Lake Leatherwood City Park
A sprawling city park in Eureka Springs, AR, featuring a picturesque lake, 25+ miles of trails for hiking and biking, and family-friendly amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Lake Leatherwood City Park
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling city park in Eureka Springs, AR, featuring a picturesque lake, 25+ miles of trails for hiking and biking, and family-friendly amenities.
"This is a beautiful place! They have the lake but they also have trails, playground, boat launch, and more!"
Trail Maps are Key
Grab a trail map from the park office or website to navigate the 25+ miles of diverse terrain. :world_map:
Pack for Adventure
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and biking. Bring water and snacks, especially for longer excursions. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dam
Shoreline trail
A historic and scenic structure offering beautiful lake views and a great spot for a leisurely walk.
Rock Spiral/Maze
Near hiking trails
Discover this intriguing art installation or natural wonder, a unique photo opportunity.
Playground
Near park entrance
A fantastic spot for younger visitors to burn off energy with swings, slides, and open space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Lake Access & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Trail Maps are Key
Grab a trail map from the park office or website to navigate the 25+ miles of diverse terrain. :world_map:
Pack for Adventure
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and biking. Bring water and snacks, especially for longer excursions. :athletic_shoe:
Bait Shop for Essentials
The bait shop offers rentals, snacks, drinks, and ice cream at reasonable prices. :ice_cream:
Consider Cabin Stays
Campground cabins offer amenities like AC, WiFi, and well-appointed kitchens for a comfortable stay. :housewithgarden:
Tips
from all over the internet
Trail Maps are Key
Grab a trail map from the park office or website to navigate the 25+ miles of diverse terrain. :world_map:
Pack for Adventure
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and biking. Bring water and snacks, especially for longer excursions. :athletic_shoe:
Bait Shop for Essentials
The bait shop offers rentals, snacks, drinks, and ice cream at reasonable prices. :ice_cream:
Consider Cabin Stays
Campground cabins offer amenities like AC, WiFi, and well-appointed kitchens for a comfortable stay. :housewithgarden:
Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy trails and open spaces, but be mindful of water safety for your pets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Leatherwood City Park for its beautiful natural setting, extensive trail system, and family-friendly amenities like the playground. The park offers a peaceful escape with opportunities for hiking, biking, and water recreation. Some guests note that swimming in the lake can be difficult, but the overall experience is highly positive, with many planning return visits.
"We had a lovely two-night stay here over Labor Day weekend. We stayed in one of the cabins. For a campground cabin, I thought it was very nice. Spacious, kitchen was well-appointed, strong AC, and great wifi! The bathroom is pretty small (not a complaint just an FYI). My 5-year old loved being steps away from the giant playground. He loved our hike to the dam, swimming in the lake, and renting a paddleboat from the "bait shop." The bait shop also has snacks, drinks, and ice cream at very reasonable prices. We will be back!"
Chelsea Hodge
"This is a beautiful place! They have the lake but they also have trails, playground, boat launch, and more! There is a map available on the website too. They are open from 8AM - 5PM according to phone call.
I would give this a 4 because the lake is advertised to be swimmable, but it is actually extremely difficult to swim. I would recommend not swimming in the lake, it is easy to hurt yourself and it is not fully maintained. Everything else was great!"
My Clarity
"Great hiking trails! They range in difficulty from easy to extreme for all skill levels. Trails are clearly marked and there are multiple intersections should you need to switch to another trail. Lake and dam are beautiful. Very well maintained."
Kim Ramsey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Leatherwood City Park is located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It's easily accessible by car, with clear signage from the main roads. Many visitors find it a convenient drive from nearby cities like Branson or Fayetteville. +1
Yes, there are multiple parking areas throughout the park, including near the trailhead, playground, and boat launch. Parking is generally ample, but can fill up on busy weekends.
Absolutely! Using 'Lake Leatherwood City Park, Eureka Springs, AR' in your GPS or mapping app will guide you directly to the park entrance.
The park is best explored on foot or by bike, thanks to its extensive trail system. You can also drive between different areas like the dam, playground, and boat launch.
Yes, RVs are welcome, but some campsites have a 30-foot limit. It's recommended to check with the park office for specific site availability and restrictions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Leatherwood City Park is a public city park and generally does not have an entrance fee for day use. However, fees may apply for camping or specific activities like boat rentals.
The park is typically open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, though hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to confirm current operating hours before your visit.
It is highly recommended to book camping sites in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to secure your spot.
No specific passes or permits are required for general hiking within Lake Leatherwood City Park. Enjoy the trails freely!
Yes, you can rent paddleboats and kayaks from the bait shop located near the lake. Check their operating hours for availability.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Trails vary in difficulty, from easy shoreline walks to challenging mountain bike routes. The trail to the dam is popular and scenic.
While the lake is advertised as swimmable, some visitors find it difficult and potentially unsafe. Paddle boating and kayaking are recommended alternatives for water recreation.
Yes, the park offers restrooms, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a great spot for families and day trips.
You might encounter various birds, squirrels, and other small wildlife. The Ozark Mountains surrounding the park are rich in biodiversity.
Look out for a fascinating rock spiral/maze, a historic dam, and a diving platform and pavilion, showcasing the park's unique features.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no full-service restaurants within the park. However, the bait shop offers snacks, drinks, and ice cream.
Absolutely! The park has designated picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Eureka Springs, just a short drive away, offers a wide variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments.
Yes, there are grocery stores in Eureka Springs where you can stock up on supplies for picnics or if you're camping.
Information on alcohol sales at the bait shop is not readily available, but they are known to sell snacks and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam, the lake's shoreline, the rock spiral, and scenic overlooks along the trails offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Definitely! The rolling hills of the Ozarks, the serene lake, and the diverse flora provide stunning landscape photography subjects, especially during spring and fall.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the park administration or local authorities regarding regulations for drone operation within the park.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones.
Keep an eye out for the mysterious rock spiral, historic park structures, and the diverse natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚵 Mountain Bikers
+1 Some trails even have shuttle services, making it easier to maximize your riding time. Remember to bring your own gear or check for local rental options in Eureka Springs. Always prioritize safety and be aware of trail conditions. 🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Popular routes include the scenic shoreline trail leading to the historic dam, offering picturesque views of the lake. For mountain bikers, the park features dedicated downhill trails, with some even offering shuttle services, making it a prime destination for gravity-fed riding.
+1 Remember to consult a trail map before you set out to plan your adventure and ensure you're prepared for the terrain. Hikers and bikers alike appreciate the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains surrounding the park. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna as you explore. The diverse landscape ensures that each trail offers a unique experience, from dense woodlands to open clearings with stunning vistas.
Lake Activities and Water Fun
Rentals for paddleboats and kayaks are available from the park's bait shop, which also serves as a convenient spot for snacks, drinks, and ice cream.
Beyond direct water activities, the lake's shoreline offers scenic walking paths, including the popular route to the historic dam. The tranquil atmosphere of the lake makes it a perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon, whether you're on the water or enjoying the views from the shore.
Family-Friendly Features
Beyond the playground, families can enjoy easy hikes to the dam or rent paddleboats for a fun afternoon on the lake. The bait shop's availability of snacks and ice cream is a definite hit with younger visitors.
For families considering a longer stay, the campground cabins offer comfortable accommodations with amenities like strong AC and WiFi, making them a great base for exploring the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit