Where is Arkansas Located in the United States?

Arkansas, located in the southern region of the United States, is known for its diverse landscape, including mountains, rivers, and plains. The state is bordered by six other U.S. states, making it an essential connection between the Midwest, the South, and the West. Arkansas’s state facts include: state name: Arkansas, postal abbreviation: AR, population: approximately 3.05 million (2024 estimate), area: 53,179 square miles, capital: Little Rock, largest city: Little Rock, year of statehood: 1836, time zones: Central Time Zone.

Bordering States

Missouri

Missouri lies to the north of Arkansas, sharing a border that runs approximately 300 miles. The boundary is defined by a mix of natural and man-made markers, including the St. Francis River in the eastern part and the Arkansas-Missouri line through the Ozark Mountains. Northern Arkansas and southern Missouri share similar geography, with the Ozark Plateau stretching into both states. The cities of Fayetteville in Arkansas and Springfield in Missouri represent major urban areas near this border, highlighting the cultural and economic exchange between the two states.

Tennessee

To the east, Arkansas shares a border with Tennessee along the Mississippi River, which forms a natural dividing line between the two states. This eastern border spans approximately 200 miles, with significant cities like Memphis located just across the river from Arkansas’ own West Memphis. The river serves as a crucial waterway for transportation and commerce, playing a significant role in the economies of both states. Culturally, this region blends Southern and Midwestern influences.

Mississippi

Southeast of Arkansas lies the state of Mississippi, with the Mississippi River again defining much of the boundary between the two states. This border is about 125 miles long, running south from the junction of the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers. The delta region, which spans both states, is known for its rich soil and agricultural productivity, particularly in crops like cotton and soybeans. Towns like Helena-West Helena in Arkansas and Greenville in Mississippi are key locales near this border.

Louisiana

Louisiana borders Arkansas to the south, with a line that stretches approximately 170 miles across flat, rolling plains and forested areas. The boundary between the two states is primarily agricultural, and the region is known for producing rice, poultry, and timber. The city of Texarkana sits at the southwestern corner of Arkansas, straddling the Arkansas-Texas state line, but it is also relatively close to Louisiana. Additionally, El Dorado, Arkansas, and Shreveport, Louisiana, represent important cities near the border, linked by highways and economic activity.

Texas

Texas shares a border with Arkansas in the southwestern corner of the state, with the border stretching about 190 miles. The Red River forms part of this boundary, and the landscape includes a mix of flat plains and forested regions. Texarkana is a unique city located on both sides of the Arkansas-Texas state line, with both sides functioning as twin cities. This region is characterized by a blend of Southern and Texan cultures, and the city serves as an economic hub for this area of Arkansas.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma lies to the west of Arkansas, with a border that runs for about 320 miles. This boundary cuts through the Ouachita Mountains and Arkansas River Valley, creating a diverse topography that ranges from forested hills to open plains. Cities like Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Muskogee, Oklahoma, are key urban areas near this border, with the Arkansas River playing a significant role in commerce and transportation between the two states. The region shares cultural ties, with strong Native American histories and influences from early settlers.

GPS Coordinates of Arkansas

Arkansas is situated between the latitudes of 33.0041° N to 36.4996° N and the longitudes of 89.6445° W to 94.6179° W, placing it in the southern central part of the United States. These coordinates provide the state with a diverse range of environments, from the fertile plains of the east near the Mississippi River to the highlands of the west in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains.

The state’s central coordinates lie near 34.7990° N, 92.1997° W, placing Little Rock, the capital, near the geographical center of Arkansas. Arkansas’s location places it at a crossroads between the Midwest and the South, which is evident in its mixed cultural heritage and transportation links. The coordinates allow for a mild, temperate climate, with hot summers and mild winters, particularly in the southern and central regions.

Due to its position, Arkansas experiences a variety of weather patterns influenced by both the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Rocky Mountains to the west. This central positioning within the United States makes Arkansas a significant transportation hub, especially for river traffic along the Mississippi River and rail traffic across its fertile plains and rolling hills.

Levels of Elevation in Arkansas

Arkansas features a diverse range of elevations, from mountainous highlands to flat plains and fertile valleys. The highest point in the state is Mount Magazine, standing at 2,753 feet (839 meters) above sea level. Located in the Ouachita Mountains, Mount Magazine is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding area is part of the Mount Magazine State Park, which provides panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley and the surrounding peaks.

The state’s central region features rolling hills and valleys, with elevations typically ranging between 500 and 1,000 feet. This area, including cities like Little Rock and Conway, lies in the Arkansas River Valley, a region of low-lying plains interspersed with higher ridges and hills.

In contrast, the eastern portion of Arkansas is dominated by the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, where elevations are significantly lower. The lowest point in Arkansas is in Ouachita County, where the Ouachita River flows into Louisiana at an elevation of approximately 55 feet (17 meters) above sea level. This low-lying region is known for its fertile soil, making it a hub for agriculture, especially rice and soybean farming.

Most Extreme Points of Arkansas

Arkansas’s most extreme geographical points define the state’s boundaries and showcase its diverse terrain.

• Easternmost point: The easternmost point of Arkansas is located near Caruthersville, Missouri, along the Mississippi River, just northeast of Blytheville. This area marks the beginning of the Mississippi Delta region, characterized by flat, fertile plains and important agricultural zones.
• Westernmost point: The westernmost point is located near the town of Moffett, Oklahoma, just west of Fort Smith, Arkansas. This area lies along the Arkansas River, which has historically served as a critical transportation route and a natural border between the two states.
• Southernmost point: The southernmost point of Arkansas is found near the town of Stephens, Arkansas, along the border with Louisiana. This region is part of the West Gulf Coastal Plain, known for its forested areas and agricultural productivity.
• Northernmost point: The northernmost point in Arkansas is located near the town of Corning, Arkansas, along the Missouri border. This area lies in the Ozark Plateau and features rolling hills, rivers, and forests.

Major Mountains in Arkansas

Arkansas is home to two significant mountain ranges: the Ozark Mountains and the Ouachita Mountains, which define much of the state’s western and northern landscape.

• The Ozark Mountains: The Ozarks cover much of northern Arkansas and extend into southern Missouri. These ancient, eroded mountains are characterized by deeply dissected plateaus, valleys, and steep hills. The highest peak in the Arkansas Ozarks is Buffalo Lookout, which rises to 2,561 feet (780 meters). The region is famous for its outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The Buffalo National River runs through the Ozarks, offering stunning views and recreational opportunities.
• The Ouachita Mountains: Located in western Arkansas and extending into eastern Oklahoma, the Ouachita Mountains are distinct because, unlike most North American ranges, they run east to west. The highest point in this range is Mount Magazine, the tallest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet (839 meters). The Ouachitas are known for their scenic beauty, and the area includes the Ouachita National Forest, which offers abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, and mountain biking. Hot Springs National Park, located in the Ouachitas, is famous for its thermal springs.

Both mountain ranges contribute to the state’s nickname, “The Natural State,” providing vast areas of protected wilderness and state parks, and supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life. They are also popular tourist destinations for those seeking outdoor adventure and scenic beauty.

Major Rivers and Lakes in Arkansas

Arkansas’s water bodies play a vital role in its ecosystem and economy, providing transportation routes, recreational areas, and sources for irrigation and power generation.

• The Mississippi River: The Mississippi River forms the entire eastern border of Arkansas, running for about 320 miles along the state. This river is one of the most significant water bodies in the United States, serving as a major transportation route for goods, especially agricultural products like cotton, soybeans, and rice from eastern Arkansas. The river is also an essential ecosystem for wildlife, supporting a wide variety of fish, birds, and other species.
• The Arkansas River: Flowing through the central part of the state, the Arkansas River is the state’s second most important river. It begins in Colorado and runs through Kansas and Oklahoma before entering Arkansas. Major cities like Fort Smith and Little Rock are located along the river, which is used for both commerce and recreation. The river supports industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, and its dams generate hydroelectric power.
• The White River: Running through northern Arkansas, the White River is a popular destination for fishing and boating. It originates in the Ozark Mountains and flows southward, eventually joining the Mississippi River. The river is known for its crystal-clear water and is home to trout, making it a top spot for anglers.
• Lake Ouachita: The largest lake entirely within Arkansas, Lake Ouachita covers 40,000 acres and is located in the Ouachita Mountains. It is a popular destination for water sports, including boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is part of the larger Ouachita National Forest and is surrounded by scenic landscapes and hiking trails.
• Greers Ferry Lake: Located in north-central Arkansas, Greers Ferry Lake was created by the construction of Greers Ferry Dam on the Little Red River. The lake covers over 31,500 acres and provides drinking water, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities, including fishing and boating.