1. Browse the Visitor Center. Start your visit to Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area at the state-of-the-art, LEED-certified Visitor Center, featuring interactive kiosks, informative exhibits, animal mounts, an orientation video, wildlife viewing area, educational programming and a gift shop.

2. Trek the hiking trails. Get some exercise while taking in gorgeous scenery when you hike along the numerous nature trails that zigzag throughout the park. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back half-mile stroll or a heart-pounding 24-mile excursion, take your pick from multiple trails that vary in length and skill level.

3. Pedal through nature on a mountain bike. Cruise along the 24-mile Hidden Diversity Multi-Use Trail, which is open to mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. This wooded trail passes through oak and hickory forests, along ridge tops and down winding curves for a well-rounded ride promising plenty of scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. New to Hobbs, are the first of the Arkansas State Parks Monument Trails, these trails both complement the existing Hidden Diversity Trail System and raise the level of mountain bike optimized trails in the park. These multi-use trails are available to mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners.

4. Reel in a big fish. Located along the southern shore of Beaver Lake, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is the perfect spot to reel in a trophy catch. (After all, Beaver Lake’s record for striped bass is a staggering 64 pounds.) Snag a trout from the crystal clear streams running off Beaver Lake, or spend the day on a boat to reel in bass, crappie, bluegill or catfish. A number of charter fishing services offer half- and full-day guided fishing trips.

5. Spend the night outdoors on a camping trip. Looking to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature? Head out on the Pigeon Roost Trail to claim one of the primitive campsites tucked away in the oak, hickory and pine forests. Each campsite is marked and has a tent pad and fire ring, and some campsites even have views of nearby Beaver Lake. Oh, and did we mention? They’re all free of charge.

6. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch. It’s not really summertime until you enjoy a meal outdoors. Pack a picnic, and spread out at one of the numerous picnic areas. Choose from 10 tables at the Visitor Center, or head over to the Van Winkle/Sinking Streak Trailhead for five more tables.

7. Go on a hunting trip. When the leaves transform into a blaze of autumn color, get outdoors and enjoy the serenity of nature—as well as the challenge of the hunt. During hunting season, the Ozark Mountain terrain is teeming with wildlife such as deer, quail, rabbit, turkey and squirrels.

8. Get a bulls-eye at the shooting range. Test your sharpshooter skills at Arkansas’ only public outdoor shooting range with a bullet trap when you visit the Hobbs State Park shooting range, open Tuesday through Sunday.

9. Attend one of the special events or classes. Hobbs State Park offers a full line-up of special events, classes and programs throughout the year. From interpreter-led hikes to gardening classes to the (hugely popular) astronomy-focused Star Parties, you’re bound to find a fun activity on the events calendar.