The best walks and hikes in Crawford County

The River Loop Trail offers a delightful and easy outdoor experience, tracing a paved path along the scenic Poteau and Arkansas Rivers. This 1.6-mile (2.6 km) loop, with a minimal 24 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 39 minutes to complete, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing. You'll find yourself immersed in continuous river views, with the path gently undulating and providing a smooth surface underfoot.

Located at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, the trail is easily accessible for visitors. While enjoying the views, be mindful that the route crosses three active railroad tracks, requiring your attention. Leashed pets are permitted, allowing your furry friends to join in the exploration. This trail is suitable for all ages and skill levels, offering a pleasant walk any time of year.

Beyond the natural beauty, the River Loop Trail is steeped in history. As you walk, you'll encounter interpretive markers and even clues from the foundation of the First Fort Smith, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. It's a perfect blend of gentle exercise and historical discovery, distinguishing it as a unique option for those exploring Fort Smith, Arkansas.

This easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) section of the Ozark Highlands Trail, from its Western Terminus to Frog Bayou, offers a delightful immersion into the forested beauty of the Arkansas Ozarks. You'll wander through lush woodlands, encountering scenic bluffs and interesting rock formations, with the chance to spot small streams and seasonal waterfalls, especially after a good rain. It's a perfect, relatively flat introduction to the OHT's natural features, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes with a gentle 89 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain.

To plan your visit, head to Lake Fort Smith State Park, where the Western Terminus is conveniently located behind the visitor center, offering ample parking. The trail is clearly marked with reflective white blazes, making navigation simple. While accessible year-round, the fall through spring seasons are particularly popular, with winter providing a unique, quiet hiking experience. Always check for current trail conditions, as sections can be muddy after wet weather.

This segment is part of the much longer Ozark Highlands Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail renowned for its rugged beauty and solitude. It provides a glimpse into the OHT's character, showcasing diverse plant life and historical elements like old home sites. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a short, accessible hike or a gentle entry point into one of the United States' premier long-distance trails.

The Rattlesnake Falls Trail in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest offers a classic forest experience, guiding you through serene woodlands to a picturesque waterfall. This easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) hike follows sections of the Ozark Highlands Trail, providing a clear path and a gentle 588 feet (179 metres) of elevation gain. It's a perfect route for a peaceful escape into nature, taking about 1 hour and 39 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail's gentle nature makes it accessible for most. While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, you'll typically find trailhead access points clearly marked. Arriving earlier in the day is often recommended for a more tranquil experience, especially during peak seasons.

This particular Rattlesnake Falls Trail is known for its inviting character, making it a great option for beginners or those seeking a less strenuous outing. Unlike some other trails with the same name, this one avoids steep descents or challenging river crossings, focusing instead on a pleasant walk through the forest to a beautiful natural feature.

The Springhill Park Mountain Bike Trail offers a delightful and accessible hiking experience, winding through pleasant natural surroundings. You'll enjoy consistent viewpoints overlooking the Arkansas River from low-impact bridges, with scenery that also includes bottomland hardwood timber banks and steep bluffs. The terrain is generally flat, a mix of soil and grass, making it a relaxed outdoor adventure for most.

Convenient amenities are available right at the trailhead, including ample parking and clean bathrooms, making planning your visit easy. The trail is a multi-use path, so hikers should be aware of mountain bikers, but its easy difficulty and minimal obstacles make it suitable for beginners and families. Mud can be an issue after rain, so check conditions before you go.

This National Recreation Trail is notable for its accessibility and the collaborative effort between the Corps of Engineers and Mercy Cycling Club in its creation and maintenance. It's a great option for those seeking a gentle 2.8-mile (4.5 km) hike with only 105 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes, offering a serene environment along John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake.

The Warren Hollow Trail in Lake Fort Smith State Park offers a delightful, easy hike through a pleasant wooded environment. You'll encounter varied terrain, starting with a cool rocky section before moving into a scenic uphill walk, though the overall elevation gain is minimal. Keep an eye out for the 50-foot-long wooden footbridge crossing a stream bed, and enjoy views of Lake Fort Smith near a lake inlet crossing.

This 0.7-mile (1.2 km) route is rated easy, with only 35 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain, and can be completed in about 18 minutes. The trailhead is conveniently located behind the visitor center, where parking is available. It's a great option for a quick, accessible outing, and dogs are permitted on leash.

Serving as a connector between the visitor center and the group lodge area, the Warren Hollow Trail is well-marked with yellow-green blazes. It's particularly beautiful in the fall for its foliage, but offers lush greenery in spring and early summer, making it a charming year-round destination within Crawford County, Arkansas.