Arkansas' Historic City Is A Hidden Gem With A Walkable Downtown, Vibrant Parks, And River Fun

Fun fact: Randolph is the only county in Arkansas that has five navigable rivers coursing within its bounds — the Black, Current, Eleven Point, Fourche, and Spring rivers. The city of Pocahontas straddles the banks of the Black River in the northeast corner of the state. The waterway is largely to thank for why the community came to be, since Pocahontas began as a ferry stop and trading post back in the 1820s. Of course, Native American tribes lived on the land long before that, which you probably already guessed from the city's name.

Disney lovers and history buffs alike will likely get a kick out of the life-size statue of the Powhatan chief's daughter in town. But that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city's historical treasures. Stroll through the walkable downtown district, and you'll find a slew of old landmarks and relics around just about every corner. The small-town feel is pretty hard to miss, too, especially considering Pocahontas has a small population and doesn't get a whole lot of tourist traffic. If you enjoy a little peace and quiet, you're in for a real treat. 

Pocahontas sits on the very edge of the beautiful Ozark Mountains region, tucked away in the rural countryside, where recreation areas and wild spaces are easy to come by. The city is far enough away from all the hubbub of major cities, standing about an hour away from regional hubs like Paragould and Jonesboro. If you're traveling in from out of the area, your best bet is to fly into Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR), which operates a few regional flights a day. Once you arrive, you'll have a quiet base camp for all kinds of park and river fun.

When in Pocahontas, Arkansas, a trip to the river is all but mandatory. Here, the waters of Black River flow by, eventually joining the White River before emptying into the Mississippi, one of the longest rivers in America. Catch the views at Black River Overlook Park (home to the Pocahontas statue). Perched along a riverbend, the grounds were once home to the historic Port of Pocahontas, a Confederate supply hub during the Civil War. "You can tell that there is a lot of history there," shared one visitor, noting that there are lots of informational signs to read as you walk around the park.

Riverfront Park (or Riverside Park as it's labeled on Google Maps) is just a 15-minute walk away from Black River Overlook Park. There's a playground, along with plenty of picnic tables and grills. The park does have a campground with a handful of RV-friendly sites and space to pitch a tent for an overnight stay. There's also a ramp if you want to take your boat out and tackle the Five Rivers Challenge, a non-stop adventure down all the county's waterways. Although it's the largest of all the rivers, the Black River is pretty slow-moving, but it could still easily pass for one of the best rivers to go kayaking (that aren't in Colorado). So if calm floats are your thing, don't forget to bring your paddles.

If you don't mind a short drive, head down to Davidsonville Historic State Park. Situated just outside of Pocahontas, it only spans a little over 160 acres, but it's still packed with things to do. Wander the grounds where one of Arkansas' very first towns once stood, or follow the hiking trails that stretch along the Black River and around 12-acre Trapper Lake.

Get some more steps in and soak up more of the area's fascinating history at the Pocahontas Commercial Historic District, which sits in the heart of town. Seemingly frozen in time, the walkable city center stretches across a few blocks bounded by Thomasville, Jordan, Broadway, and Vance streets (according to The Encyclopedia of Arkansas). Nearby, the Old Randolph County Courthouse is one of the district's major historical landmarks, dating back to the late 1800s. 

Admire the Italianate-style architecture, then head across the street to learn more about the city's roots at the Randolph County Heritage Museum. The two-story brick building dates to roughly the same period and features a variety of exhibits about the region's past. Tour the River Room for more information about the county's five waterways, see old hospital equipment in the Medical Room, and peep some cool archaeological relics from Davidsonville Historic State Park in the Artifacts Room.

There are a few eclectic stores and boutiques to browse while you're downtown, too. Shop for jewelry and other fashion staples at Gypsy Girl Boutique, just a couple of doors down. Brickhouse Market is steps away and carries a selection of antique finds and bespoke items. Timeless Books is around the corner with a bevy of new and used novels. Once you're done exploring downtown Pocahontas, add some of America's best historic districts to visit to your bucket list for more trips back in time.