The best walks and hikes in Polk County

Queen Wilhelmina State Park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state from its fully renovated lodge. Known as the original “Castle in the Sky,” originally built in 1898, the lodge is situated on the 2,681-foot Rich Mountain—Arkansas' second highest peak. The original lodge was built in the late 1800s as a Victorian resort named Wilhelmina Inn to honor the young Queen of the Netherlands, after Dutch investors helped fund the construction of the railroad system. The park includes 41 campsites, including five tent sites with water, one hike-in tent site, picnic areas, and several short hiking trails, and the lodge features 40 rooms, a restaurant featuring Southern cuisine, and a gift shop. Dogs are welcome except in the restaurant and the large hearth room.

This state line location includes a historic boundary marker established in 1877 after a series of contentious surveys aimed at defining the border between Arkansas and what was then called Indian Territory. The inscription on its north face reads “48 M,” for the 48th mile, “1877” on the south face for the year the marker was installed, “ARK” for Arkansas on the east face, and “CHOC” for Choctaw Territory on the west. In 1976, the marker was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the few remaining markers from this survey accessible to the public.

This trailhead for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail is a scenic crossing point over the Talimena Scenic Byway for thru hikers, and a starting point for hikers to explore other trails in the area. There is a small trailhead sign, but no parking. However, there is a parking area a short distance away at the Deadman Vista Overlook. Due to the limited availability of water sources in the area, especially during dry seasons, it is an ideal spot to store water for the upcoming few miles until you reach Cedar Branch or Horsethief Spring.

One of the more prominent peaks in the Ouachita National Forest as it is one of the highest points in the state, reaching an elevation of about 2,910 feet. From the summit and along the ridge the trail follows there arre scenic views in all directions.

A prominent feature along the Eagle Rock Loop Trail with picturesque views over the diverse landscape of dense forests and rocky terrain in the Ouachitas.

The Black Fork Mountain Shelter is a backcountry shelter located off of the Ouachita Recreation Trail. It serves as a resting point and a basic shelter for hikers to spend the night during their trek. The rugged and steep Black Fork Mountain Trail continues up from the shelter to the namesake summit.

Scenic 25-acre lake in a remote mountain setting. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek and passes the historic Shady Lake Dam. It continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail.

The Tall Peak Fire Tower is a historic fire tower in the Ouachita National Forest. It is located at the top of Tall Peak in the southwestern part of the national forest in Polk County, Arkansas. It is a fieldstone structure built about 1938 by a crew of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and features the distinctive flared corners that typify CCC architecture. It is accessible via a forest service road off Polk County 64 ( also known as forest service road 38).