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St. Francis National Forest: An Island in the Delta

Explore Arkansas's Delta at St. Francis National Forest: hardwood forests, Mississippi River views, and outdoor adventures await.

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Discover the unique beauty of St. Francis National Forest, a verdant hardwood haven nestled within Arkansas's Delta region. Experience the Mississippi River from the shoreline, explore Crowley's Ridge, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in this diverse and historically rich landscape.

A brief summary to St. Francis National Forest

Local tips

  • Visit in the fall to witness the stunning colors of the bottomland hardwood forests along Crowley's Ridge.
  • Bring your fishing gear to try your luck in Storm Creek or Bear Creek Lake, known for bass, crappie, and catfish.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Great River Road or Crowley's Ridge Parkway for beautiful views of the forest and surrounding area.
  • Check the weather forecast and fire restrictions before you go, especially if you plan to camp or have a campfire.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    St. Francis National Forest is accessible by car via Highway 44 East from Marianna, AR. The Forest Service office is located at 2675 Ark. 44 East. From the office, visitors can explore various points of interest within the forest. Parking is available at trailheads and recreation areas. Be aware that some roads within the forest may be unpaved and can be rough. Check current road conditions before your visit. There are no fees to enter the National Forest, but some recreation areas may have day-use fees.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to St. Francis National Forest, you can take a bus to nearby cities like Forrest City or Memphis and then take a taxi or rideshare service to the forest. From Memphis, a taxi to the St. Francis National Forest would cost approximately $110-$140 and take about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Forrest City, a taxi would cost approximately $69-$108 and take about 2 hours and 56 minutes. There are also charter bus options available in Marianna, AR.

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Discover more about St. Francis National Forest

St. Francis National Forest, established in 1960, offers a unique landscape within the Arkansas Delta, where the mighty Mississippi River meets rolling hardwood forests. Unlike the Ozark National Forest, its sister forest in the Ozark Mountains, St. Francis sits on Crowley's Ridge, a unique geological formation rising from the flatlands. This creates a diverse environment of bottomland hardwoods, scenic lakes, and access to the Mississippi River. As the only national forest where the public can access the Mississippi River from the shoreline, St. Francis provides a special opportunity to witness the grandeur of this iconic waterway. The forest is relatively small, encompassing approximately 22,600 acres in Lee and Phillips counties, making it one of the smallest national forests in the United States. Visitors can explore the lakes and rivers by boat, kayak, or canoe, and anglers can cast their lines for bass, crappie, and catfish. Hiking trails wind through the hardwood forests, offering opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Two National Scenic Byways, the Great River Road and Crowley's Ridge Parkway, traverse the forest, providing scenic driving routes, especially beautiful during the fall foliage season. The area has a rich history, with the forest initially managed by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service as the Mariana-Helena Project before becoming a National Forest. The forest's location along the Mississippi River also connects it to the history of river transportation and settlement in the region. While St. Francis National Forest may not have the dramatic mountain vistas of other national forests, its unique location, diverse ecosystem, and historical significance make it a worthwhile destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.

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