5 of the Best Picnic Spots Near Fort Smith, AR

There’s nothing quite like a simple picnic in the sun with family and friends. Luckily, Northwest Arkansas has plenty of wide-open spaces with picturesque views and beautiful parks, offering the perfect setting for a fantastic old-fashioned escapade under the open sky. So, pack a picnic basket, grab your blanket and brace yourself for a fun day in some of the most beautiful spaces in the state. Here are 5 of the best picnic spots near Fort Smith, AR.

5 of the Best Picnic Spots Near Fort Smith, AR

1. Lake Fayetteville

Lake Fayetteville offers 458 acres of green spaces to enjoy a picnic and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. You can spend the day relaxing at the picnic areas, but if you are feeling more adventurous, engaging in fun like biking, disc golf, boating, fishing, or hiking on the wooded trails. A nice romantic walk around the 5.5 miles nature trail around the lake and the beautiful sunset views make for the perfect date.

2. Lake Atalanta

From green open spaces with tons of shade to a serene Lake with picturesque views, Lake Atalanta offers an ideal spot for an outdoor getaway. Covered pavilions and benches are scattered throughout the premises and expansive grassy areas to spread out a blanket and enjoy a nice picnic but watch out for the Frisbees. There are multiple playgrounds with play equipment, bathrooms, and a creek for the kids to play in.

3. Devil’s Den State Park

This little slice of heaven nestled in Lee Creek Valley has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike for its breathtaking views and wonderful hiking trails. The park is home to an 8-acre Lake where you can enjoy various water activities, including boating and fishing. Bring your blanket with you and find a nice spot overlooking a mind-blowing view or get there before sunset and watch the skyline light up as the sunsets.

4. Shores Lake

Tucked away in the southern Ozarks, Shores Lake is a hidden gem offering a cozy setting for picnicking and hiking. The highlight of the park is the beautiful 82-acre lake perfect for fishing and boating. Work up an appetite by hiking along the Shores Lake loop trail, which leads to hardwood forests and magnificent waterfalls, then spread your blanket by the lake and enjoy some snacks. Visit in the spring and watch the redbud and dogwood in full bloom.

5. Lake Fort Smith State Park

This well-maintained park, which sits on the banks of Lake Fort Smith, is quite the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of fun activities ranging from fishing to hiking. After working up an appetite, set up a picnic on the grassy areas at the picnic sites, then spend the rest of the day taking in the breathtaking vistas as you watch the sun melt into the night, then pitch a tent at the campsites and spend the night stargazing.

It’s never a bad day for a picnic in Arkansas, so grab your picnic basket and some sunscreen and check out some of these magnificent picnicking destinations. Be sure to visit Crain Kia of Ft Smith, and we will help you get your hands on an incredible vehicle that will get you to these destinations safely.

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