Ozark–St. Francis National Forest

The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, which one million acres, is actually made up of two separate forests: the Ozark National Forest and the St. Francis National Forest. The two forests have different topographical features and ecosystems, but both are Arkansas attractions in their own right.

The Ozark National Forest is by far the larger of the two, stretching across 1.2 million acres in northwest Arkansas. The Ozark National Forest is notable for its beauty throughout the seasons, with an abundance of wildflowers in the spring and fiery foliage in the fall. The forest has five designated wilderness areas and hundreds of campsites. Ozark National Forest is a fantastic place to hike or mountain bike because of its untouched and unspoiled nature. Swimming, fishing, and boating can be enjoyed on its beautiful waterways. Many people camp in the forest so they can wake up to the magnificent trees and natural beauty.

The St. Francis National Forest is situated in east-central Arkansas, close to the state border. The forest covers 22,600 acres and is incredibly biologically diverse relative to its size. This diversity has created habitats for a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, waterfowl, squirrels, and wild turkeys. The St. Francis and Mississippi rivers and multiple lakes have made the forest a popular spot with anglers thanks to the presence of largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, bream, and more.

Together, they have more than 630 kilometers of hiking trails for visitors to explore, as well as nine swimming areas, 23 campsites, and countless scenic drives and picnic sites. Very mountainous and hilly, they are home to lovely old-growth forests, with 600 kilometers of bubbling streams and rivers coursing through the dense undergrowth.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf
  
• Opening Hours: Daily
• Admission: Free
  
• Address: 605 W Main St, Russellville, AR 72801