Carol Ann Cross Park, Fort Smith Travel Guide

4.5 (892)

A Fort Smith park offering a blend of peaceful reflection and recreational activities, including fishing, walking trails, and picnic areas.

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Carol Ann Cross Park

Carol Ann Cross Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is more than just a park; it's a memorial. Named in honor of Carol Ann Cross, the park offers a peaceful retreat with a lake, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It's a place for reflection and recreation for all ages.

A brief summary to Carol Ann Cross Park

1601 S 74th St, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72903, US
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Monday 6 am-11 pm
Tuesday 6 am-11 pm
Wednesday 6 am-11 pm
Thursday 6 am-11 pm
Friday 6 am-11 pm
Saturday 6 am-11 pm
Sunday 6 am-11 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Carol Ann Cross Park.

Bring your fishing gear and try your luck at catching catfish or trout in Wildcat Mountain Lake. Ensure you have the necessary Arkansas fishing license and trout permit if you plan to keep your catch.
Enjoy a leisurely walk or jog along the 1.2-mile walking path, taking in the natural beauty of the park and the new boardwalk extension to the Arkansas River.
Pack a picnic and take advantage of the covered pavilions and picnic tables, perfect for a family outing or a relaxing meal in the park.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Carol Ann Cross Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Carol Ann Cross Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Carol Ann Cross Park is located at 1601 S 74th St, Fort Smith, AR 72903. From downtown Fort Smith, head south on I-540, then take exit 8A for AR-22/Rogers Ave. Continue east on Rogers Ave, then turn south onto S 74th St. The park will be on your left. Parking is free and available on-site. Limited spaces are available.
Public Transport

The Fort Smith Transit offers several fixed routes throughout the city. Check the Fort Smith Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules to see if a route services the area near Carol Ann Cross Park. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.
Walking

If you are near Mercy Hospital, Carol Ann Cross Park is located just over a half mile to the north. Head north on S 74th St, and you'll find the park on your left. Enjoy a short walk to the park.

Discover more about Carol Ann Cross Park

Carol Ann Cross Park, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a community park with a poignant history. The park serves as a memorial to Carol Ann Cross, offering a safe and peaceful environment for visitors. The park features Wildcat Mountain Lake, making it a popular spot for fishing. The park is open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a playground, walking trails, covered pavilions, and picnic sites. The walking path is 1.2 miles long. The park also has a handicapped-accessible fishing pier. Wildcat Mountain Lake is part of the Family and Community Fishing Program and is regularly stocked with catfish and trout. Fishing is permitted with a rod or pole only, and anglers 16 and older must have a valid Arkansas fishing license and a trout permit to keep trout. Largemouth bass must be released immediately back into the water.Recent improvements include a greenway and boardwalk that extends to the Arkansas River, enhancing accessibility and providing scenic views. The 0.45-mile concrete walking path and 0.15-mile boardwalk are ADA compliant. The boardwalk is constructed with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic timbers to ensure longevity and minimize maintenance.