May 12, 2020

We have no shortage of opportunities for outdoor adventure in Eureka Springs, we have had perfect springtime weather for getting outside.  We encourage you to avoid any group outdoor activities and keep six feet apart from others you encounter, but take advantage of our fantastic local parks and trail systems.

If you’re getting out for a walk, run, or ride, we’d also encourage you to use free tools like Alltrails, MTB Project, and Trailforks so that you can track your route and share it with others! It’s a fun way to encourage group participation while still adhering to social distancing.

Please note that many public restrooms in these areas are currently closed so plan accordingly.

Eureka Springs Parks and Springs (Click for Map)

Eureka Springs has over 66 springs. You can easily walk to 15 of the prominent ones. Eureka Springs was founded on the springs and is often referred to as “the city that water built”. Originally Native Americans and later settlers to the area believed that the spring waters had healing properties. A while no longer used for that purpose, travelers today still marvel at the beauty and peace that the springs emanate.

Harmon Park Loop Trail (Click for Map)

An easy 1.4 mile walking and biking loop trail through the shaded paths of Harmon Park, Spring Garden, and towards the historic neighborhood of Upper Spring Street that leads to the Crescent Hotel.

Black Bass Lake Trail (Map)

Black Bass City park is one of Eureka Springs’ newer recreational destinations. Two miles of trails, including a half-mile handicapped accessible trail, encircle the lake and cling to bluffs creating a backcountry feel only minutes from downtown. The ‘no-motor’ lake offers great fishing. A testament to the past, the earthen and limestone-faced dam dates from 1894, one of the oldest in the Ozarks.

Lake Leatherwood (Map)

Lake Leatherwood City Park is a place of natural serenity encompassing 1610 acres which includes an 85-acre spring-fed lake. The lake is formed by one of the largest hand-cut native limestone dams in the country. The dam and several park structures were built in the early 1940s by the WPA.  The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. For hiking and biking enthusiasts, the park maintains over 25 miles of trails with varying terrains. Please note that all trails are closed to motorized vehicles. Hikers and bicyclists will enjoy solitude, wildlife, cool springs, an intermittent creek, historic stone walls and bridges, unusual rock formations, and the beauty of nature.

Fishing & boating fans will be glad to know that the park provides a paved boat ramp and a handicapped-accessible kayak & canoe launch! The waters of Lake Leatherwood are home to bluegill, crappie, bream, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Forgot your fishing pole? No worries, the well-stocked Bait Shop has fishing poles, bait, tackle & a surprising assortment of sundries for sale. Kayaks, canoes, rowboats & paddle boats are available for rent.

Birders will be thrilled to know that the park is home to over 120 different bird species including heron, duck, geese, bald eagles, and wild turkey. The woodlands surrounding the lake support many species of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, bobcat, raccoons, and snakes.

Great Passion Play Bike Trails (Maps)

The Great Passion Play is excited to announce the completion of the first phase of construction hiking and mountain biking trails on the Passion Play grounds. Renowned mountain bike and recreational trail builder Tony Boone and his crew completed building the first 5-mile loop of what is planned to be over 18 miles of trails on the almost 700-acre complex of the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.