Hiking Safely in Arkansas: A Woman’s Guide to Preparedness, and Peace of Mind

 

I’ve always hiked in Arkansas in the fall. It’s my season when the air turns crisp, the leaves ignite in color, and the waterfalls run clear and cold. But this year, when my hiking buddy canceled, I found myself hesitating. After the tragic murder of a couple hiking with their children this past summer, I couldn’t shake the question: Are there trails that feel safe for a woman and her dog?

This blog is important for all women who are in the same situation because we don’t have to pass up an activity we love, not if we put safety first, bring our dogs, and prepare with intention. Fall hiking in Arkansas can still be beautiful, restorative, and empowering. Here’s how.

Some of Arkansas’s most beloved fall trails remain safe, scenic, and dog-friendly. Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, offers iconic bluff views and a small waterfall along a moderate 2.9-mile out-and-back trail. Mount Magazine’s North Rim Trail provides sweeping overlooks and creek crossings, with cell service available in most areas. Seven Hollows Trail at Petit Jean State Park winds through grottos and forested canyons, while Lake Catherine Falls Trail is a shaded, family-friendly option with a gentle waterfall. For those near Bella Vista, the Tanyard Creek Loop is an easy 1.9-mile walk featuring caves, creeks, and fall foliage. All of these trails are dog-friendly, but leashes are required in Arkansas parks.

If you're hiking with a dog, bring water for both of you, and avoid trails with steep bluffs or narrow ledges if your dog is reactive. Always pack waste bags, and check for ticks after your hike. Arkansas is tick-prone in fall. Leashing your dog isn’t just courteous it’s required, and it protects wildlife, other hikers, and your own peace of mind.

Before you hit the trail, tell someone your plan. Share your trail name, estimated return time, and route this is non-negotiable. Pack the Ten Essentials: a map, compass or GPS app, flashlight, first aid kit, extra food and water, layers, fire starter, knife, emergency shelter, and sun protection.

Dress in layers fall mornings are chilly, but afternoons can warm quickly. Avoid bulky coats and opt for breathable fabrics. Wear proper hiking boots with tread; flip-flops are a trip hazard. If you’re hiking alone, don’t advertise it to strangers on the trail.

Stay on marked paths fall is snake season, and wandering off-trail increases risk. Download trail maps ahead of time using apps like All Trails or Gaia GPS, and make sure they’re available offline, since cell service can be spotty.

Confidence is part of safety. Walk with purpose, even if you’re unsure. Trust your instincts if something feels off, turn around. Carry a whistle or personal alarm, and avoid wearing headphones so you can stay alert to your surroundings.

Emotional safety matters too. We hike because the forest heals. Because waterfalls don’t ask questions. Because grief, fear, and uncertainty deserve a place to breathe. This fall, let’s hike with intention. Let’s hike with preparation. Let’s hike for the joy of reclaiming what’s ours.

 

Trail Blessing and Closing Words

To every woman who hikes alone, with her dog, or in quiet companionship: may your boots find steady ground, may your breath sync with the rhythm of the trees, and may your instincts guide you home. The forest doesn’t ask you to be fearless it asks you to be present. To listen. To prepare. To honor your own safety as sacred.

This fall, don’t let fear steal what the season offers. Let your dog be your companion, your preparation be your protection, and your love of the trail be your compass. Share your plan. Pack with care. Hike with purpose. And when the leaves fall around you, know your part of something ancient, resilient, and worth protecting.

You don’t have to give up what you love. You just have to hike like you mean it.

 

🧭 Resources for Confident Fall Hiking

• 🗺️ Trail Maps & Reviews
  AllTrails – Arkansas Trails
  Gaia GPS – Offline Navigation
• 🐾 Dog-Friendly Hiking Tips
  BringFido – Arkansas Trails
  ASPCA – Hiking With Your Dog
• 🎒 Safety Gear & Essentials
  REI – Ten Essentials Checklist
  Sabre – Personal Safety Alarms
• 📞 Local Park Info & Emergency Contacts
  Arkansas State Parks Directory
  National Park Service – Ozark Region

This article published by Susan Golis, Freelance Writer, blogger, and Content Creator.  Image credit:  AI created by Susang6 and Original photographs captured by Golis while hiking in Arkansas and SW Missouri 

Training Dog for Autumn Hiking Trails

Whenever the leaves on the trees change and the weather is warm and sunny I like to take to the nature trails with my husband and my boxer dog. I have been taking my boxer off trail since she was puppy and when I look back I recall a dog that was hyperactive and did not want to respond to commands. Yes she was a wild child and was clueless as to why I wanted her to be aware of the terrain.

Hiking on a mountain ridge in autumns:  Ozark Mountains 

Know that my boxer puppy learned a few things from my mature Border Collie.  When my boxer did not stop me from rough terrain I slipped on the gravel my border collie ran the opposite direction and safely held me steady with the leash. Then to my surprise my border collie barked and nipped at the puppy as if scolding her for not paying attention.

My mature trail dog helped me to train my boxer to guide me on the trails and this autumn I plan to take her off trail hiking with me. My boxer is a year old now and I think she will do very good, at least I hope so. I have been taking her on short hikes by my home and she is doing better but I will need to watch the trail closely as she is easily distracted.

Know that I took my boxer on the trail along Shoal Creek, just SW of Joplin, this one mile hike was cut short because of my boxer. We scaled the side of a steep hill and my dog pulled so hard on the leash that I nearly fell down. My boxer was distracted by turtle and did put me in harms way.

Boxers have a short attention span and thus not the best breed of dog for hiking. I would take my border collie on this Autumn hike but he is having issues with arthritis and hip displaysia. 

 Border Collies make the best dogs to hike off trail, they are alert and aware of their surroundings and they will never lead you into a dangerous area.

I will keep working with my boxer and I hope she is ready come September to go off trail hiking with me.  

Hiking with My Dogs in Autumn

Whenever I take to the hiking trails in autumn I always take my dogs. Both are large and will protect my husband and I if a situation would arise, plus the dogs enjoy themselves as it is good exercise and a fun activity to do during the autumn season.

Choosing a nature trail where dogs are welcome is something that I look for when planning our hiking trip. I always call the state park ahead of time to make sure my dogs are permitted. Know that there are hiking trails that permit dogs, but you must keep them on a leash. 

 Public trails are fun, but if I want to let my dogs stretch their legs and play ball I will take them on private property hike. Many of my friends have acres of land and as long as I ask and give them notice they sure do not mind me letting my dogs walk without a leash.

Getting my dogs ready for nature trail hike.

Whenever I take my dog to the park I will get him ready by fastening a hunting bell to my dogs collar. I buy these bells that look like small cowbells because they have a ring that carries. 

The bells are an inexpensive item that has huge benefits as it lets everyone know that a dog or people are on the trails, plus if your dog happens to get away from you the bell will let you know where they are.

I also get my dog ready for a hike in the woods by putting a tick collar on them. Ticks are really bad where I reside and the revolution topical treatment that I use is not effective in the woods. My friend has hunting dogs and told me that the tick collar is a must if you are going to be walking in the woods.

The tick collar that was recommended to me by my Veterinarian is Preventic by Virbac. Know that this collar is effective because  when the tick bites your dog, the tick will detach itself and will be killed immediately. 

Other than the bell and the tick preventative, I will get my dog ready by bringing along a thermos full of water and a folding collapsible travel food or water bowl. .

Autumn will soon be here and I am looking forward to hiking with my dogs along the banks of Shoal creek in SW Missouri and Arkansas and we may take a few camping trips with our dogs.  The nature trails when the leaves start to change colors will be a really fun activity. 

Do you take your dog on nature hikes?

Here is one of trails in Arkansas...it is off trail but does look like an adventure.