Bark by the Banks of The Little Red River, Arkansas
- Luie Boone
- Oct 27
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 28
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
Little Red... Riding Hood? Luie Boone knows that fairytale all too well—and he's here to set the record straight. He's a dog, thank you very much. Loyal, lovable, a little stinky, but absolutely not a wolf. Sure, he's got big ears and a snazzy snout, but he's never lurked in the woods with bad intentions or impersonated a grandma. If anything, he'd be the one sniffing out the wolf and barking up a storm to save Little Red Riding Hood.
Actually, hold your biscuits. It turns out Luie Boone misheard his hoomans once again. (What a surprise, he must've been too busy eating biscuits). His hoomans weren't talking about fairy tales at all. They were actually talking about a vacation to Little Red River, Arkansas! A river sounds way better than a spooky forest full of questionable grandmas, if you ask Luie Boone. He's already dreaming of splashing in water, sniffing out riverside critters, and maybe even catching a whiff of something fishy. No wolves, no cloaks—just fresh air, muddy paws, and the kind of adventure only a river like the Little Red River in Arkansas can deliver.
In fact, vacationing with your dog along the Little Red River in Arkansas is bound to be an adventure filled with natural beauty, friendly towns, and plenty of room to explore together. The river begins below Greers Ferry Dam in Heber Springs and winds through the Ozarks, before joining the White River near Augusta. Along the way, you’ll find charming stops, peaceful trails, and cozy, pet-friendly stays. Luie Boone is going to bark about some locations to stop at:
Heber Springs, in Luie Boone's opinion, is the most paw-some place to start. This lakeside town offers clear, cool water and absolutely stunning mountain views. While in Heber Springs, you can walk along the proclaimed easy Collins Creek Trail and let your dog splash around in the cool creek waters. Or you can visit Greers Ferry Lake for pet-friendly beaches and yummy picnics. After a day out in the town, you can relax at one of many restaurants with dog-friendly patios—such as Cafe Klaser, Jitterbug Coffeehouse, or Smoke House Restaurant. With a full belly, you can then head to Sugarloaf Mountain. Although Luie Boone prefers to call it Sniffarloaf Mountain, because he plans to sniff every inch of the trail there. Fun fact: Sugarloaf Mountain is actually a dormant volcanic butte that rises dramatically from the lake, offering panoramic views from the summit. It’s a short but steep hike, and totally worth it for the nose-tingling breezes at the top.
Just north of the river's source, you'll find Fairfield Bay. This bay sits pretty above Greers Ferry lake, which is the sparkling water that feeds the Little Red River. It’s a tail-wagging paradise for pups and their hoomans, with breezy lake walks, shady forest hikes, and plenty of spots to sniff and explore. You can soak in the views from the marina or paddle out together for a peaceful float. But Fairfield Bay isn’t just scenic—it’s packed with surprises. You can take a pontoon ferry ride from the marina to Sugarloaf Mountain Island, hike the Indian Rock Cave Trail to see ancient petroglyphs, or explore The Bay Trails. The town even earned a “City of Distinction” award for its quality of life and eco-friendly vibes. And when the tummy starts rumbling, head to The Little Red Restaurant. Just so you know, Luie Boone’s already practicing his best “feed me” eyes for that one.
Next, you should continue west to Clinton, where the South Fork of the Little Red River winds through wooded valleys and limestone bluffs. It’s the kind of place where Luie Boone can sniff the breeze and pretend that he’s on a wilderness expedition (with snack breaks, of course). At South Fork Nature Center, you can stroll shady trails with lake overlooks, while the Van Buren County Trail System offers even more dog-friendly paths to explore. Clinton is also home to the Natural Bridge of Arkansas—one of the largest sandstone bridges in the state—and the Archey Fork Park, where pups can splash in the creek or chase a few squirrels (purely for sport, of course). When it’s time to refuel, head to Bucket List Cafe for a classic American breakfast or lunch. With its rustic charm and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot for Luie Boone to rest his paws and maybe sneak a bite of bacon.
Farther downstream, Pangburn offers calm waters perfect for kayaking, wading, and letting Luie Boone cool off his paws. It’s a quiet stretch of the Little Red where the only ripples come from paddles and playful splashes.
Searcy brings small-town charm with a big heart. You can stroll the Riverside Park Trail, a scenic path along the river that’s ideal for a relaxed walk or a squirrel-spotting mission. And when it’s time to refuel, Midnight Oil Coffeehouse serves up cozy vibes and strong brews. Luie Boone recommends the patio for optimal crumb-catching.
Judsonia adds a dash of history with its iconic Swinging Bridge, built in 1936 and still swaying with style. It’s a fun stop for a photo op and a tail-wagging trot across the river. Nearby, Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co. offers a unique bite that might just tempt Luie to practice his best “I’m a good boy” face.
As the Little Red flows into the White River near Augusta, the journey winds down with peaceful views and quiet reflection. Stop by Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching and wide-open trails or catch a sunset at Augusta Riverfront Park. That's where Luie Boone will sit, sniff the breeze, and soak in the final chapter of his riverside adventure.
Overall, traveling the Little Red River with your dog is a chance to slow down and savor Arkansas’s warm hospitality. From Heber Springs and Fairfield Bay to Clinton and Augusta, every stop offers new trails, scenic views, and wag-worthy adventures.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay on the Little Red River, Arkansas. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Little Red Tree House
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 6 beds and 2 bathrooms.
Photos courtesy of VRBO
It features the following amenities:
Located in the exclusive Wildflower Subdivision
Nestled up against the cliffs of the Spring Mountains
Right in front of beautiful Libby Cliff
Property is 8 acres
Has over 200 yards of riverfront
Features a large dock, with a hole for pole fishing
6-person hot tub on wrap around deck
Outdoor furniture
2 grills—one gas and one charcoal
Fire pit
Private, lighted walkway down to dock
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
I already know our upcoming trip to The Little Red Tree House on the Little Red River is going to be amazing. Unfortunately, it's not an actual treehouse, which would've been cool. My hoomans rolled their eyes at me and said, "Think about the logistics, Luie Boone. "Logistics? Please. I’ve seen squirrels do it with zero planning and half a peanut. It's totally fine though, because this house is cool. My hoomans say it’s near Heber Springs, Arkansas, with eight private acres to explore. Eight acres! There is also a big river and a huge dock, which is where my humans will fish. While they’re busy trying to catch trout, I plan to patrol the riverbank, sniff out interesting smells, and maybe even splash around in the shallows. After all, someone has to make sure the fish know I’m watching! I’m bringing two of my best friends: Skipper the Stuffed Fox and Ripple the Stuffed Rainbow Trout. Skipper always comes on adventures with me, and Ripple—well, let’s just say I won’t tell him that the humans plan to fish for trout there. He’s a little sensitive about that sort of thing. My hoomans say there might be red foxes, deer, box turtles, groundhogs, and even bald eagles nearby. I can’t wait to show Skipper a real fox. At night, the stars are supposed to be so close you can almost touch them. I can already imagine curling up by the fire pit with Skipper and Ripple, dreaming under the Arkansas sky. I haven’t left yet, but I’m counting the days until me, my humans, my fox, and my rainbow trout head off together for one of the best adventures ever.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing at The Little Red River, Arkansas!
Mossy Bluff National Nature Trail
The Mossy Bluff Nature Trail is a must-visit with your pooch. It takes you along a wooded bluff, overlooking the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Damn. Be sure to keep an eye out for two different trees that have grown together as one! Other points of interest include: the lichen's role in primary succession, a balanced rock caused by the process of weathering, and many other natural occurrences. At the end of the trail, there are 96 steps leading up to a spectacular overlook, which sits above The Little Red River and the Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery.
Bridal Veil Falls
The Bridal Veil Falls is a 50-foot waterfall! It cascades gracefully over a series of rocks, creating a mesmerizing display of water and mist. There is a well-constructed observation deck, which offers visitors a secure vantage point to view and photograph the falls. The area features a less than half-mile loop trail—considered to be moderately challenging. Overall, this trail provides hikers and their pups with diverse terrain and scenic views, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and their canine companions.
Sugarloaf Mountain Wildlife Trail
The Snifferloaf—or as everyone else calls it, Sugarloaf Mountain Wildlife Trail is a just over two-mile out-and-back trail near Heber Springs, Arkansas. It is generally considered an easy route, taking an average of fifty-one minutes to complete. Luie Boone swears that he could do it in fifty minutes. This trail is great for bird watching and hiking with your pooch. You may also see lots of bunnies. Plus, there is a nice dock to get up-and-close with the waters, as well as a picnic table to sit and have a snack at.
Sulphur Creek Trail
The Sulphur Creek Trail offers a shady, tree-lined stroll that’s easy on the paws and full of sniff-worthy stops. With several charming crossings over Sulphur Creek, it’s basically a splash zone disguised as a hiking trail. But here’s the kicker: about half the route follows the old Missouri and North Arkansas (M&NA) Railroad right-of-way. That’s right, Luie Boone’s walking where trains once chugged along, probably hauling cargo way less exciting than sticks, squirrels, and snacks.
Collins Creek Trailhead
At the Collins Creek Trailhead, hoomans and their pooches can enjoy a just over one-mile out-and-back trail. There is absolutely beautiful scenery to take in, as well as the riveting sounds of the nearby falls. Your pup will especially enjoy the cool water of the creek after hiking. Luie Boone promises not to do a high-risk cannonball; he'll play it safe.
Natural Bridge Arkansas
The Natural Bridge of Arkansas is a naturally occurring rock formation, which has been millions of years in the making. It is nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks. The rock formation is approximately 120 feet long and 4 feet thick at its center. The sandstone formation is masterfully carved by erosion from Little Johnnies Creek, which winds through the property. Did you know the Natural Bridge was used by pioneers as a way to transport timber utilizing mule/ox drawn carriages to the nearby sawmills? The property also boasts two 1800s cabins. One serves as the entrance and souvenir shop-while the other is now used as a museum.
Bluffton Preserve
The Bluffton Preserve is situated along the Archy Fork of the Little Red River. It is an almost one-thousand-acre tract of land, which includes hiking, paddling and a picnic area. Luie Boone knows better than to think he can traverse one-thousand-acres!
The Little Red Restaurant
The Little Red Restaurant is the place to be. When there is beautiful Fairfield Bay weather, it is just perfect for sitting outside at one of their four dog-friendly tables. The menu features seasonal entrees like rainbow trout (again do NOT say anything to Ripple), as well as familiar fare—such as salads, burgers, ribs, and chicken. Don't forget to order your dog a big juicy hamburger patty!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
The Little Red River, Arkansas
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
My hoomans are super excited about fishing, hiking, and sitting by the water while we're vacation at the Little Red River, Arkansas. Normally, I’d be wagging my tail off at the idea of swimming and exploring, but I overheard something that’s making me a little nervous—something called the Heber Springs Water Panther. Apparently, it’s a local legend about a creature that lives in the rivers near Heber Springs. It's part cat, part serpent, and not exactly friendly. When I heard that, I looked at my cat brother, Tobi. He’s not coming on the trip (he says he doesn’t do travel; whatever that means), but he loved the story. He stretched, flicked his tail, and said, “Finally, a cat that can swim and scare dogs.” Then he went back to napping, like it was the funniest thing in the world. I can already picture it: We’ll get to the rental house, and the hoomans will head straight for the river. They’ll want me to splash around, but I’ll be keeping a close eye on the water. If it ripples weird or bubbles for no reason, I’m heading back inside to the couch. Let the Water Panther have the river. I’ll protect the snacks. Tobi says that I’m being dramatic, but dogs just know when something’s off. I’ll be brave for my hoomans, but if that Heber Springs Water Panther shows up, I’ll make sure everyone’s safe—unlike that big, bad wolf in Little Red Riding Hood.
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