6 Amazing State Parks to Visit Near Fort Smith, AR

The historical city of Fort Smith, AR sits on the Arkansas River in a region that’s rich with natural beauty. The surrounding area has densely forested mountains, sparkling lakes, and many wildlife sanctuaries. For a fun day trip into the wilderness, you can choose from a variety of excellent state parks. Read on to learn the best of them.

Lake Fort Smith State Park

This well-kept gem of a park is a great place for avid hikers. It offers an extensive network of trails through a landscape of lush forest. You’ll come across interesting historic features as you explore, including a replica pioneer log cabin and covered wagon. There are also plenty of campsites, for those who wish to spend a night under the stars.

Mount Magazine State Park

If you feel like a more adventurous and strenuous day, with a reward of breathtaking views, then head to the slopes of Mount Magazine. At 2,753 feet, the mountain’s peak is the highest point in all of Arkansas. In the park, there are wonderful trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding. There are also places for rock climbing, and there’s even an excellent launch spot for hand gliders.

Sequoyah State Park

A short drive to the northwest brings you to a park that’s much-loved by water enthusiasts. Sequoyah State Park has an incredible 19,000 surface acres of water and 225 miles of beautiful shoreline. Here you can go kayaking, pontooning, and fishing to your heart’s content, before staying at a lodge that has 104 rooms and 45 neighboring cottages. There’s also a nature center in the park for educational activities.

Mount Nebo State Park

For a smaller park, nearer to town, pay a visit to the very pretty Mount Nebu State Park. As a Trail of Tears National Historic Site, this parkland was once steeped in native Indian culture. There are many miles of hiking trails, with quaint bridges to come across as you ramble. There are also camping cabins, many of which are positioned at the edge of a stony bluff with awe-inspiring views of the valley below.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

For a rich sense of history along with stunning natural beauty, climb the slopes of Rich Mountain, the state’s second-highest peak. At the top, you’ll find an elegant lodge known as “Castle in the Sky,” a Victorian resort built in the late 1800s to honor the queen of the Netherlands. It has spacious conference rooms and a restaurant offering superb cuisine, making it a popular spot for special events.

Devil’s Den State Park

At almost a hundred years old, this iconic Arkansas stretch of parkland has many fascinating caverns and rock formations. The glistening waters of Lake Devil are rimmed by a magnificent rock dam. The lake itself is a secluded place where you can go canoeing, fishing, swimming, and pedal boating. You can also camp nearby in one of 135 campsites or 17 well-equipped cabins.

Whichever of these six beautiful parks you choose to explore, also pay a visit to Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, a one-stop-shop for all your vehicle purchasing and servicing needs.

Image via Pixabay.

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