[bkern1989]

I would probably go in either December or January. Or would I be better of waiting a bit later to go? I would probably have two nights to do things...driving there on a Saturday afternoon, spending Sunday and Monday there, then driving back early Tuesday. When I usually go on trips, I like to spend as little money as possible (aside from gas money & hotel cost) and mainly enjoy the nature, which is why I usually choose the mountain areas to visit. I have been to the ozarks around Branson, MO several times, but haven't been farther South except to just drive though. I have already received a visitors brochure about it, but was curious as to what sort of places the locals recommend doing.

[Luvvarkansas]

Need a little more information.....do you want to just drive through nature, or do you want to get out of the car and walk around in it?

[ArkansasSlim]

Weather in December and January is kinda unpredictable in the Ozarks, so if I (personally) had a choice I'd wait until spring so I could see the "greening up" and spring blossoms. I'm sorry but I don't have a "what to do" answer.

I'm a promoter of the Ouachita Mountains in west central Arkansas and they are mountains, not a plateau as the Ozarks are. Since you have already seen the Ozarks you may give the Ouachitas some thought.

But which ever place you visit, I would still suggest waiting for spring.

[Luvvarkansas]

Yes, it could be cold, but I personally like the mountains in winter because, with all the leaves off the trees, you can see up the mountainsides, all the big boulders and "hollers", and also the shape of the land. You also get more unobstructed views. AND, the rivers turn a beautiful green color.

If the OP simply wants to drive around and get out at an occasional overlook for a few minutes, then it would be ok, unless an ice storm comes, of course. If they want to hike, well, they better bring lots of layers of clothes. You never know how cold (or warm!) it will be in winter in Arkansas.

[bkern1989]

Usually I prefer to just drive around and pull over for a good view from time to time. But if their is anything interesting that requires a hike, then I'd be more than up for it. I believe that I have stayed in the Ouachita Mountains before. My dad and I spent a week at a resort in Hot Springs Village. That's a nice place might I add, though I wasn't impressed with the town of "Hot Springs" itself. Didn't really feel too safe in that town after dark. I do like going in the Spring and fall because of the colors, but I also love going to the mountains of higher elevation during the winter because that brings many great photo chances with the snow. One of my best pictures ever was of a river partially covered with snow. Though I know Winter usually brings more ice than snow to Arkansas, which definitely ain't a fun drive.

[Luvvarkansas]

Ok, I just thought of something else we need to know....where you are driving from. 'Cause if you're coming in from the north, there would be different suggestions than if you're coming from the west or east, or even the southwest.

[Skip-n-Bit]

Crowley's Ridge State Park / CRSP Trails

Mammoth Spring State Park / MSSP Trail

Not very far from Mammoth Springs, in Missouri, is Grand Gulf State Park / GGSP Trails (http://mostateparks.com/trails/grand-gulf-state-park - broken link)

Hope these info links are some help to you, bkern1989.

Will try and get a few more posted later this evening!