Looking for that perfect photo spot to capture all the changing colors of Fall? Arkansas is full of them!

Whether you’re down to take a day trip or prefer to stay in the Little Rock metro area, we have seven spectacular places to suggest for your fall photos. 

Day Trip Destinations

There’s a reason why Arkansas is called “The Natural State,” and after a visit to one of the spectacular parks here in Central Arkansas, you will see why.

All the native trees like oaks, maples, and hickories will start to turn red, orange, and yellow in early October, with peak leaf color seen in late October to early November. So now is the perfect time to get out of town and explore the scenery! 

#1: Petit Jean State Park

A little over an hour away, just outside of Morrilton, a favorite local spot for outdoor adventures can be found atop Petit Jean Mountain at Petit Jean State Park. There, scenic overlooks and picturesque trails can offer you all kinds of opportunities to catch the most majestic fall foliage. 

We recommend starting at Mather Lodge, where you can get a panoramic view of Cedar Creek Canyon. If you feel up to it, you can even hike down to Cedar Falls for a close-up view of the water, then hike back up the trail for a nice lunch inside the lodge!

#2: Mount Magazine

About two hours away in Paris, you will find the highest point in all of Arkansas: Mount Magazine. Perfect for optimal fall foliage viewing!

Nestled on top of the Ouachita Mountains, Mount Magazine State Park is an autumn paradise for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. 

To fill up your afternoon with fall’s most fantastic color, there’s a moderately strenuous loop of trails you can take that runs around the mountain ridge starting at the visitor center.

But if all you want is a nice photo, you can’t beat the view of the river valley at the Cameron Bluff Overlook.

#3: Hot Springs National Park

If you’ve never been to Hot Springs, fall is a great time to go! The city itself in just an hour away from Little Rock and it’s surrounded by the beauty of Hot Springs National Park.

You can spend your day shopping and eating on Central Avenue, checking out the spas on Bathhouse Row, or living it up at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. 

When you’re ready to take in all that nature has to offer, head to the Overlook at Hot Springs Mountain Tower. An elevator will take you 216 feet into the air to enjoy amazing views of the beautiful fall foliage!

Little Rock Spots

If you’re trying not to leaf town (see what we did there?), there are quite a few breathtaking vantage points you can visit right here in Little Rock to see the changing colors.

#4: Pinnacle Mountain State Park

The quintessential fall photo spot for in-the-know locals here in Little Rock has got to be atop Pinnacle Mountain in Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Your hike to the top of the mountain will be a little steep, but the view simply cannot be beat!

You will be able to take in every type of changing tree imaginable, plus snap perfect pictures of Lake Maumelle, the Arkansas River, Ouachita Mountains, and West Little Rock.

Plus, on your way back to your apartment here at The Pointe Brodie Creek, you can take a pit stop at the BoBroo Farms Pumpkin Patch for another cute photo opp.

#5: Two Rivers Park

Down the river from Pinnacle Mountain, you can get an intimate look at the fall foliage along the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers at Two Rivers Park!

The bridge that extends up over the water into the park is perfect for taking photos, or you can follow the walking trails inside the park to experience the forest colors up-close. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, try renting a kayak at the Rock Rown River Outfitters boathouse so you can snap photos of the fall foliage from the water itself!

#6: Knoop Park

Would you love to see the Little Rock skyline included in your fall foliage photos? The shortest and sweetest way to get the best shot is with a visit to Knoop Park.

The entrance to the park is just off Kanavaugh Boulevard near Stifft Station. From the overlook, you can’t miss the breathtaking views of the Arkansas River and Downtown Little Rock!

Then, as a post photo shoot treat, you can stop in at Stone’s Throw for a pint of local craft beer or devour a seafood tower at The Oyster Bar down the street. 

#7: Emerald Park

Feeling exhausted by all your photo spot options? Well, we have one word for you: bluff. The best kinds of outdoor photos can be captured on a bluff!

That’s exactly what awaits you at Emerald Park in North Little Rock. It’s just across the Arkansas River from the Riverdale neighborhood of Little Rock and offers a spectacular look at the Big Rock Quarry. 

It’s a little bit of a hike that’s 100% worth the view if you want the prettiest fall photos including all the gorgeous autumn colors.

Ready to explore even more of Little Rock and beyond? Check out our list of the best local wineries, restaurant patios, and shopping spots right here on our blog.