Launching your hike at Lake Fort Smith State Park, the Ozark Highlands Trail challenges both body and senses with its rugged terrain and deep forest stretches. Located near Mountainburg, Arkansas, this segment gives a taste of the trail’s enduring spirit—a path where the landscape isn’t just background but an active player pushing you onward. Covering roughly 10 miles eastward from the park, expect rocky inclines that test steadiness alongside sections where the canopy opens, allowing panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley to seize your attention.

The trail’s elevation gain hovers near 1,200 feet over the course of this stretch, weaving through sharp ridgelines and occasional plateaus where the breeze carries the sound of fluttering leaves and distant birds. The ground underfoot shifts between packed dirt and scattered stones, urging sturdy boots and sure footing. In dry weather, the dust rises in your wake; after rain, the trail has a slick challenge, commanding extra care where stones glisten cold and wet.

Water sources within this stretch are sparse. Carry at least two liters of water and plan refills at the visitor center before setting out. Start early to avoid the midday heat, especially in summer months when the sun dominates open ridges and makes breaks in the shade quick necessities. The cooling shadow of pine and oak trees shelters you at times, but the Ozarks remain fiercely themselves—never fully tamed.

Navigation is straightforward but demands attention. Blazes mark the trail consistently, yet slips are possible where undergrowth narrows the path. Carry a map or GPS device and monitor weather forecasts. Sudden changes can bring fog or rapid temperature drops that transform the familiar into the unfamiliar.

At day’s end, returning to Lake Fort Smith State Park offers relief and amenities. The park’s reservoir gleams, daring you to consider a dip or kayak paddle, cooling down after exertion. Nearby Mountainburg provides lodging and resupply options, anchoring your adventure in comfort once the trail rests under your boots.

Packing light but strategic is your best bet: layers to adjust to shifting temperatures, a firm pair of hiking boots, and emergency essentials. Let the hike shape your pace—respect its challenges without rushing. This is the Ozark Highlands Trail’s offer: a rigorous dialogue with nature that sharpens the senses and grounds the traveler in purposeful movement. Ready your gear, tune into the forest’s call, and tread where the trail bends sharply between sky and stone.