Nestled in an Ozark valley adjacent to the Ozark National Forest, this park offers some of Arkansas's most beautiful scenery, facilities and backpacking opportunities (the 178-mile Ozark Highlands Trail begins here). The park's scenic beauty is enhanced during spring and fall rains with a cascading spillway created by the Lake Fort Smith dam.

• Rent a canoe and ride around Lake Fort Smith.
• Visit in the spring in order to enjoy the spillway created by winter rains flowing over the Lake Fort Smith Dam.
• Backpack into the majestic Boston Mountains and take note of the blooming dogwoods and redbuds in spring or the blaze of bright oranges, reds and yellows in fall.