Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Active and Adventure Travel Guide

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Sunset over the Ozarks National Forest, Arkansas
The Ozarks, Arkansas (Dennis Flaherty/Photographer's Choice/Getty)
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Active and Adventure Travel Tips

By Johnny Molloy

  • The Ozark Highlands Trail extends over 100 miles east-west across the Ozark National Forest and has it all: overlooks, waterfalls, rockhouses, and solitude. Abundant trailheads scattered throughout the forest make hikes of varied lengths possible.
  • The Ozark National Forest features six federally designated wild and scenic rivers. (This is more than most entire states have.) These rivers run the gamut from the mighty Buffalo, easily the most famous river in Arkansas, to Richland Creek, also protected as a wilderness. The waterways range from placid to perilous, and the Forest Service offers designated river accesses for many of them.
  • Several multi-use trail networks with up to 42 miles per area make for many pedaling opportunities. These multi-use trail systems are usually comprised of interconnected loops, allowing you to alter your pedaling distance on the fly.
  • You can combine wilderness exploration with paddling along the East Fork Illinois Bayou. It offers a ten-mile paddle and is a good way to explore the East Fork Wilderness. This Class II section is normally only runnable in spring.

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Overview

Arkansas's northwestern corner is composed of a sea of lush green plateaus, interspersed with occasional faults and cracks, and the erosional scars of swift-flowing rivers. Here, in the Ozark portion of Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, the Boston Mountains present sheer-sided slopes and vertical bluffs of sandstone. Oak-hickory and scattered pine cover brushy undergrowth. In springtime, dogwoods and redbuds explode in a beautiful, lacy display of color. Read More

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Hotels

Shores Lake

Arkansas 215
Ozark, AR Map

Distance: 25.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
5.0

Redding Campground

Ark 215 near Cass
Cass, AR Map

Distance: 15.5 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
4.0
from: $86

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites HARRISON

117 HWY 43E
Harrison, AR 72601 Map

Distance: 39.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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Attractions

Round Mountain Loop

expert favorite attraction
Jasper, Arkansas

Distance: 25.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

This 3.7-mile loop not only offers superlative views, but it's also a good spring wildflower... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0

Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area

expert favorite attraction


Distance: 31.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, part of Ozark National Forest, lives up to is name and then some. ... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0

Hemmed-In Hollow Trail

Ponca Wilderness


Distance: 22.7 mi. (from destination center)
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
5_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Distance (mi.)
Tulsa International Airport 132.6 map
Memphis International Airport 209.1 map
Oklahoma City Will Rogers World Airport 229.8 map

Other Smaller Airports near Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Distance (mi.)
Fayetteville Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport 36.3 map
Harrison Boone County Airport 38.3 map
Fort Smith Municipal Airport 56.1 map

Feature Articles

More Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Active and Adventure Feature Articles (6) »
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Trip Ideas

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Vacation Rentals

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from: $36

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in MILWAUKEE, WI

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 6
Amenities: Balcony, Garage, Lounge
check rates
from: $1500

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in MILWAUKEE, WI

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 6
Amenities: Balcony, Cable/Satellite TV, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Lounge, No Pets, Outdoor Shower, Patio, TV
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from: $43

4 Bedroom VACATION HOME in MILWAUKEE, WI

Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
Amenities: BBQ, Balcony, Cable/Satellite TV, Jacuzzi, Kitchenette, Lounge, Patio, Refrigerator, Swimming Pool, TV
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