by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Set your sights on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad, which runs through the scenic Ozark Mountains near Fort Smith in western Arkansas. About 90 minutes northwest of Little Rock, this heritage railway offers a leisurely way to soak in the rugged landscape and dense forests that define the region. Passengers can hop aboard vintage train cars and enjoy narrated excursions winding through the Ozark foothills along the Arkansas River. The highlight is the trip over the historic St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad Bridge, an iron marvel that spans the water with panoramic views. Tours are especially captivating in the fall when the surrounding hills blaze with vibrant reds and golds, transforming the ride into a moving postcard of autumn color.
Drifting south to the banks of the Arkansas River near the city of Arkadelphia, you’ll find a gateway to exploring the waterway by boat. Just a 75-minute drive southwest of Little Rock, DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers a vast, 13,800-acre lake perfect for boating enthusiasts. The park’s marina rents pontoons and kayaks for visitors eager to glide across calm waters framed by pine and hardwood forests. The lake’s expansive surface and quiet coves provide an ideal setting for fishing or simply drifting while watching the sun dip behind wooded hills. Summer evenings here bring a gentle breeze, cooling the air and making twilight cruises especially pleasant and memorable.
Venture northeast of Little Rock to the quiet town of Heber Springs, roughly an hour and a half’s drive, where Greers Ferry Lake invites visitors to explore Arkansas by boat in a more intimate setting. This man-made reservoir is known for its crystal-clear water and deep blue hues that contrast with the surrounding wooded bluffs. Renting a boat here offers access to numerous small islands and hidden inlets that encourage exploration. The lake’s steep banks create dramatic shorelines, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers who want to witness herons, bald eagles, and other wildlife up close. Early mornings or late afternoons reveal the best light and the lake’s hallmark tranquility.
For a completely different perspective on Arkansas’s landscapes, the Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton, about an hour west of Little Rock, offers hot air balloon rides that drift over the Arkansas River Valley. The park is renowned for its rugged cliffs, deep canyons, and rolling forested terrain. Balloon flights here provide a silent, peaceful way to appreciate the region’s geological diversity, including views of Cedar Creek Canyon and the iconic Petit Jean Mountain summit, which rises over 1,200 feet. Taking to the skies at sunrise or just before sunset adds a painterly quality to the landscape as shadows lengthen and the colors of the valley deepen. The gentle rhythm of the balloon contrasts with the dramatic topography below, creating a memorable, almost surreal experience.
In eastern Arkansas near Helena-West Helena, the Mississippi River offers another iconic waterway to explore by boat. This historic riverfront city, about three hours southeast of Little Rock, serves as a launching point for river cruises that reveal the vast floodplain and rich delta ecology. Boat tours here meander past cotton fields, wetlands, and old levees, telling the story of the river’s vital role in commerce and culture. The Mississippi’s wide expanse and slow-moving might are impressive to witness firsthand. Spring and early summer bring the highest water levels, transforming the landscape into a mosaic of backwaters, islands, and marshes alive with migratory birds and abundant wildlife.
Back west near Jasper, about two hours northwest of Little Rock, the Buffalo National River offers a quintessential Arkansas experience by boat, especially for canoeists and kayakers. This protected river is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states, winding through the Ozark Mountains with limestone bluffs towering above the clear, cool water. Paddling the upper reaches reveals waterfalls, caves, and opportunities to spot deer, osprey, and even elusive river otters. Float trips here range from gentle, family-friendly sections to challenging stretches with mild rapids. Spring runoff creates higher water levels ideal for longer excursions, while summer’s warmth encourages swimming stops along hidden gravel bars.
The charm of hot air ballooning reappears near the town of Eureka Springs, nestled in the northwest corner of Arkansas about 2.5 hours from Little Rock. This Victorian mountain town, known for its winding streets and historic architecture, serves as a unique launch point for balloon rides over the Boston Mountains. The aerial perspective reveals rugged ridges, dense forests, and the town’s distinctive rooftops. Balloonists often float above the Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural gem built entirely of glass and wood that blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Early fall is arguably the best season to soar here, as the cool, stable weather and the changing foliage colors make for unforgettable vistas.
Each of these modes of travel in Arkansas—rail, river, and air—unfolds a different chapter of the state’s diverse geography and history. Whether you’re meandering through the Ozark foothills by train, paddling a pristine river, or floating high above forested peaks in a balloon, Arkansas’s varied terrain invites travelers to slow down and savor the natural world in imaginative ways. These experiences highlight why the state remains a beloved destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in the American South.