3 Unique Parks to Visit in Fort Smith

As the heat of summer begins to fade, autumn is a beautiful time to get out and enjoy some fresh air. If you are looking for a new or distinctive park to explore, the Fort Smith, Arkansas, area has several options.

Note: Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, please verify the current state of operations at the parks listed below before visiting. 

1. Riverfront Skate and Bike Park

Do you enjoy skateboarding or trying the latest bike tricks? Discover the Riverfront Skate and Bike Park. This 12,000-square-foot concrete jungle is at 121 Riverfront Drive and opens from sunrise to sunset every day. Bikers and skaters can enjoy a 12-foot vertical wall and a Plexiglas wall. Several street course elements include rails and ramps. A ramp set with a massive art feature in the middle presents one of the more special features of this park. If you are new to biking or skating, you can gain your confidence in the beginner areas.

2. Lake Fort Smith State Park

Lake Fort Smith State Park is one of the most beautiful multiuse parks in the area. The park is slightly more than 34 miles north of Fort Smith at 15458 Shepard Springs Road in Mountainburg and is open throughout the year. During your time at the park, you can enjoy hiking, biking, or camping, or take to the lake and enjoy canoeing with your friends and family.

Mountain bikers will enjoy the 12.4-mile-long, moderately tricky Boston Mountain Trail. This trail begins and ends across the road from the visitor center. Backpackers and hikers can traverse the western end of the Ozark Highlands Trail. The park takes care of the first 3 miles of this trail with varying difficulty.

The Shepard Spring Trail offers another fun but challenging option for day hiking. This trail measures 1.7 miles and starts before the waterfalls. Additionally, the Warren Hollow Trail is an easy to moderate trail that measures three-quarters of a mile and takes approximately 45 minutes to hike.

3. Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine State Park is slightly more than 46 miles from Fort Smith at 16878 Highway 309 South in Paris. This location is the highest state park in Arkansas at 2,753 feet above sea level. If you choose to make an overnight stay here, the park offers a lodge and several camping options. You’ll enjoy several scenic overlooks, as well as a hang gliding launch zone in the park. If you enjoy technical rock climbing, this site offers the most challenging climb in the state park system. Along with these activities, you can bring your ATV or go hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking.

Bring your family or friends with you to explore the above locations. If you choose to go alone and decide to hike, make sure you let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Keep your phone with you, as well as a portable battery pack. Your phone’s camera can capture fun moments or stunning scenery while the battery pack can power you through your music or give you peace of mind in case of an emergency.

When exploring these parks, please also follow safe social distancing measures for the health and safety of all park visitors.

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