The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are really two separate Forests, spanning eastern, central and western portions of Arkansas.

The "Ozarks" are part of the Boston Mountains and the southern end of the Springfield Plateau. The Boston Mountains are characterized by narrow V-shaped valleys, bordered by a combination of steep-sided slopes and vertical bluffs of sandstone and limestone soaring beside clear streams. The vegetative cover is upland hardwood of oak-hickory with scattered pine and a brushy undergrowth, dominated by such species as dogwood, maple, redbud, serviceberry and witch-hazel. This makes the Ozark National Forest one of the favorite places for visitors in the spring when the dogwood and redbuds are in bloom, and in the fall when the Forest turns into a brilliant display of oranges, reds, yellows and greens.

The St. Francis National Forest is the only place in the National Forest System where the public can experience the awesome grandeur of the "Father of Waters," the mighty Misssissippi River, from the shoreline. The forest covers over 20,000 acres with a variety of the finest bottom-land hardwoods in the country, providing ideal habitat for a large variety of wildlife.

• In the springtime come view the the dogwood and redbuds in bloom, and in the fall watch as the forest turns into a brilliant display of colors.
• Take a scenic drive through St. Francis National Forest which covers the finest bottom land hardwoods in the country.