Fort Smith Riverfront Trail, Arkansas River Valley Travel Guide

The Fort Smith Riverfront Trail provides a scenic and accessible route along the Arkansas River, inviting visitors to explore the area's history and natural landscapes. The trail stretches for 6.3 miles, featuring paved sections suitable for walkers, runners, and cyclists of all levels.The trail is divided into three sections, each offering a unique experience : Section I begins at the River Park Events Buildings and extends 1.6 miles to the former Rice Carden Levee Trail, with amenities like a stone walkway for fishing, a pedestrian bridge, a pavilion, seating areas, and statues. Section II is a 3.2-mile asphalt trail. Section III, a 1.5-mile walking trail, starts at the end of the Rice Carden Levee Trail and goes past Fort Smith Park, ending at the railroad tracks along Riverfront Drive.As you traverse the trail, you'll encounter historical markers and overlooks that tell the story of Fort Smith's past. The Trail of Tears Overlook commemorates the forced removal of Native American tribes. The site of the First Fort Smith (1817-1824) can be viewed along the trail, with stone footings still visible. The trail also connects to the Fort Smith National Historic Site, where you can explore the remains of the second fort, the commissary building, and a reconstruction of the gallows used by the federal court.The Riverfront Trail offers recreational opportunities year-round. It is mostly shaded by trees, with benches along the way.