Fort Smith Riverfront Trail: A Walk Through History
Explore history and nature along the scenic Arkansas River at the Fort Smith Riverfront Trail. Paved paths, historical insights, and outdoor fun.
The Fort Smith Riverfront Trail is a 6.3-mile paved path tracing the Arkansas River, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical insights. It's a popular spot for walking, running, and cycling, with connections to the city's rich past.
A brief summary to Fort Smith Riverfront Trail
- Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901, US
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
- Thursday 6 am-9 pm
- Friday 6 am-9 pm
- Saturday 6 am-9 pm
- Sunday 6 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Bring water, especially during warmer months, as water fountains may not always be working.
- Combine your walk with a visit to the Fort Smith National Historic Site to delve deeper into the area's history.
- Be aware of train tracks when crossing, and take caution as the area may be slippery.
- Consider bringing tick spray if you plan to explore the forest trails connected to the main paved path.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Fort Smith National Historic Site Visitor Center, exit the building and follow the paved path towards the Arkansas River. The Riverfront Trail is directly accessible from the park grounds. The walk is short and well-marked.
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Public Transport
The Fort Smith Transit provides bus service in the city. Check the official Fort Smith Transit website for routes and schedules to the nearest bus stop to the Riverfront Trail. A regular fixed route fare is $1.25.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Fort Smith. A taxi ride from downtown Fort Smith to the Riverfront Trail will cost approximately $8, depending on the distance and traffic. Fares may vary.
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Parking
Parking is available at Riverfront Park (121 Riverfront Dr), Canoe Park (3050 Riverfront Dr) and Fort Smith Park (5301 Riverfront Dr). These parking areas provide direct access to different sections of the Riverfront Trail.
Discover more about Fort Smith Riverfront Trail
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau
0.6 km
Discover Fort Smith: Your one-stop resource for exploring the city's history, culture, and attractions. Plan your unforgettable Arkansas adventure today!
Bass Reeves Monument
0.8 km
Explore Bass Reeves Monument in Fort Smith, Arkansas, a historical landmark celebrating the legacy of America's first Black Deputy U.S. Marshal.
Old Fort Smith Commissary
0.8 km
Explore the Old Fort Smith Commissary, the city's oldest building, and step back into the 19th-century frontier era. A must-see for history buffs!
Fort Smith National Historic Site Parking
1.1 km
Explore the Fort Smith National Historic Site, a key historical landmark in Arkansas, revealing the rich narrative of America's frontier and law enforcement evolution.
Fort Smith Historic District
1.1 km
Step back in time at Fort Smith Historic District, where history, culture, and Southern charm converge in a captivating experience.
Ft. Smith Confederate Monument
1.2 km
Explore the Ft. Smith Confederate Monument - a significant historical site in Arkansas that reflects on the complexities of the Civil War era.
Zachary Taylor’s Chimney/Fireplace
1.8 km
Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of Zachary Taylor's Chimney, a must-visit landmark in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Old Iron Bridge
3.4 km
Discover the historic Old Iron Bridge in Fort Smith, Arkansas, a landmark showcasing stunning architecture and rich local heritage.
Things to do in Fort Smith
5.1 km
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Drennen Scott House
7.6 km
Discover the rich history of Van Buren at the Drennen Scott House, a beautifully preserved historical site showcasing early American life.
Van Buren Historic District
8.1 km
Discover the Van Buren Historic District, a beautifully preserved area with charming architecture, unique shops, and a vibrant local culture that transports you back in time.
Cavanal Hill
42.9 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
United States Marshals Museum
0.3 km
Explore the history of America's oldest law enforcement agency through immersive exhibits and historical artifacts at the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, AR.
Harry E. Kelley River Park
0.3 km
Experience outdoor fun and community events at Fort Smith's scenic Harry E. Kelley River Park on the Arkansas River.
Miss Laura's Visitor Center
0.6 km
Explore Fort Smith's Wild West history at Miss Laura's Visitor Center, a restored bordello offering tours and information about the city's colorful past.
Park at West End
0.7 km
Discover vintage charm and family fun at Park at West End in Fort Smith, featuring a historic Ferris wheel and unique attractions.
Belle Grove Historic District
0.8 km
Explore Victorian architecture and rich history in Fort Smith's Belle Grove Historic District, a 22-block neighborhood with stunning homes and landmarks.
Clayton House
0.9 km
Experience Victorian elegance and Wild West history at Fort Smith's Clayton House, the beautifully restored home of Judge Parker's chief prosecutor.
Fort Smith National Historic Site
1.0 km
Explore Fort Smith National Historic Site, where American frontier history comes alive through engaging exhibits and preserved structures.
Fort Smith Museum of History
1.0 km
Discover Fort Smith's captivating past through immersive exhibits and artifacts at the city's oldest history museum.
Unexpected Project
1.1 km
Discover stunning murals and urban art installations in the heart of Fort Smith, where art meets history and revitalization takes center stage.
Old Fort Smith
1.1 km
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Fort Smith at Old Fort Smith, a historic site showcasing military life and cultural heritage.
Fort Smith Trolley Museum
1.3 km
Step back in time at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, where vintage streetcars and railway history come to life in the heart of Fort Smith.
Fort Smith National Cemetery
1.4 km
A historic national cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, honoring the brave men and women who served the nation from the Civil War to today.
Cisterna Park
1.5 km
Discover a tranquil urban escape at Cisterna Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas, featuring lush landscapes, a beautiful fountain, and historical monuments.
Anniversary Rose Garden
1.8 km
Discover a vibrant floral paradise at Fort Smith's Anniversary Rose Garden, a serene escape filled with stunning roses and picturesque landscapes.
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
2.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Doe's Eat Place
0.6 km
Experience the best steakhouse in Fort Smith at Doe's Eat Place - where flavor meets lively entertainment!
21 West End
0.7 km
Savor exquisite flavors and elegant dining at Fort Smith's premier fine dining destination.
Wild Waffles
0.7 km
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Bricktown Brewery
0.9 km
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Neumeier's Rib Room
1.0 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Neumeier's Rib Room in Fort Smith – where every bite tells a story of flavor and tradition.
5th Street Cafe
1.0 km
Discover the best breakfast in Fort Smith at 5th Street Cafe - where every meal feels like home.
Prima Italia
1.3 km
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Fort Smith Jazz & Blues Grill
1.3 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue paired with live jazz and blues at Fort Smith Jazz & Blues Grill - a true taste of Arkansas culture.
AJ's Oyster House
1.3 km
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Rolando's Restaurante
1.4 km
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Thai Curry
1.4 km
Experience authentic Thai cuisine in Fort Smith with flavorful dishes and a warm atmosphere at Thai Curry - perfect for every palate.
Emmy's German Restaurant
1.7 km
Discover the authentic flavors of Germany at Emmy's German Restaurant in Fort Smith - where tradition meets taste in every bite!
Taliano’s Italian Restaurant
1.7 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors at Taliano's Italian Restaurant in Fort Smith - where every meal is a celebration of taste.
El Lorito Mexican Restaurant
2.0 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico at El Lorito Mexican Restaurant in Fort Smith – where delicious meets affordable.
R & R's Curry Express
2.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
1440 Wholesale Fort Smith
0.4 km
Uncover unique treasures at 1440 Wholesale Fort Smith, the ultimate thrift store experience in Arkansas for savvy shoppers.
Olen & Co. Market
0.8 km
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Designer Again
0.8 km
Uncover unique fashion and home decor treasures at Designer Again, a charming consignment shop in Fort Smith, AR.
Belle Starr Antiques & Vintage Market
0.8 km
Explore a charming vintage market brimming with unique antiques and collectibles in Fort Smith, Arkansas, perfect for every treasure hunter.
Strange Brew Occult Shop
1.2 km
Explore the mystical realm at Strange Brew Occult Shop, where a world of tarot, crystals, and esoteric knowledge awaits every curious traveler.
Bookish: An Indie Shop for Folks Who Read
1.3 km
Discover the charm of Bookish, Fort Smith's indie bookstore that offers a vast collection, cozy reading spots, and a community for book lovers.
Second Time Around Consignment
1.4 km
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Timeless Oddities and Curiosities
1.4 km
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Army Surplus
1.5 km
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Fifth J Vendor Marketplace
1.8 km
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Habitat For Humanity ReStore
2.0 km
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Legends Sports Cards & Collectibles
2.5 km
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Through the Years Antique Mall
2.6 km
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Colquitt Bath Co.
3.3 km
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Now & Then Shoppe Inc
3.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Old Town Grain & Feed
1.0 km
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Amigos Bar and Grill
1.1 km
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Prohibition
1.2 km
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Roosters
1.3 km
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Arlie Muck's
1.3 km
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Ice House of Fort Smith
1.3 km
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906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge
1.4 km
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Tipsy's Pub
1.5 km
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Hero's
1.5 km
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Club Kinkead's
1.5 km
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Shooter's Bar & Grill
2.4 km
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Suzie Q's
2.7 km
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Farewell Party Bar
3.2 km
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Branding Iron
4.6 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and diverse drink menu at the Branding Iron, Fort Smith's top bar for relaxation and entertainment.
Grandad's
4.6 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and friendly service at Grandad's, a top bar in Fort Smith, Arkansas, perfect for unwinding after exploring the city.
