Explore The Mystery Behind The White Cliffs in Southwest Arkansas

Arkansas is full of amazement and wonder. In fact, the state motto used to be the "Wonder State." Perhaps because there are many mysteries in what is now known as the Natural State.

Arkansas White Cliffs Mystery or Hidden Gem?

According to Only in Arkansas, one of those hidden gem mysteries resides in Southwest Arkansas, not far from Texarkana. It's called the White Cliffs Natural Recreation Area, and many outdoor enthusiasts, including me, go there to hike up the 100-foot-high chalk bluff overlooking the Little River, which rises out of the coastal flood plain near Millwood Lake.

The White Cliffs, made of Annona Chalk, transform the cliffs and the surrounding ground into a near-perfect white snow color. According to Arkansas Heritage, the area includes the largest and least disturbed Annona chalk woodland in the state. Annona chalk is the same kind of chalk used to write on a chalkboard.

The White Cliffs: Reflection of a Historical Past in Arkansas

The White Cliffs area was once a 19th-century settlement, with crumbling foundations of structures that you may recognize when hiking the 1.75-mile trail. The White Cliffs Campground is located on the east bank of the Little River feeding into Millwood Lake in southwest Arkansas.

READ MORE: Prime Spots for Eagle Watching in Arkansas This Winter

Now is the perfect time to explore the trail because in the winter, Millwood Lake can be seen from high atop the ridgeline, and scenic views of the Little River. Visitors are asked to wear hiking boots or comfortable shoes as they will pass over knolls, ridges, and ravines.

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The White River Cliffs Recreation Area is easy to get to, and there is a parking lot adjacent to the nature trail. The White Cliffs are located 6 miles south of Cowlingsville on State Highway 317, approximately 36 miles from Texarkana, and are well worth the 46-minute drive.