Ozark National Forest travel Guide

Ozark National Forest travel guide

National Airports

There are no national airports located within the boundaries of Ozark National Forest. However, there are several airports located near the forest that provide air travel options for visitors. These include:

Boone County Airport (HRO) – located in Harrison, Arkansas, approximately 30 miles from the eastern boundary of Ozark National Forest.

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) – located in Bentonville, Arkansas, approximately 70 miles from the northern boundary of Ozark National Forest.

Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) – located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, approximately 60 miles from the western boundary of Ozark National Forest.

Little Rock National Airport (LIT) – located in Little Rock, Arkansas, approximately 120 miles from the southern boundary of Ozark National Forest.

Visitors can also access Ozark National Forest by driving or taking public transportation to one of the many entrances located throughout the forest.

Trains in Ozark National Forest

There are no train stations or rail lines within Ozark National Forest. The forest is primarily a wilderness area, and while there are some small towns and communities around the forest, they are not connected by rail. However, visitors to the forest can reach nearby cities like Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville by train. Amtrak offers passenger train service to these cities, with the closest station to the forest being in Little Rock. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a bus to access the forest. Additionally, there are several scenic train rides that operate in the Ozarks region, which can offer visitors a unique way to see the beauty of the area surrounding the forest.

Buses in Ozark National Forest

There are several bus companies that provide transportation to and from the Ozark National Forest and nearby towns and cities. Greyhound Lines and Jefferson Lines both operate bus services to nearby cities like Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville, with stops in smaller communities located around the forest.

Within the forest itself, public transportation options are limited. However, some of the communities around the forest may have local bus services that provide access to nearby attractions and recreational areas. For example, the Ozark Regional Transit system operates bus routes in and around Fayetteville, which is located near the northern boundary of the forest.

Visitors who are planning to explore the forest may also consider renting a car, as this will provide the most flexibility and freedom to explore the many scenic drives, trails, and attractions within the forest.

How to get to Ozark National Forest

The Ozark National Forest is located in northern Arkansas, USA. The easiest way to reach the forest is by car, as there are several highways and scenic routes that provide access to the forest from nearby cities and towns. Here are some of the options:

From Little Rock: Take Interstate 40 west to exit 155, then follow Highway 23 north to enter the Ozark National Forest from the south.

From Fort Smith: Take Highway 71 north to enter the Ozark National Forest from the west.

From Fayetteville: Take Highway 16 or Highway 74 to enter the Ozark National Forest from the north.

From Harrison: Take Highway 7 south to enter the Ozark National Forest from the east.

Visitors can also fly into one of the nearby airports and rent a car to reach the forest. The closest major airports are Little Rock National Airport (LIT) and Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA).

Public transportation options to the forest are limited, but visitors can take a bus to nearby towns like Fayetteville, Fort Smith, or Harrison, and then rent a car or take a shuttle to reach the forest.

What is the best time to travel to Ozark National Forest

The best time to travel to Ozark National Forest depends on what you want to do and see. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Spring (March to May): This is a great time to see the wildflowers and waterfalls in the forest, as well as to go hiking and camping. However, be aware that spring can be rainy, and some trails may be closed due to flooding.

Summer (June to August): Summer is a popular time to visit the forest, as the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. However, it can also be crowded, especially around holidays and weekends.

Fall (September to November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit the forest, as the leaves change color and the weather is mild. This is also a great time for hiking and camping, as the trails are less crowded than in the summer.

Winter (December to February): Winter can be a great time to visit the forest if you enjoy winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The forest also has several scenic drives that are beautiful during the winter months. However, be aware that some areas of the forest may be closed due to snow and ice.

Overall, the best time to visit Ozark National Forest depends on your interests and what you want to do while you’re there.

How to get around Ozark National Forest

The best way to get around Ozark National Forest is by car. The forest is quite large, covering over 1.2 million acres, and there are many scenic drives, trails, and attractions that are spread out throughout the forest. Having your own vehicle will give you the most flexibility to explore the forest at your own pace.

There are several car rental companies located in nearby towns like Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Fort Smith. Visitors can also rent cars at the nearby airports, such as Little Rock National Airport or Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.

There are also some hiking trails and scenic drives within the forest that can be explored on foot or by bicycle. For example, the Ozark Highlands Trail is a 165-mile trail that runs through the forest, offering hikers the opportunity to explore some of the most scenic and remote areas of the forest. There are also several paved and unpaved roads that wind through the forest and offer stunning views of the Ozarks.

Visitors should be aware that cell phone coverage in the forest can be spotty, especially in remote areas. It is recommended to carry a paper map or download an offline map before heading out into the forest, in case of any navigation issues.

Accommodations in Ozark National Forest

There are a variety of accommodation options available in and around the Ozark National Forest. Here are some of the options:

Campgrounds: The forest has several campgrounds that offer tent and RV camping. Some of the most popular campgrounds include Richland Creek Campground, Blanchard Springs Campground, and Tyler Bend Campground.

Cabins: There are many cabins and vacation rentals available for rent in the towns and communities surrounding the forest. These can range from rustic cabins to luxurious vacation homes.

Lodges and Resorts: The Ozark National Forest is home to several lodges and resorts that offer comfortable accommodations and amenities. Some of the most popular include the Buffalo Outdoor Center, Gaston’s White River Resort, and Mulberry Mountain Lodge.

Hotels and Motels: There are many hotels and motels located in nearby towns and cities, such as Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Fort Smith, that offer convenient access to the forest.

Backcountry Camping: For those who want to explore the more remote areas of the forest, backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. Visitors should be prepared to pack in all their supplies and pack out all their trash, as there are no facilities in the backcountry.

It’s important to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season (summer and fall), as availability can be limited.