The National Forest system in the United States covers an amazing 188,336,179 acres from coast to coast. The national forests in Arkansas take up a whopping 13% of the state, which is a good reason why we’re known as the Natural State. The St. Francis National Forest is so small it’s usually just considered a part of the Ozarks (hence the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest). Just because this forest is rather small compared to others in the U.S. doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the trip. Let’s explore this tiny but mighty forest and see what actives we can do.
At 22,000 acres, the St. Francis National Forest isn’t very large. However, that’s certainly no reason to skip a visit.
Google Maps It’s the third smallest national forest in the U.S. and because of its size it’s managed alongside the Ozark National Forest, though the two are a good 100 miles apart. To view an interactive map of the forest, use this link. Most of today’s to-do’s are near the Mississippi River State Park.
Address: 2955 Hwy. 44, Marianna, AR 72360
- Study at the state park
Google/Miguel A. Alvarez The forest isn’t too small to have its own state park! The Mississippi River State Park has plenty to do (which we’ll cover) but the best place to start is at the Visitor Center. The interactive exhibits cover the different Arkansas regions with an emphasis on Crowley’s Ridge and the Delta as well as the importance of the Mississippi River.
- Sun on a sandy beach
TripAdvisor/Kristina R This tiny forest even has its own sandy beaches! One of the best for a summertime swim is at Bear Creek Lake, which is part of the state park. Storm Creek Lake further south also has a designated swim beach.
- Pick up a paddle
Facebook/Friends of Mississippi River State Park St. Francis National Forest has a variety of rafting experiences from calm paddles to whitewater adventures. Stick to the lakes if you’d prefer a relaxing tour around the water. The namesake of the forest, the St. Francis River offers more exciting rafting experiences. For a detailed trip along the river, head to this site.
- Reflect on the river
Flickr/Ken Lund One thing that sets this tiny forest apart from everywhere else is that its only National Forest that overlooks the Mississippi River. Take advantage of this for photography, water activities, or just simple reflection along the “Father of Waters”.
- Escape to the forest
Google/Shana Durdin This wouldn’t be a true Arkansas forest without a trail or two. A family-friendly trail is the Bear Creek Lake Nature Trail. It’s an easy mile with plenty of informative plaques identifying the many trees along the trail.
- Camp by the calm lake
TripAdvisor/otolith The forest has two main options for camping, either at the state park or at the Storm Creek Lake Rec Area. The latter has primitive sites perfect for those wanting to unplug and unwind. The camping at the state park includes spaces for RVs and tent pads with electrical and water hook-ups.
- Head out for a family fishing trip
Google/Barbara Conklin The number one thing this National Forest is known for is quality fishing. Between the Mississippi River, St. Francis River, and numerous creeks, it’s easy to spend hours on the water. Striped and largemouth bass are the most popular finds though catfish and bream are easy to find too.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the forest? Share with us in the comments below!
Google Maps
It’s the third smallest national forest in the U.S. and because of its size it’s managed alongside the Ozark National Forest, though the two are a good 100 miles apart. To view an interactive map of the forest, use this link. Most of today’s to-do’s are near the Mississippi River State Park.
Address: 2955 Hwy. 44, Marianna, AR 72360
Google/Miguel A. Alvarez
The forest isn’t too small to have its own state park! The Mississippi River State Park has plenty to do (which we’ll cover) but the best place to start is at the Visitor Center. The interactive exhibits cover the different Arkansas regions with an emphasis on Crowley’s Ridge and the Delta as well as the importance of the Mississippi River.
TripAdvisor/Kristina R
This tiny forest even has its own sandy beaches! One of the best for a summertime swim is at Bear Creek Lake, which is part of the state park. Storm Creek Lake further south also has a designated swim beach.
Facebook/Friends of Mississippi River State Park
St. Francis National Forest has a variety of rafting experiences from calm paddles to whitewater adventures. Stick to the lakes if you’d prefer a relaxing tour around the water. The namesake of the forest, the St. Francis River offers more exciting rafting experiences. For a detailed trip along the river, head to this site.
Flickr/Ken Lund
One thing that sets this tiny forest apart from everywhere else is that its only National Forest that overlooks the Mississippi River. Take advantage of this for photography, water activities, or just simple reflection along the “Father of Waters”.
Google/Shana Durdin
This wouldn’t be a true Arkansas forest without a trail or two. A family-friendly trail is the Bear Creek Lake Nature Trail. It’s an easy mile with plenty of informative plaques identifying the many trees along the trail.
TripAdvisor/otolith
The forest has two main options for camping, either at the state park or at the Storm Creek Lake Rec Area. The latter has primitive sites perfect for those wanting to unplug and unwind. The camping at the state park includes spaces for RVs and tent pads with electrical and water hook-ups.
Google/Barbara Conklin
The number one thing this National Forest is known for is quality fishing. Between the Mississippi River, St. Francis River, and numerous creeks, it’s easy to spend hours on the water. Striped and largemouth bass are the most popular finds though catfish and bream are easy to find too.
While you’re in Marianna be sure to stop by the best BBQ joint in the state.
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