Not every adventure has to be a Hemmed-In Hollow or Ozark Highlands Trail. Sometimes the quick nature retreats are the ones that end up making the most memories. This lovely little loop through the woods is a gorgeous break to take in Arkansas’ Ouachita National Forest. Pack in with your pals and let’s head to the Friendship Trail in Jessieville.

Jessieville may be one of our favorite little towns in Arkansas.

AllTrails/Chris Enloe Jessieville has winning stops within city limits like The Shack (which we’ll link at the bottom) but also has a variety of nature escapes around the area. One short and sweet trail to take is the Friendship Loop on the westside of Hwy. 7. For a GPS-friendly map head here.

One of the best features of this little trail is the boardwalk.

AllTrails/Chris Encoe This beautiful boardwalk winds through the trees and takes you a few modest feet above the forest floor. Not only is the boardwalk a fun addition to a simple loop, it’s also a fabulous photography backdrop!

The trail is perfect for young friends…

AllTrails/The Hall Fam Bam Friendship Loop takes about 20 - 30 minutes to complete depending on your pace. This trail has also been evaluated as ADA compliant path. It was designed with input from Spa Area Independent Living, a local non-profit. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcomed along this trail!

…as well as four-legged ones!

AllTrails/Doug Neidholdt Dogs are also welcomed guests along Friendship Loop. Just be sure they stay leashed and to pick up after them. Keeping the trail clean is one of the ways to make sure you Leave No Trace.

Run the trail for exercise or meander with leisure.

AllTrails/Drew Johnson The loop has a small spur that leads to a serene fishing pond if you’d like more activities tacked on to your trailblazing. This area also has a picnic pavilion if you brought snacks!

This may be a short trail but it’s easy to add on another adventure or two in the area.

Google/Patrick Caple From here you could explore Iron Springs Rec Area, cruise Winona Scenic Drive or indulge with a milkshake at The Shack. Take the loop for a quick nature break or organize a weekend away in the woods - the choice is yours!

What’s your favorite easy-breezy trail to take in Arkansas? Share with us in the comments below!

AllTrails/Chris Enloe

Jessieville has winning stops within city limits like The Shack (which we’ll link at the bottom) but also has a variety of nature escapes around the area. One short and sweet trail to take is the Friendship Loop on the westside of Hwy. 7. For a GPS-friendly map head here.

AllTrails/Chris Encoe

This beautiful boardwalk winds through the trees and takes you a few modest feet above the forest floor. Not only is the boardwalk a fun addition to a simple loop, it’s also a fabulous photography backdrop!

AllTrails/The Hall Fam Bam

Friendship Loop takes about 20 - 30 minutes to complete depending on your pace. This trail has also been evaluated as ADA compliant path. It was designed with input from Spa Area Independent Living, a local non-profit. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcomed along this trail!

AllTrails/Doug Neidholdt

Dogs are also welcomed guests along Friendship Loop. Just be sure they stay leashed and to pick up after them. Keeping the trail clean is one of the ways to make sure you Leave No Trace.

AllTrails/Drew Johnson

The loop has a small spur that leads to a serene fishing pond if you’d like more activities tacked on to your trailblazing. This area also has a picnic pavilion if you brought snacks!

Google/Patrick Caple

From here you could explore Iron Springs Rec Area, cruise Winona Scenic Drive or indulge with a milkshake at The Shack. Take the loop for a quick nature break or organize a weekend away in the woods - the choice is yours!

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Address: Jessieville, AR, USA