Dog walking in Bismarck

Bismarck

For hiking aficionados and their canine companions, Bismarck offers opportunities galore!  The dog-friendly Arlie Moore Interpretive Trail is one such opportunity, located at the Recreation Center that shares its name. This is a double loop trail that begins at Arlie Moore Rd and meanders through a pine forest that offers a sense of other-worldliness and seclusion. Looping toward the Lake, it courses in and around coves. Rangers are available to give interpretive walks pointing out the wildlife and plants you and your leashed pooch will see. About 2 miles long, the trail provides an easy stroll that features barktiful lake views and pawsome birding opportunities. 

Caddo Gap

Caddo Gap is a small, rural town just to the northwest of Bismarck, and home to a 809-acre portion of the Ouachita National Forest, which totals 1.8 million acres. The Caddo Gap portion is fortunate to house 3 dog-friendly trails with water crossings, waterfalls and springs among the thick canopy of trees and many shrubs and wildflowers. Eagle Rock Loop is difficult in some places because of the water crossings and elevation, but Little Missouri and Winding Stairs Trails are only moderately difficult, with winding, less steep paths. Winding Stairs Trail is long, about 5 miles, and is an out-and-back route featuring a waterfall. There are pawsome camping spots along the way, and impressive rock formations and swimming spots. Little Missouri is an even longer, a 12-mile out-and-back trail with its own waterfall as well, and is part of he Eagle Rock loop trail. Breathtaking views of the cascading falls and abundant wildlife will make this trail a favorite for you and your furry bestie!

Lake Hamilton

This neighborhood of Hot Springs features branches of the Ouachita River that flow together and form a lake and ponds. On a peninsula reaching into the northeast branch lies Garvan Woodland Gardens, the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas. The gardens are dog-friendly (on leash) and feature beautiful and delicate woodland flowers and plants under a protective canopy of pine forest. At the northwest side of the garden is 4.5 miles of river shoreline, bordered by the forest and rocky outcroppings. The many paths that crisscross the gardens afford you and Fido pawsome walks and wildlife observation opportunities. The Chipmunk Café welcomes you at its outdoor patio, or just take along a picnic lunch and have a seat in this serene, peaceful setting. Woofderful!

Central Ave/ Golf Links Rd

This neighborhood of Hot Springs is home to the Hot Springs Bark Park, a fully-fenced, off-leash puppy playground. Featuring comfy benches for the humans to relax and socialize, the pups get a mulched surface and agility equipment to play on while they socialize with the other pups. Drinking water and buckets are provided, too, along with waste bags and receptacles. Double-gated for safety, this is a pawrrific place to bring your fur-pup for exercise and play! When he’s all tuckered out and hungry, take him over to Rod’s Pizza Cellar where outdoor tables await you and your furry lunch date, and where you’ll find a variety of doggolicious pizzas, along with salads, sandwiches, pasta and desserts. Bone appetit!

Friendship/ Midway