This is Where We Start

CAMPING

WHITE OAK LAKE STATE PARK

Located in the southwestern part of the state, this park is nestled on the shores of White Oak Lake. Come fall, the trees turn beautiful shades of orange and red. Snap up one of the 45 campsites for a fishing (or birding) weekend of solitude.

MILLWOOD STATE PARK

Forty-five campsites mean you can have multiple days of epic fishing, just 35 minutes north of Texarkana. The 29,260-acre lake is home to largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Plus, the area is an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area, so you can spot 300 of The Natural State’s 400 on-record species.

MORO BAY STATE PARK

This state park is a true getaway tucked into southern Arkansas. Twenty-three campsites can be your jumping-off point for autumn hikes, fishing, and boating. The area is also home to bald eagles, so bring your binoculars to try to spot these majestic birds.

WITHROW SPRINGS STATE PARK

The banks of War Eagle Creek turn incredible shades of red, gold, orange, and green as fall makes its way through the park. With 39 campsites, this park is located 40 minutes east of Fayetteville, has three trails, a beautiful waterfall, and plenty of activity options for the whole family.

LAKE FRIERSON STATE PARK

Perched on the shores of the 335-acre Lake Frierson, the seven campsites are ideal for fishing for bream, catfish, crappie, saugeye, and bass. Or rent a pedal boat to explore the rustling trees that surround the lake. The best part? This oasis is just 15 minutes north of Jonesboro.

CANE CREEK STATE PARK

Forty minutes south of Pine Bluff, the Coastal Plains join the Mississippi Delta in forest-meets-lake splendor. Put up camp at one of the 29 sites and explore Bayou Bartholomew, the world’s longest. The rolling terrain provides excellent trail running, riding, and backpacking when the weather cools down.

HIKING TIPS

It is hiking season in Arkansas and that brings some unique and beautiful opportunities. With autumn colors gearing up to show off in jaw-dropping ways, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots and get out on a trail. Cross suspension bridges, climb to the top of ridges or find insane geologic wonders — all surrounded by fall foliage — on one of the many hikes available in Arkansas’s park system. Here are a few tips to help everyone have safe and fun adventures.

1. Dress Appropriately Fall mornings can be very cool, but as the day progresses temperatures rise. If you grab a big parka in the morning you may find yourself carrying a hot heavy coat by the afternoon. Several thinner layers will make it easier to regulate your temperature out on the trail.

2. Wear the Right Shoes While there are times and places for flip-flops, a rugged trail is not one of them. They are a real trip hazard, even on not-sorugged terrain. A better option is some kind of high-top shoe or boot with good tread on its soles.

3. Have a Plan for the Darkness Each passing day of fall will bring a little less daylight. Please keep this in mind before you hit the trails and make sure you line up enough time to complete your hike before sunset. Bring a headlamp or flashlight with you just in case as a safety precaution. 4. Don't Hike Alone It is one of the most consistently suggested hiking tips. And sharing your hiking adventure with friends or family is a great way to make lifetime memories.

5. Stay on the Trail Fall is an important time for lots of animals, including snakes. Many reptiles will be getting ready to den up for the winter. This means it is important to stay on trails and out of restricted areas. By doing this, it will limit your exposure to den locations.

MOUNTAIN BIKING & MONUMENT TRAILS

Thunder down miles of singletrack, with fallen maple leaves whipping up behind you in the upcoming months. The cool weather means you can bike at pretty much any time of the day — just don’t forget your SPF or water bottle! Monument Trails are a collection of world-class shared-use trails crafted to show off the iconic beauty of the state through sustainable design. There’s no better time to ride them than in the harvest season when nature is showing off its best palette. Find options at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Mount Nebo State Park, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and Devil’s Den State Park.

EXPERIENCE ARKANSAS’S FALL COLORS

Every autumn, nature paints the mountains and valleys of Arkansas State Parks with gorgeous hues of gold, red, and orange. Our state parks showcase autumn's finest colors while allowing you to explore the state's varied landscapes and even wildlife on a fun-filled road trip.

TRADITIONAL PEAK COLOR TIMES IN ARKANSAS - Northern Arkansas, Ozarks: Notable color change starts in late September or early October. Peak color is in late October. - Central Arkansas and West-Central Arkansas, Ouachita Central Arkansas and West-Central Arkansas, Ouachita

Mountain Range: Trees are changing noticeably by early to mid-October. Peak color is typically late October or early November. - Southern and Eastern Arkansas: Southern and Eastern Arkansas: Foliage usually begins changing during mid-October. Peak color is early to mid-November.

Arkansas's autumn attractions aren't just limited to beautiful fall foliage, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and mountain biking! You'll also find art and history attractions and fun, familyoriented fall festivals and events all over the state. Whether you plan to stay for a night or a week, fall foliage vacations and adventures in Arkansas’s state parks have a lot to offer.

Visit ArkansasStateParks.com for details and to book your next Arkansas getaway!

words Liesel Schmidt image 4PM Production/Shutterstock

This is Where We Start

Standing with his arms wrapped tightly around her, she could feel a sense of home she hadn’t felt since the last time he’d held her. It was like time and space and distance fell away, and all that was left was their two beating hearts, finding each other again.

As much as I had hoped to downplay my excitement at seeing him, nothing could have stopped the ridiculous grin that broke out on my face as I walked up the sidewalk to the restaurant. There he was, after fifteen years. Still him; still Elliot. Still that same handsome face and lopsided smile, those same shoulders that looked as though they could carry the weight of worlds.