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Off The Leash and Loving It in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

  • Writer: Luie Boone
    Luie Boone
  • Apr 17
  • 4 min read

Updated: Apr 19

This vacation destination is a part of our first series of blog posts titled Pooches Polite.

*Featured image is courtesy of selectregistry.com
*Featured image is courtesy of selectregistry.com

If you're dreaming of a getaway where pups can run, romp, and roll to their heart’s content, the quirky little town of Eureka Springs is the spot.


Dogs and their humans have been soaking up the good vibes in Eureka Springs since way back—like the 1800s! Eureka Springs is tucked into the rolling green Ozark Mountains, high up in northern Arkansas. It's a resort town with rivers, lakes, and even legendary healing waters.


Your canine will get a thrill out of the hills, trails, and woods in and around town. We're talking about hiking trails that’ll get your dogs tail wagging. You can also have fun paddle boarding. Luie Boone wonders if the pups can hop up on the paddle boards, too. They can, but make sure they don't tip their humans over! They probably will, though, so be prepared for some splashing around with your furry friend.


So, what are you waiting for? Heal your vacation vibes with nature and nose boops in Eureka Springs!

Photo Courtesy of www.visiteurekasprings.com
Photo Courtesy of www.visiteurekasprings.com

Paws Rest Here


Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Check it out below!


Rental Name: Moon's View Cabin

This rental has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 3.5 baths. There is an additional sleeping loft with 2 twin beds.


Photos courtesy of Evolve


It features the following amenities:

  • Wraparound deck and covered patio

  • Charcoal grill and a fire pit

  • Hiking trail with access on-site

  • Fenced-in dog run, which your dog can enjoy frolicking around in


Photo Courtesy of Evolve
Photo Courtesy of Evolve

What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:

I caught a whiff of a paw-fect getaway, where loads of tail-wagging adventures are just a short trot away! My family and I will stay in a cabin that is a dreamy den nestled on a mountainside, with plenty of trees to sniff and squirrels to bark at. And, boy, I love barking at squirrels. There is hiking trail access right on-site. That means I can wake right up, do a biggggggg stretch, and be following my nose down the fresh trails in no time! No car rides, no waiting… just leash up and go! I'll be off to a wonderland of scents, sticks that practically beg to be carried, and squirrels to pretend I’m not totally obsessed with. We will also go paddling on Beaver Lake, which is only 6 miles away. I will call dibs on the front of the kayak. And when the day's done, we will kick back at the cabin on the huge deck, while soaking in the stunning views. You can be sure that I will be waiting by the door the next morning with my tail wagging, ready for another day of fun!


Paws Venture Here


Photo Courtesy of Heather, BringFido.com                          (July 6, 2021)
Photo Courtesy of Heather, BringFido.com (July 6, 2021)






Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway

This is an excursion train, which welcomes pups and their humans aboard. It is an exciting way to learn more about the area.





Photo Courtesy of Jerricho, BringFido.com                           (May 20, 2023)
Photo Courtesy of Jerricho, BringFido.com (May 20, 2023)











Black Bass Lake City Park

You can enjoy the trails encircling Black Bass Lake with your best friend. Luie Boone will certainly be dipping his paws (or his whole body) in the water! Be sure to bring a towel to dry your dog off.







Photo courtesy of Dawn, BringFido.com (March 15)
Photo courtesy of Dawn, BringFido.com (March 15)







Float Eureka

At Float Eureka, you and your buddy can take kayaks or canoes down the White River. You'll be surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Ozark mountains.




Photo courtesy of BringFido.com
Photo courtesy of BringFido.com









Lake Leatherwood City Park

Your pal is welcome to tag along as you explore this natural serenity, with it's 85-acre spring-fed lake. The park also offers over 25 miles of trails. Luie Boone loves that there is so much to do and so much water to play in!









Photo courtesy of Ashley Rebecca Gross, AllTrails.com                   (May 11, 2024)
Photo courtesy of Ashley Rebecca Gross, AllTrails.com (May 11, 2024)

Dogwood Trail

Dogwood Trail has spectacular overlooks, beautiful geographic features, and one of the largest bluff shelters found on Beaver Lake. Luie Boone, again, wonder if he will see any beavers.







Photo courtesy of Gez Rogers, AllTrails.com        (October 22, 2024)
Photo courtesy of Gez Rogers, AllTrails.com (October 22, 2024)


Poker Bluff Trail

Take your pooch on this 0.6 mile trail, which offers stunning views of the lake and impressive rock formations.







Photo courtesy of Josh Smucker, Google.com
Photo courtesy of Josh Smucker, Google.com




Harmon Park

Explore the natural beauty of this 6.45 acre park with your doggo. It is a serene retreat with picturesque landscapes and peaceful walking (or running) paths.






Photo courtesy of Alisha, BringFido.com                        (September 3, 2020)
Photo courtesy of Alisha, BringFido.com (September 3, 2020)


New Delhi Cafe

This cafe offers delicious Indian food with a beautiful dog-friendly, covered outdoor patio. There is even a doggy menu for Fido! Nothing too spicy, Luie Boone hopes.






Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about

Eureka Springs, 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:


There’s one Eureka Spring legend that makes me sit up and sniff the air: The legend of Black Dog. He wasn’t like the rest of us, because he didn’t eat kibble, didn’t chase tennis balls, and didn’t even wag his tail. What the heck is that about? Well, it's because Black Dog was made of iron. That's right. Iron. They say he appeared in the late 1800s, standing tall above Basin Park, as a noble figure, forever perched, forever watching. He moved once to a pedestal under the park. And then—poof. He was gone. No bark, no tail wag, no goodbye. Just vanished sometime in the early 1900s. No one knows how, or why? I mean… you’d think someone would’ve noticed a metal dog going for a walk. And the strangest part? No one knows where he came from in the first place. A mystery from muzzle to tail. So, if you’re out there, sniffin’ trails and chasing legends, be sure to keep an eye out for Black Dog. He is missed, even if he never chased a stick in his life. Poor fella. Everyone loves sticks.


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