Arkansas

Aptly named the Natural State, Arkansas is home to 52 state parks and the country's first national park. The eastern side of the state, known as the Delta, is bordered by the magnificent Mississippi River. As in Mississippi, the lowlands bordering the River are known for a slower pace of life, southern hospitality, and of course, delta blues. The northwestern part of the state is dominated by the Ozark Mountains. World-class fishing, underground caverns, sparkling waterfalls, and America's first national river are just a few of the draws to the area. Visit the state's highest mountain, Mount Magazine, for the best hang-gliding around. In the western central part of the state lies the nation's only west to east running mountain range, the Ouachita Mountains. These mountains are full of beautiful hiking trails as well as Hot Springs National Park where you can relax in a natural hot springs spa. In the small town of Murfreesboro you will find the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. The state's capital and largest city, Little Rock, is located almost exactly in the center of the state. Little Rock was named after an actual little rock, Le Petite Roche, which was used by early river traffic along the Arkansas River as a landmark. Here in this bustling southern capital you will find old antebellum Victorian homes, a popular farmer's market, and the University of Arkansas. Bordered by Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, Arkansas is a typical Southern state brimming with friendly people and good food. On top of that, the Natural State's many rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges attract lovers of the great outdoors from all over the country.