Beyond the Trails: Best Day Trips & Swimming Holes Near Mena, AR

While the Wolf Pen Gap ATV trails are the main draw for many visitors, the area surrounding Mena, Arkansas, is packed with hidden waterfalls, pristine mountain streams, and scenic highway views. If you want to take a breather from riding or spend a day exploring the region's natural beauty, here are the top day trips and local spots to add to your itinerary.

1. Drive the Talimena National Scenic Byway

• Drive Time: ~15 minutes from Lone Wolf Lodging to the trailhead drive.

• Best For: Photography, mountain panoramas, and sunset watching.

Stretching 54 miles along the crest of Rich Mountain, the Talimena Drive is famous for its panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains. Featuring dozens of paved scenic overlooks, it’s a peaceful highway drive that looks particularly stunning in the fall when the forest canopy turns bright amber and red.

2. Take a Dip at Little Missouri Falls

• Drive Time: ~40 minutes east through the national forest.

• Best For: Swimming, family picnics, and light hiking.

Nestled deep within the forest, Little Missouri Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls pouring into natural mountain swimming pools. It features paved walkways, picnic tables, and clear, cool water—making it one of the absolute best spots to cool off on a hot summer afternoon.

3. Explore Historic Downtown Mena & Local Bites

• Drive Time: 10–12 minutes north.

• Best For: Shopping, coffee, and casual dining.

When you're ready for a meal off the trail, head into downtown Mena. Stroll down historic Mena Street to browse local antique stores, grab an espresso, or sit down for a hearty burger or home-style BBQ meal. It offers a great small-town mountain vibe without the heavy tourist crowds.

4. Cool Off in Our On-Site Streams

• Location: Right in your backyard!

You don't even have to leave the 125-acre property at Lone Wolf Lodging to enjoy mountain waters. We have two year-round streams winding right through the acreage. Bring a camp chair down to the water’s edge, let the kids splash around, or kick back with a cold drink to the soothing sound of running water after a full day of adventure.