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Thanksgiving has long been one of my favorite holidays. I love the excess of rich foods and the gathering of friends and family. I remember waking up to the sounds of early kitchen work as a child. Now, I can carry that tradition in my family while my son watches the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. Football games and Christmas movies come next, and eventually, the meal is served, and we all eat way more than we should. Following the feast, we’ve made it a tradition to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and take in a bit of Arkansas’s beauty.
Getting in a short hike is a great way to work off the sleepiness caused by excess carbs and overeating. (Because who doesn’t overeat on Thanksgiving?) As the holiday rolls on and we start to feel sleepy, getting outside is a great way to assist our bodies in digestion and getting back to normal. What better place to enjoy the outdoors than on one of these 20 post-Thanksgiving hikes the whole family can enjoy?
Kings River Falls Trail – Near Witter
This 2-mile out-and-back trail is a family favorite, leading to the stunning Kings River Falls. With its easy terrain and rewarding waterfall at the end, it’s perfect for hikers of all ages. The trail meanders through a peaceful forest, with the gentle sounds of the river following you the entire way. Plus, there’s nothing like a brisk walk to help you digest those extra helpings of mashed potatoes! This trail offers relaxation and adventure—a refreshing way to wrap up the holiday.
Yellow Rock Trail – Devil’s Den State Park
Located in West Fork, this moderate 3-mile loop is ideal for families looking to burn off that pumpkin pie! The trail takes you through dense forests with views that open up to gorgeous fall scenery, especially when you reach the iconic Yellow Rock Overlook. Kids will love scrambling over rocks, and you’ll be thankful for the workout as you shake off the holiday food coma.
Photo by Julie Kohl.
Signal Hill Trail – Mount Magazine State Park
This short, family-friendly trail is only 1.5 miles round-trip but packs a punch by taking you to the highest point in Arkansas! It’s a great post-feast activity since it’s challenging enough to get the heart pumping without requiring a full workout. Signal Hill’s summit offers panoramic views and a perfect place for a family snapshot. We like to take a photo of our feet around the high point marker.
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail – Bella Vista
Perfect for younger kids, this easy 2-mile loop offers a variety of sights, from waterfalls to a small cave and a swinging bridge. It’s just enough to get everyone moving without overexertion—because, let’s face it, stuffing takes its toll! Tanyard Creek is filled with nature highlights to keep kids engaged and entertained.
Cedar Falls Trail – Petit Jean State Park
This 2-mile trail is one of Arkansas’s most iconic hikes, leading to the picturesque Cedar Falls. Though it’s steep going down and back, the scenic waterfall at the end is a fantastic post-feast payoff. Kids will be in awe of the 95-foot cascade, and you’ll be grateful for the calorie burn after all those dinner rolls.
Fall Branch Trail – Lake Catherine State Park
An easy, 2-mile loop perfect for families, this trail leads to a small but charming waterfall. The gentle path offers views of Lake Catherine and plenty of spots for resting and taking in the natural beauty. It’s a peaceful way to ease out of the holiday food coma and enjoy a quiet post-Thanksgiving escape.
Goat Rock Trail – Hot Springs National Park
This 1.1-mile hike near Hot Springs is a moderately easy trail that leads to a fantastic overlook. It’s just challenging enough to work off the cranberry sauce and stuffing but short enough to keep everyone happy. Goat Rock provides amazing views of the Ouachita Mountains and is a fun way to squeeze in a bit of exercise with family.
Peak Trail – Hot Springs National Park
For another Hot Springs option, try the 1.5-mile round-trip Peak Trail, which takes you up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The incline may make you question that second slice of pie, but the view from the tower is worth it. This quick, family-friendly hike is ideal for families wanting a short post-meal adventure.
Glory Hole Waterfall – Deer
This unique 2-mile trail leads to a waterfall that flows through a large rock hole, creating a “glory hole” effect. While a bit rugged, it’s manageable for most family members and offers a fascinating sight at the end. Let’s just say it’s a lot easier going down than climbing back up, but that’s just the kind of exercise you need after Thanksgiving!
Lake Leatherwood – Eureka Springs
A gentle 4.4-mile loop around Lake Leatherwood offers scenic lake views, interesting rock formations, and abundant wildlife. With minimal elevation, it’s great for all ages and a peaceful way to connect with nature after the holiday hustle. You’ll be thankful for the easy-going terrain as you work off your meal.
Dogwood Loop – Withrow Springs State Park
This 1-mile trail is an easy hike through the woods, perfect for families with younger children. The Dogwood Loop offers lovely forest views, especially during late fall, when leaves add vibrant color. With a short length and easygoing nature, it’s a great way to stretch your legs without too much effort.
David’s Trail – Mountain Home
David’s Trail stretches along Lake Norfork, offering beautiful lake views and diverse landscapes over approximately 3 miles. Moderate in difficulty, this trail offers just the right level of challenge for families with kids who are used to hiking. It’s a nice way to walk off that extra helping of green bean casserole!
Byrd Lake Trail – Pine Bluff
This short, scenic loop around Byrd Lake is ideal for families wanting an easy stroll. Just under a mile, it’s perfect for little ones or anyone not quite ready for a long trek and it’s ADA accessible. You’ll appreciate the peaceful views of Byrd Lake as you work off a bit of Thanksgiving indulgence.
Historic Van Winkle Trail – Hobbs State Park
This half-mile loop trail in Rogers is easy and perfect for families looking to connect with nature. The path winds through mixed forests and past the historic home of Peter Van Winkle, giving you just the right excuse to walk off some calories without overdoing it. It’s a short and sweet hike, perfect for easing into post-holiday activity.
Craighead Lake Loop – Jonesboro
For an easy, scenic outing, this 2.7-mile loop around Craighead Lake is a solid choice. This flat, kid-friendly trail is great for stretching the legs, spotting wildlife, and burning off the Thanksgiving feast without feeling like too much of a workout.
Dogwood Lane – Lake Frierson State Park
This short 0.75-mile loop around Lake Frierson is a gentle walk through a peaceful setting. It’s perfect for little ones or older family members who want an easy, relaxing stroll. With fall colors still hanging on in late November, the scenery makes it worth the visit.
Photo by Julie Kohl.
Magnolia Falls Trail – Near Boxley
This 2-mile round-trip trail is moderately easy and offers a beautiful waterfall as a reward. Families with young hikers will appreciate the manageable distance, and the falls are an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Let the kids explore while the adults relish the chance to move around after the big meal.
Cane Creek Trail – Cane Creek State Park
At 2.5 miles, this moderate trail offers lake views, bridges, and forested paths—just enough to keep everyone engaged. Located near Star City, Cane Creek is great for families with kids, and it’s a wonderful way to appreciate the natural beauty of Arkansas while working off some turkey.
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail – Near Mount Ida
Known as LOViT, this long trail can be done in sections, making it perfect for families looking for flexibility. Try a shorter, 3-mile section along the lake for a lovely, scenic outing. It’s easy enough for kids and rewarding with serene lake views—a great way to close out the holiday weekend.
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism unless otherwise noted.
Little Missouri Trail – Ouachita National Forest
This 4-mile trail takes you along the Little Missouri River, offering several water crossings, scenic views, and a bit of a workout. It’s moderate and ideal for families with older children. The riverside path is a fantastic option for walking off Thanksgiving dinner and enjoying one of Arkansas’s beautiful, forested landscapes.
Whether you’re tackling one of these scenic trails for the views or to feel better about eating all that pie, a family hike is the perfect way to savor Arkansas’s natural beauty after Thanksgiving. Each trail offers something unique for the whole family to enjoy—whether it’s waterfalls, peaceful forests, or simply the chance to get out in the crisp autumn air. And let’s be real—after that second slice of pie, we could all use a bit of outdoor adventure.
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