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The Great Outdoors Refresh your spirit. Disconnect from the digital devices and reconnect with family and friends in the wonder of Arkansas's natural beauty. Biking Whether you want to spend the day mountain biking through the hills or Arkansas River Valley, or prefer an extreme adventure cycling vacation through The Natural State, there are many bike routes for you to consider, including the Big Dam Bridge, the world's largest bridge built specifically for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Spanning the Arkansas River and connecting 17 miles of scenic river trails in Little Rock and North Little Rock, the Big Dam Bridge is ideal for leisurely bike rides. For a more challenging ride, here are some sample bike riding tours to get you started: The Ouachitas and Ozarks cycling tour offers quite a challenge and includes a side trip to Eureka Springs; the Memphis to Ft. Smith biking trip cuts an east to west route across Arkansas through Little Rock. www.arkansas.com/outdoors/biking
On the Water With some 9,000 miles of streams and more than 600,000 acres of lakes, Arkansas is renowned for fishing, hunting and water sports of all sorts, including sailing and scuba diving. Marinas, boat docks and fishing guide services are plentiful across the state. Arkansas fishing is popular year-round. Bass fishing is enjoyed on streams and lakes in all 75 Arkansas counties. The state boasts nine species of bass, including stripers that top the 60-pound range. Three current world-record fish (brown trout, walleye and hybrid bass) were hooked in Arkansas's waters.
On the Greens Arkansas's natural beauty and moderate climate, combined with a diversity of terrain, make the state the perfect destination for your golfing vacation any time of year. Rolling hills, towering pines, tranquil rivers, crisp mountain lakes and pristine streams provide a picturesque backdrop for an invigorating game of golf. Passionate golfers should look to The Natural State Golf Trail, which features 15 challenging courses. www.arkansas.com/outdoors/golf
Birding and Watchable Wildlife More than 20 endangered and threatened species, in addition to many other types of animals, call Arkansas home. While an uncertain business, wildlife watching can be an exciting and fantastic way to reconnect with nature.
Geocaching The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism has introduced a program called “Cache in with The Natural State” to encourage travelers to explore the natural beauty of Arkansas with GPS units as their guide and prizes as their incentive. Certain caches contain Arkansas trade items, such as dinner for two and overnight stays in various parts of the state. While locating loot might be your primary goal, Arkansas state parks offer rewarding experiences around every bend. Discover waterfalls, wildlife, caves, diamonds and nature trails amid diverse terrains and picturesque landscapes. Geocaching is permitted in 40 of the 52 state parks in Arkansas. To locate participating state parks, visit www.arkansasstateparks.com.
Motorcycling Looking for a dawn to dusk motorcycle road trip that will take you from the foot of the Ozark Mountains to the heart of the Delta? Would you prefer a landing spot where you can park your bike and stretch your legs while shopping unique stores, listening to live music, or wandering through one of only three living caves in the world? Unique motorcycle destinations, which cater to motorcycling travelers, are nestled in the heart of Arkansas's most rambling roads, broken by breathtaking vistas along the way. If bonding with 250,000 motorcycle lovers appeals to you, our local biker rallies, like Fayetteville's Bikes, Blues and BBQ, will soon make their way to your calendar. See for yourself why experienced motorcyclists prize the pavement that winds romantically across The Natural State. www.arkansas.com/outdoors/motorcycling
Horse, Dog, Auto Racing Enjoy racing as an observer or prefer to be a participant? Arkansas offers many venues for both - from thoroughbred horse racing at Oaklawn Jockey Club to greyhound dog racing at Southland Park Gaming and Racing to dirt track and drag racing, bicycle and cardboard boat races, senior Olympics, Special Olympics and one of the largest Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events held nationally. Located in Hot Springs, Oaklawn Park features some of the finest thoroughbred horse races from late January through mid April, plus simulcast horse racing and electronic games of skill year-round. Oaklawn's “Racing Festival of the South” attracts the nation's top horses and the Arkansas Derby winner becomes eligible for the famous Triple Crown. www.arkansas.com/horse-dog-autoracing
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