As the winter season comes to an end and temperatures begin to rise, outdoor enthusiasts are excited to get out and enjoy nature. Thankfully, Fort Smith, Arkansas, is full of parks, trails, and forests which are perfect for exploring. Here are some of the best hiking trails around the area.
Ozark Highlands Trail
Just 40 minutes north of Fort Smith at the Lake Fort Smith State Park, you’ll find the trailhead of the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. This national recreation trail is great for hikers of any ability level. Three miles of the trail run through the state park along the lake, while the rest runs through the Ozark National Forest to end in Buffalo National River Park. Along the trail, hikers will enjoy scenic landscapes with waterfalls, bridges, and rock formations.
For an adventurous experience of the Ozark Highlands Trail, consider hiking its full length. There are several recreation and camping areas along the way for rest and overnight stays. Hiking the entire trail would be good for highly experienced hikers and could take about a week to accomplish.
Butterfield Hiking Trail
At Devil’s Den State Park, about 50 minutes north of Fort Smith, the Butterfield Hiking Trail offers avid hikers a fun challenge. The trail is a 15-mile loop, so it’s an easy option for a day-long or overnight hike without having to arrange a pick-up. On the western edge of the Ozark National Forest, this area is full of scenic views, including Vista Point which overlooks Blackburn Valley. Hobbyist photographers will find plenty of beautiful subjects along the way. The full trail is expected to take around 12 hours of hiking time, depending on skill level.
River Valley Nature Center
Five different trails surround Wells Lake near the River Valley Nature Center. This area is just under 20 minutes south of Fort Smith. The Wells Lake Trail is a short loop around the lake. The Oak Savannah Trail, Beaver Creek Trail, Field and Forest Trail, and the North Boundary Trail are all connected to the land around the River Valley Nature Center. Here you’ll find easy hiking for any skill level and plenty of spots for a relaxing picnic. All of these trails add up to about 3 miles of hiking, so they would be easy to tackle in an afternoon.
White Rock Rim Trail
Just over an hour from Fort Smith in the Ozark National Forest, the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area features a 2-mile loop trail called the White Rock Rim Trail. This is an easy hike that welcomes leashed dogs. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to view the Ozark mountains along this trail and its several overlooks. Book a cabin on the mountain or a room in the cozy lodge and make a weekend of it. This is also an access point for the Ozark Highlands Trail.
Whether you’ve been hiking since you learned to walk or you’re a novice hiker, these trails in the Fort Smith area are worth a visit. Get outside and enjoy the beautiful nature around you.
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