Part 9 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to the Natural State — and Arkansas is one of the most underrated dog-friendly destinations in the entire country. From the world-class mountain biking trails of Bentonville to the healing waters of Hot Springs National Park and the wild beauty of the Buffalo National River, Arkansas will absolutely surprise you.
🐾 Why Arkansas?
Arkansas doesn't get nearly enough credit as a travel destination, and that's actually part of its charm. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains offer stunning scenery and hundreds of miles of dog-friendly trails. Bentonville has transformed into one of the South's most vibrant small cities thanks to the Walton family's arts investments. And Hot Springs is one of America's most unique and historic destinations. Dogs are welcome throughout, and the state's natural beauty is genuinely breathtaking.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
21c Museum Hotel — Bentonville
One of the most stylish hotels in the entire Southeast, 21c Bentonville combines a contemporary art museum with a boutique hotel and welcomes pets with zero fees. Steps from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Bentonville's vibrant downtown, it's a bucket-list stay for culturally-minded dog owners.
The Waters Hotel — Hot Springs
A beautifully restored historic hotel in the heart of Bathhouse Row that welcomes pets. Soak in the thermal waters, explore the national park, and return to one of Hot Springs' most elegant addresses with your pup.
Aloft Fayetteville — Fayetteville
A pet-friendly hotel in the heart of Fayetteville, steps from the Dickson Street entertainment district and the University of Arkansas campus. A great base for exploring one of Arkansas's most vibrant college towns with your dog.
Buffalo Outdoor Center — Ponca
A collection of pet-friendly cabins along the Buffalo National River in the heart of the Ozarks. Wake up to stunning river valley views, step outside for world-class hiking and floating, and spend evenings on the porch with your pup under a sky full of stars.
Gaston's White River Resort — Lakeview
A legendary Arkansas fishing resort on the White River that welcomes pets in their riverside cottages. Even if you're not a fisherman, the setting — crystal-clear water, towering bluffs, and lush Ozark forest — is absolutely stunning.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
Pressroom — Bentonville
A beloved Bentonville gathering spot with a dog-friendly patio in a beautifully converted historic building. Great cocktails, creative American cuisine, and a lively atmosphere that captures the energy of Bentonville's remarkable transformation.
Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie — Bentonville
A celebrated Bentonville restaurant with a dog-friendly patio celebrating Arkansas ingredients and Southern culinary traditions. One of the best restaurants in the state, with a menu that changes with the seasons.
Doe's Eat Place — Little Rock
A legendary Little Rock institution with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Famous for their tamales and steaks, Doe's has been a gathering place for Arkansas's movers and shakers for decades — your pup will fit right in.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery — Hot Springs
The only brewery in the world located inside a national park, Superior Bathhouse brews its beer with Hot Springs' famous thermal water. Dog-friendly outdoor seating and a truly one-of-a-kind experience on Bathhouse Row.
Hammontree's Grilled Cheese — Fayetteville
A Fayetteville institution with a dog-friendly patio and the most creative grilled cheese sandwiches you've ever seen. A perfect casual lunch stop after a morning hike in the Ozarks.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
Bike Rack Brewing — Bentonville
Perfectly named for Bentonville's mountain biking culture, Bike Rack has a massive dog-friendly outdoor space and a tap list that celebrates the active, adventurous spirit of the Ozarks. A must-stop after a ride on the Slaughter Pen trail system.
Core Brewing & Distilling — Springdale
One of Arkansas's largest and most celebrated craft breweries with a dog-friendly taproom and outdoor space. Their Razorback Red is a local favorite, and the brewery has a great community feel.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery — Hot Springs
Worth mentioning twice — this is genuinely one of the most unique brewery experiences in America. Thermal spring water, national park setting, dog-friendly patio. Don't miss it.
Ozark Beer Company — Rogers
A Northwest Arkansas craft brewery with a dog-friendly taproom and patio. Great rotating taps and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the Bentonville/Rogers metro area.
Lost Forty Brewing — Little Rock
Little Rock's most beloved craft brewery with a large dog-friendly outdoor space. Their Rockhound IPA is a local classic, and the taproom is a great gathering spot in Arkansas's capital city.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Trails — Bentonville
The stunning grounds of Crystal Bridges include miles of dog-friendly trails through native Ozark forest, past world-class outdoor sculpture, and along a beautiful spring-fed creek. One of the most extraordinary free cultural experiences in America, and your dog is invited.
Buffalo National River — Ponca to Buffalo City
America's first national river is one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and at campgrounds throughout the park. The Upper Buffalo near Ponca is especially dramatic, with towering limestone bluffs and crystal-clear water.
Hot Springs National Park — Hot Springs
America's smallest national park welcomes leashed dogs on its trails and in the historic Bathhouse Row district. The Hot Springs Mountain Trail offers great views of the city and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
Ozark Highlands Trail — Northwest Arkansas
A 218-mile trail through the heart of the Ozark National Forest, with dog-friendly sections accessible from multiple trailheads. The scenery — sandstone bluffs, clear streams, and hardwood forest — is stunning in every season.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park — Little Rock
A beautiful state park just west of Little Rock with dog-friendly trails up to the summit of Pinnacle Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley. A great urban escape for dogs visiting the capital.
Bentonville Trail System — Bentonville
Over 100 miles of world-class mountain biking and hiking trails weave through Bentonville and the surrounding Ozark foothills. Dogs are welcome on most trails, and the Slaughter Pen and Back 40 systems are particularly spectacular.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Bentonville (Crystal Bridges + trails + Bike Rack Brewing) → south to Fayetteville (Dickson Street + Hammontree's) → east to Buffalo National River (Ponca cabins + hiking) → south to Little Rock (Lost Forty + Pinnacle Mountain) → west to Hot Springs (national park + Superior Bathhouse Brewery).
This route is best enjoyed over 5–6 days and showcases the full range of Arkansas's stunning natural and cultural offerings.
🐶 Pro Tips for Arkansas Road Trips
- Bentonville is one of the most dog-friendly small cities in America — give it more time than you think you need.
- The Buffalo National River can flood quickly after rain — check conditions before floating or hiking near the river with your dog.
- Arkansas ticks are prevalent in spring and summer — use tick prevention and check your dog thoroughly after every hike.
- Hot Springs' Bathhouse Row is a National Historic Landmark — walk it with your pup in the early morning before the crowds arrive.
- Fall foliage in the Ozarks (mid-October) is spectacular and one of the best times to visit with a dog.
Up Next in the Series
Stay tuned for Part 10: Kentucky — where we'll explore the Bourbon Trail, the horse farms of the Bluegrass, and the stunning Red River Gorge. Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a stop!
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Arkansas we should add? Drop it in the comments!