Hike, Bike, & Explore Fort Smith, AR

Uniquely situated in the Arkansas River Valley, between the Boston, Ozark, and Ouachita mountains, Fort Smith offers endless options for sports and outdoor activities that appeal to all ages. Get your dose of fresh air and exercise with these fun outdoor exploration options:

• Hike the scenic trails at nearby state parks like Mount Magazine, Lake Fort Smith, and Devil’s Den.

• Get tickets for the whole family to see a Fort Smith Marshals Baseball game. The Marshals are a Mid-America League of collegiate players and games go from late May until early August.

• Cycle bike-friendly routes throughout the city, including the Fort Smith Bikeway, the USBR 80 (United States Bike Route encompassing county roads, city streets, and state highways), 20 miles of paved multi-use park trails, and mountain bike trails.

• Go fishing along the Arkansas River, host of the Arkansas Big Bass Classic. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission stocks fish in the many pools formed by locks and dams along the river, making it one of the top fishing spots in the country. Stocked species include bass, crappie, catfish, and bream.

• Play a round or two of golf at Fort Smith golf courses like Ben Geren Golf, The Links at Fort Smith, Hardscrabble Country Club, and Deer Trails Golf Course.  

Along with many options for outdoor activities, Fort Smith also thrives as a regional sports hub. The city's location near universities like University of Arkansas Fayetteville and University of Arkansas Fort Smith creates an ideal environment where sports, recreation, and competition intersect, making Fort Smith a standout destination for both active lifestyles and memorable events.