History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts can come together to enjoy this gorgeous river trail. Rumored to be the one of the campsites of Hernando de Soto, the DeSoto Bluff Trail is fascinating hike to retrace early explorer’s steps. Let’s learn a little as we stroll along this peaceful trail.
Google Maps While you’re in Arkadelphia be sure to stop at 1000-, 1146 N 10th St., Arkadelphia, AR 71923. The road leads to a short and sweet hike along the DeSoto Bluff Trail.
The family-friendly hike is a wonderful way to retrace the steps of explorers throughout the centuries.
AllTrails/Doug Neidholdt The trail was named after Hernando de Soto, who was thought to have camped with his soldiers atop the bluff. Historians have disproved the rumor but other explorers have indeed used the trail. In 1804, explorers George Hunter and William Dunbar actually did trek along the bluff as part of President Thomas Jefferson’s Grand Expedition of Discovery after the Louisiana Purchase. Even before that the area was utilized by the Caddo tribe.
Even without the informative markers, the trail feels like an important piece of history.
AllTrails/Keith Crawford Even though the trail is paved (which we do love for smaller family members) it’s easy to immerse yourself in the trail’s history. The mile-long hike will have you feel like you’re one of the first explorers in the area.
Google/SearingBirch123 This path through the bluffs not only attracted early explorers, but magical folk as well! A small gnome has made his home in a tree alongside the trail. If your small Arkansans aren’t totally enthralled with the history then a friendly hunt for the DeSoto gnome might re-spark their interest.
It’s easy to see why explorers were drawn to this area when you look out to the bluff’s sweeping views.
Google/Christy Nix Drinking in the view of the Ouachita River is a wonderfully refreshing reward from all the trail’s history lessons. The naturally- and historically-rich DeSoto Bluff Trail will easily be one of your family’s favorite trails.
Have you hiked the DeSoto Bluffs? Share your experience with us in the comments below! Share your photos of the trail in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Google Maps
While you’re in Arkadelphia be sure to stop at 1000-, 1146 N 10th St., Arkadelphia, AR 71923. The road leads to a short and sweet hike along the DeSoto Bluff Trail.
AllTrails/Doug Neidholdt
The trail was named after Hernando de Soto, who was thought to have camped with his soldiers atop the bluff. Historians have disproved the rumor but other explorers have indeed used the trail. In 1804, explorers George Hunter and William Dunbar actually did trek along the bluff as part of President Thomas Jefferson’s Grand Expedition of Discovery after the Louisiana Purchase. Even before that the area was utilized by the Caddo tribe.
AllTrails/Keith Crawford
Even though the trail is paved (which we do love for smaller family members) it’s easy to immerse yourself in the trail’s history. The mile-long hike will have you feel like you’re one of the first explorers in the area.
Google/SearingBirch123
This path through the bluffs not only attracted early explorers, but magical folk as well! A small gnome has made his home in a tree alongside the trail. If your small Arkansans aren’t totally enthralled with the history then a friendly hunt for the DeSoto gnome might re-spark their interest.
Google/Christy Nix
Drinking in the view of the Ouachita River is a wonderfully refreshing reward from all the trail’s history lessons. The naturally- and historically-rich DeSoto Bluff Trail will easily be one of your family’s favorite trails.
To continue following in history’s footsteps, tackle one of these ancient trails.
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