Are you an adrenaline junkie? Are you always looking for your next thrill? Arkansas has a lot to offer those among us who are looking for adventure whether that adventure be jumping out of a plane, running a marathon or just taking a leisurely horseback ride down an Arkansas trail.
1. Little Rock Skydive
For the very adventurous among us, why not try jumping out of a plane? The skydiving club offers tandem and free fall jumping. I've been told it's lots of fun but I'm too chicken to try it myself! 501-321-0674. Carl Counts is the instructor that has been recommended to me. There are other instructors advertising on the Internet with no so good reviews so buyer beware.Little Rock Climbing Center offers over 4,000 square feet of climbable terrain for beginners and experts. The Climbing Center offers classes or you can climb on your own. The LR Rock Climbing Center offers competitions for climbers on site.
Once a year, Little Rock has a great adventure race called "Raid the Rock." Participants cover approximately 50 miles of mountain biking, trekking/running, canoeing and rope elements.
The Buffalo River is about 150 miles long and has class 1 and 2 rapids. It's perfect for beginners or seasoned rafters.
I admit Little Rock isn't the best place to go hang gliding but Arkansas is. If you're itching to glide over a mountain, head to Mount Magazine. Rising 2,753-feet, Mount Magazine has near perfect conditions for flight. You can also go rock climbing, hiking and backpacking on Mount Magazine.
Arkansas parks are full of bike trails ranging from "beginner" to "masochist" levels. Biking the state gives you the opportunity to get a great workout and see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Anyone can take the walking tour of Blanchard Springs, however it takes someone in great shape with an adventurous spirit to take the wild cave tour. The tour takes visitors to the undeveloped sections of the cave. Participants should be in good physical shape, wear sturdy shoes and come prepared to climb very steep slopes, crawl on hands and knees, pass under low ceilings and travel through red clay.
Most Arkansas parks have excellent hiking trials. Some are great for beginners and others are more challenging. You can find out more about the trails on the Hike Arkansas site.
Horseback riding may not be the best exercise but it is fun. Many parks around the state offer horse "rentals" and instructions.
I wouldn't really call running an adventure, but it is for the adventurous. It's a great way to see the state and keep in shape. Arkansas Runner lets you keep up with what races are going in what places and see the results online.
