Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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River through Ozark National Scene Riverways, Arkansas
Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Arkansas (courtesy, National Park Service)
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Parks and Outdoors Travel Tips

By Johnny Molloy

  • Scenic 7 Byway is renowned as one of America's most scenic drives. It begins by crossing the Piedmont land of northern Arkansas and continues through the Ouachita Mountains until it drops to the Arkansas River Valley. It eventually climbs to the Ozark Highlands. Make sure you check out Mystic Caverns, Cove Natural Bridge, Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Grand Canyon, and the many hiking trails along the way.
  • April dogwoods give Shores Lake Campground a special charm. Situated among hardwood and pine within the Boston Mountain Ranger District, this historic campground is a particularly scenic destination for anyone in search of lakeside camping in a mountain setting. Nearby hiking includes Shores Lake Trail, which leads to White Rock Loop rail and the top of White Rock Mountain.
  • Four loop trails converge into one creating the Moccasin Gap Horse Trail in the Bayou Ranger District. Hardwoods, pine, streams, and small waterfalls decorate this path, which has been rated as one of the best horseback-riding trails in the state. The trail is often used as a site for competitive rides.
  • The most famous fly-fishing venue here is the White River, where large trout lurk below Bull Shoals Dam. Below its confluence with the Buffalo River, the White travels for many miles bordering the forest. Designated catch and release areas make for productive areas with big fish.

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
5.0
4.0

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: $72

Hampton Inn Clarksville

2630 Clark Road
Clarksville, AR 72830 Map

Distance: 24.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
3.0
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Attractions

Reading-Spy Rock Loop

expert favorite attraction
18 miles north of Ozark, off Arkansas Hwy. 23
Fayetteville, Arkansas

Distance: 13.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: This 8.8-mile loop circles shady pine forest and waterfalls as it snakes toward Spy Rock and... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Rush Mountain Trail

expert favorite attraction


Distance: 38.7 mi. (from destination center)

Description: In the 1880s, a mining boom swept over the Ozarks and made its way to the hollow of Rush Creek and... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Hemmed-In Hollow Trail

expert favorite attraction
Ponca Wilderness


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

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Trip Ideas

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Vacation Rentals

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from: $1500

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in MILWAUKEE, WI

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 6
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1 Bedroom VACATION HOME in MILWAUKEE, WI

Bedrooms: 1
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from: $36

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in MILWAUKEE, WI

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 6
Amenities: Balcony, Garage, Lounge
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