What Is There to Do Between Training Sessions?
Exploring Nature’s Invitation to Presence
Training at Circle Yoga Shala isn’t just about the sessions themselves — it’s about the entire experience of being here. Between sessions, the landscape surrounding us offers a vibrant invitation: to step outside, breathe deeply, and connect with the natural world. Whether you want a peaceful solo hike, a thrilling adventure, or a simple moment of rest, the local trails and waterways are waiting for you.
Here are some of the local favorites to explore:
🥾 Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point)
One of Arkansas’s most iconic spots, Hawksbill Crag is a relatively short hike with a stunning payoff: a jagged rock ledge jutting out over the forest, perfect for photos and quiet contemplation. It’s a place where the vastness of the landscape invites you to slow down and be present.
🐐 The Goat Trail to Big Bluff
For those craving a bit more thrill, the Goat Trail is a narrow, cliffside path that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the river 500 feet below. This trail is not for the faint of heart but rewards your courage with some of the most spectacular vistas in the region.
🌲 Centerpoint to Hemmed-In Hollow
This challenging hike leads to the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians. The effort to get there is well worth it — the cascade plunges into a peaceful basin surrounded by towering bluffs, a perfect place for mindful reflection.
🌼 Lost Valley Trail
If you want a gentler pace, the Lost Valley Trail is a local favorite for families and casual hikers alike. Explore caves, waterfalls, and natural stone bridges, all within a lush, welcoming landscape. It’s a sweet spot to connect with nature’s softer rhythms.
🌿 Round Top Mountain Trail
A 4-mile loop that combines history and nature — this trail passes the site of a WWII plane crash and treats you to sweeping views and wildflowers along the way. A wonderful blend of grounding history and vibrant life.
💧 Steel Creek Swimming Hole
On hot days, the cool turquoise waters of Steel Creek are irresistible. This swimming hole beneath towering bluffs is ideal for spontaneous dips and refreshing moments of play and pause.
🚣♂️ Float the Buffalo River
Rent a canoe or kayak and spend a day floating gently down one of the most pristine rivers in the country. Early morning floats, when the mist lingers over the water and the world is still waking, are pure magic — perfect for quiet meditation on the move.
No matter what you choose, this land offers more than just scenery — it invites Presence.
Hiking solo can become a moving meditation. Sharing a float with friends can deepen connection. Simply lying in the grass with the sound of cicadas in your ears reminds us that we are part of a greater whole.
Between training sessions, allow yourself the gift of these moments. Step outside. Breathe in the wildness, the beauty, the stillness.
The land here is alive with teachings, waiting for you to listen.
