One of the best parts of a getaway to Fort Smith is how much you can explore without changing hotels. Make Fort Smith your base camp, then head in a different direction each morning.
Within an easy day trip, you can hike to Arkansas' highest point, paddle on a mountain lake, explore Civil War history, mountain bike through the Ozarks, follow a trail to a waterfall or spend an afternoon overlooking miles of forested mountains, all easy trips to mix in with our favorite Fort Smith local adventures.
That makes Fort Smith a great home base for a weekend getaway, family adventure, solo trip or an extended stay in western Arkansas. It also means visitors already coming to Fort Smith for a meeting, convention, tournament or reunion can add an outdoor adventure without planning a separate vacation.
Fall brings colorful mountain drives and cooler hiking weather, but this is not just a fall itinerary. Spring wildflowers, summer water adventures and mild winter hiking days offer visitors reasons to explore Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas outdoors year-round.
Stay here. Pick an adventure. See just how much of the Natural State you can experience from Fort Smith!
Arkansas State Parks Near Fort Smith
Several Arkansas State Parks make excellent day trips from Fort Smith, each offering a distinct reason to visit. If you are looking for easy day trips or top fall foliage spots, we have those too!
Mount Magazine State Park | Paris
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Fort Smith
If your Arkansas adventure needs a mountaintop, start here. Mount Magazine rises dramatically above the Arkansas River Valley and is home to Signal Hill, the state's highest point at 2,753 feet.
The drive up the mountain is part of the experience, but once you arrive, hiking trails and overlooks make it easy to turn the trip into anything from a scenic afternoon to a full-blown outdoor adventure.
Four reasons to go:
- Hike to Signal Hill and stand at the highest point in Arkansas.
- Explore trails and overlooks with expansive views of the Arkansas River Valley.
- Watch for wildlife and seasonal changes across the mountaintop ecosystem.
- Try out technical rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding!
What to bring: Walking or hiking shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Temperatures and weather on the mountain can feel different from the valley below.
Make a day of it: Pack a picnic or set aside time to enjoy the mountaintop before heading back toward Fort Smith. Another option is the Skycrest Restaurant above the rim and overlooking the valley and town of Paris.
Lake Fort Smith State Park | Mountainburg
Approximately 35 minutes from Fort Smith
For a quick transition from city to mountains, Lake Fort Smith State Park is hard to beat. The park sits in the Ozarks' Boston Mountain Valley and offers lake recreation along with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking and some serious trail credentials.
This is also the western terminus of the Ozark Highlands Trail, making it a great place to sample one of Arkansas' best-known long-distance hikes without committing to a full-blown backpacking trip.
Four reasons to go:
- Hike a section of the Ozark Highlands Trail.
- Get on the water for kayaking, fishing or seasonal boating.
- Enjoy Boston Mountain scenery close enough for an easy half-day excursion.
- Take in a true park experience with outdoor play equipment in a scenic setting.
What to bring: Hiking shoes and water for the trails. Bring appropriate gear if fishing, or check seasonal availability for boat rentals and park activities.
Make a day of it: picnic sites make this one especially easy for families. Pack lunch and give yourself time to enjoy both the trails and the lake views.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park | Prairie Grove
Approximately 1 hour from Fort Smith
Not every outdoor adventure has to be about conquering a mountain. At Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, a walk outside connects visitors with one of Arkansas' most significant Civil War sites.
The park preserves portions of the Prairie Grove battlefield, where the Battle of Prairie Grove was fought on Dec. 7, 1862. Visitors can explore a one-mile Battlefield Trail, a self-guided driving tour, historic structures and museum exhibits.
Four reasons to go:
- Walk the battlefield and experience Arkansas history where it happened.
- Combine outdoor exploration with the museum and historic structures.
- Take the self-guided driving tour around Prairie Grove for a different perspective on the landscape.
- Across from the entrance is the only telephone booth listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes. This is one of the easier outdoor destinations on the list and is well suited for travelers who are not seeking a strenuous hike.
Make a day of it: The park has picnic facilities, making it easy to combine history, walking and an outdoor lunch. Or dine in downtown Prairie Grove and do a little antique shopping before heading back to Fort Smith.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park | Mena
Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Fort Smith
Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge sits just beyond our usual 90-minute day trip radius, but the mountain scenery makes it a worthy addition to the list.
Located atop Rich Mountain along the Talimena Scenic Drive, the park sits nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. Visitors can explore hiking trails, learn about the mountaintop lodge’s history and use the park as an access point to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.
Four reasons to go:
- Drive one of western Arkansas' most scenic mountain routes.
- Hike through the Ouachita Mountains.
- Experience the views and history surrounding the "Castle in the Sky."
- Watch for black bears and other wildlife.
What to bring: hiking shoes, water and layers. Give yourself plenty of daylight for the drive back to Fort Smith.
Make a day of it: This is best treated as a full-day adventure rather than a quick trip. You can plan for a meal at the park lodge or downtown Mena, a preserved area with loads of history.
Devil's Den State Park | West Fork
Approximately 1 hour from Fort Smith
If your idea of outdoor adventure includes rock formations, crevices, mountain biking, streams and classic Ozark scenery, head to Devil's Den State Park. The 2,500-acre park sits in the Boston Mountains and is known for its CCC-era structures, rugged geology and extensive trail system. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing and paddling are all part of a visit. But so are easy trails, sitting, birdwatching and just listening to water and nature sounds!
Four reasons to go:
- Hike among the rock formations along the Devil’s Den Trail.
- Explore the park's Monument Trails by mountain bike or on foot.
- Walk to the historic stone dam and enjoy the Lee Creek Valley.
- Use the Yellow Rock Trail for an easy family hike with sweeping views of the Ozark Mountain slopes.
What to bring: Sturdy shoes are essential on rocky trails. Mountain bikers should bring their own equipment, and longer distance hikers should review trail requirements before heading out.
Make a day of it: Picnic areas make lunch easy, but bring snacks and supplies. Services outside the park require a drive.
Mount Nebo State Park | Dardanelle
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Fort Smith
Mount Nebo State Park rises above the Arkansas River Valley near Dardanelle, offering sweeping views, historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures and trails that wrap around and descend the mountain.
Hikers and mountain bikers can explore the park's trail system, while visitors seeking a slower pace can enjoy overlooks, museums, picnic areas and some of the best sunrise and sunset views in the Arkansas River Valley.
Four reasons to go:
- Hike the Rim Trail for changing views around the mountain.
- Explore Monument Trails designed for hiking and mountain biking.
- Find a scenic overlook and take in expansive views of the Arkansas River Valley.
- Watch a sunset with wide, full-horizon views.
What to bring: walking or hiking shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Mountain bikers should bring their bikes and appropriate riding gear. The road to Mount Nebo includes steep grades and switchbacks, so take your time on the drive up and down.
Make a day of it: Pack a picnic and set aside time to explore the trails and overlooks. If your schedule allows, plan your visit for sunrise or sunset to see why Mount Nebo's views are such a memorable part of the experience.
If you are curious where our local outdoor adventure seekers find fun, make sure to check out our list of Local Outdoor Adventures by Locals.
Beyond the State Parks
Arkansas' public lands extend far beyond the state park system. Staying in Fort Smith also puts you within reach of national forests, mountain rivers and recreation areas that can transform your adventure from day to day.
Ozark-St. Francis National Forest and White Rock Mountain
North of Fort Smith, the Ozark National Forest offers rugged trails, waterfalls, forest roads and mountain overlooks. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area is a standout destination, especially in the fall when the changing leaves cover the surrounding mountains.
The White Rock area connects to trails leading to Shores Lake and the Ozark Highlands Trail, giving experienced hikers the chance to turn a scenic stop into a much bigger adventure. For casual visitors, however, the payoff can simply be the mountain scenery. Check current Forest Service road and recreation area conditions before heading out, especially after storms or during seasonal closures.
Mulberry River
Prefer your adventure on the water? The Mulberry River winds through the Ozark National Forest north of Fort Smith and is popular for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and camping. Water levels matter here. Traditional floating conditions are most common from late fall through spring, though rainfall can change river conditions quickly. Check river levels and local conditions before planning your paddle.
Even when you are not floating, the Mulberry River corridor offers a beautiful drive into the Ozarks and complements nearby trails and recreational areas.
Ouachita National Forest
Head south from Fort Smith, and the landscape shifts from the Ozarks to the Ouachita Mountains. The Ouachita National Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, scenic drives and designated off-highway vehicle recreation. It is a reminder of what makes Fort Smith such an interesting outdoor base camp: you can explore two very different Arkansas mountain regions in a single trip.
Build Your Outdoor Weekend From Fort Smith
The hardest part of planning an outdoor adventure from Fort Smith may be deciding which direction to head first.
Spend Friday afternoon on the trails at Ben Geren. On Saturday, head into the Boston Mountains to Lake Fort Smith, Devil's Den, White Rock or the Mulberry River. On Sunday, head south toward Mount Magazine or explore the Ouachita Mountains.
Fall brings cooler hiking days and colorful mountain vistas. Winter can offer long-distance views through leafless forests and create excellent hiking opportunities on suitable days. Spring brings waterfalls, wildflowers and flowing creeks. Summer calls for early - morning hikes, lake days, paddling and time near the water.
Every evening, you can return to the same home base in Fort Smith. That's the advantage of a Fort Smith outdoor getaway. You don't have to choose between exploring western Arkansas and enjoying the restaurants, attractions, events and amenities of a city.
Stay here. Visit there. Then come back and pick a new direction tomorrow.
Before heading into Arkansas' state parks, national forests or backcountry areas, check current weather, water levels, road conditions, trail closures and park information. Cell service can be limited in the mountains, so download maps before leaving Fort Smith and carry water and appropriate gear for your adventure.
Get out and explore. Fort Smith lets you create your own adventure!
