Entries for the 'Hike the Fort' Category

This trail, that circles around the Arkansas Best building (next to Southside High School/off of Old Greenwood Road), is about 8/10 mile. There are several things to see on this hike including wood-carved tree trunks, a duck pond, a bridge, flowers, and lots of beautiful trees.  At one point in the trail you’ll come to a “Y”.  To see a nice view over to Van Buren, choose the path that leads to the top of the hill. The trail may be a bit bumpy for a stroller, but if your child is tough, give it a try.

If you want to enjoy a great piece of Fort Smith as well as see what's going on downtown, park at the top of Garrison Avenue, near Immaculate Conception Church, and hike downtown.  Stop and dip your fingers or toes in the fountain at Cisterna park on your way down the avenue and take a play break at Ross Pendergraft park on your way back up.  Both of these parks have tables, so consider incorporating a picnic into this trek.  Let the kids do a little window shopping on the Avenue and play eye-spy along the way.  This is great game for this very colorful hike.

Did you know that there is more to this park than first meets the eye?  In addition to the walking trail that encircles the lake, there is a series of trails behind the park—up on the hill.  Make your way to the east end of the dam and follow the dim road up the hill.  Before you get to the top you’ll see numerous paths you can take, or you can stay on the road until you get to the top and enter the trails from there. 

The climb to the top is fairly strenuous, but it’s well worth the effort. Depending on the time of year you go, there are some nice views of Fort Smith to the west and the Arkansas River to the north. There seem to be paths taking off in every direction. Nothing is marked, but that adds to the interest of being free to explore knowing you are right in the middle of town.  Happy trails to you!

This trail is located across from Creekmore Park.  It is a hidden gem right in the middle of Fort Smith.  On South M (the street that runs in front of the Reynolds Cancer Support Center), cross Old Greenwood Road and take the first street to the right.  At the end of this street you’ll find a cul-de-sac. 

Park on the road and look for the sign marking the trail entrance.  This is a very short trail (about 3/8 mile) but it’s a great place to feel like your you're out in the woods, especially when the trees still have their leaves.  It’s a perfect place to take little ones.  They can run and walk along the trail and see some lizards, bunnies, bugs, and birds. 

Consider collecting leaves and then going to the library to find some books to help identify the trees.  There is a covered picnic table in the middle of the sanctuary.  Take a sack lunch and sit and listen to the birds for a while or take some paper and pencils and ask the kids to draw what they see and hear.  Don’t rush.  Enjoy.  

Take the east entrance into the park (off of Zero).  Follow the road, staying to the left (like you were going to the golf course).  Before you get to the golf course club house, you'll find, on your left, a small parking lot with trail signage.  

This paved trail provides a comfortable hike, with the exception of one large hill.  You can even take a stroller or bikes.  It is long (probably 2 miles one way), but of course, you can turn around at any point in the hike.  You have a good chance of seeing some wildlife on this trail, including deer, and you’ll also see a pond.

If your kids are older and you want to dedicate the day to this adventure, consider connecting to the Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center trail after you finish this trail.  When the Ben Geren trail ends on Massard Road, you’re nearly in view of the Nature Center.  Just turn right (south) and you’ll be there in a few steps.  Just remember that you’ll have to get back to your car.