Hiking & Backpacking
Follow forest trails and old logging roads through pine and hardwood, past creeks and rock outcrops to quiet ridgetop views.
Welcome to Scott County
A wilder corner of Arkansas
Tucked against the Oklahoma line in west-central Arkansas, Scott County is mostly forest. Much of it lies inside the Ouachita National Forest, where long ridgelines, hollows and creek bottoms make room for hiking, hunting, fishing, paddling and scenic drives.
The county seat, Waldron, sits in a broad valley near the headwaters of the Poteau River. To the east, the mountains feed the Fourche La Fave River as it starts its run toward the Arkansas River.
- 1833Year the county was founded
- 890+Square miles of ridges & valleys
- 2Rivers born in its hills
- 365Days a year to explore
The Ouachita Mountains
Ridges that run the other way
Most North American mountain ranges run north to south. The Ouachitas run east to west, which gives Scott County its long parallel ridges, sheltered valleys and wide sunrise and sunset views.
Shortleaf pine and hardwood forest cover the slopes. In spring the understory fills with dogwood and redbud. In fall the hillsides turn red, orange and gold.
- Thousands of acres of national forest open to the public
- Backcountry in the Dry Creek and Poteau Mountain wilderness areas
- Forest roads and overlooks for drives and photography
- Dark night skies far from city lights
The Fourche La Fave River
Where a river begins
The Fourche La Fave (locals say "foosh-la-fave") takes its name from an early French trapper. It starts as cold, clear streams in the mountains of Scott County and gathers strength as it winds east toward Nimrod Lake and, eventually, the Arkansas River.
Its gravel bars, rocky shoals and deep green pools are good places to wade, swim, fish and float when the water's up.
- Smallmouth and spotted bass in the clear pools
- Spring and early-summer floats when water levels allow
- Shady gravel bars for picnics and swimming holes
- Herons, kingfishers and other wildlife along the banks
Things to Do
Explore Scott County
Spend a day on the trail, a lazy afternoon on the water, or a weekend on the back roads.
Paddling & Swimming
Float the Fourche La Fave in high water, or find a cool swimming hole on a summer afternoon.
Fishing
Cast for bass and sunfish in mountain streams, or bring the boat to Lake Hinkle west of Waldron.
Hunting
Hunt deer, turkey and other game on large tracts of public national forest land. It's a long-standing local tradition.
Scenic Drives
Wind along mountain highways and forest roads, especially in October and early November when the foliage peaks.
Small-Town Charm
Visit the historic courthouse square in Waldron, try the local diners, and spend time at the county fair and community gatherings.
Camping
Choose between developed campgrounds and primitive sites. Fall asleep to whip-poor-wills and wake up to mist in the valleys.
Wildlife & Stargazing
Look for deer, wild turkey, songbirds and bald eagles in winter. On clear nights the Milky Way stretches overhead.
A Year in Scott County
Events & Seasonal Highlights
Every season brings its own festivals, traditions and outdoor events. Pick a season to see what's coming up.
- March – April
Dogwood & Redbud Bloom
Pink and white blossoms light up the forest edges and back roads. It's one of the best times of year for a scenic drive.
- April
Spring Turkey Season
Before sunrise, gobblers start calling from the ridges, and hunters head into the national forest.
- April – May
River Float Season
Spring rains raise the Fourche La Fave and nearby creeks, so paddlers head out for the best floating of the year.
- May
Graduations, Homecomings & Decoration Days
Community cemetery decoration days and church homecomings, a long-held rural Arkansas tradition, bring families back home.
- June
Swimming Hole Season
Cool off in the clear pools of mountain creeks and the Fourche La Fave, then picnic on the gravel bars.
- July 4th
Independence Day Celebrations
Expect fireworks, cookouts and hometown celebrations across the county.
- Summer
Rodeos & Fish Fries
Weekend rodeos, gospel singings, fish fries and fundraisers fill the calendar in small communities.
- Late Summer
Scott County Fair
The fair has livestock shows, home-arts exhibits, food, music and the midway. Families have gathered here for generations.
- September – October
Friday Night Football
Join the crowd under the lights for the hometown teams. It's small-town Arkansas at its best.
- October
Fall Festivals & Craft Fairs
Browse handmade crafts, local food and live music, with hayrides, pumpkins and family fun.
- Late Oct – Early Nov
Peak Fall Foliage
The Ouachitas turn red, orange and gold. Take a drive, climb to an overlook, or hike a ridge trail.
- November
Deer Season Opener
Opening weekend of modern gun deer season is a major event in Scott County. Camps fill with families and old friends.
- Early December
Christmas Parade & Lighting
Main Street in Waldron gets lights, floats, music and a visit from Santa.
- December
Holiday Markets & Church Programs
Find handmade gifts, baked goods and candlelight services in communities across the county.
- January – February
Winter Eagle Watching
Bald eagles spend the winter near Arkansas lakes and rivers. Bring your binoculars.
- Winter
Bare-Branch Hiking
With the leaves down, you can see long views, rock formations and old homesteads that stay hidden the rest of the year.
Dates vary from year to year. Check with local organizers, the Waldron Area Chamber of Commerce, or Scott County offices for current schedules.
Communities
Towns & Crossroads
Scott County is made up of small, close-knit communities, each with its own history and character.
Waldron
County Seat
Waldron is the county's hub, with a historic courthouse, local shops and restaurants. It sits in a fertile valley near the headwaters of the Poteau River.
Mansfield
A friendly town on the county's northern edge. It straddles the line with Sebastian County.
Boles
A quiet mountain community in the eastern hills, close to the upper Fourche La Fave.
Parks
A gateway to the national forest and the river country in the southeastern part of the county.
Y City
Named for the "Y" where two highways meet, Y City is surrounded by forested ridges.
Hon, Abbott & Beyond
Rural crossroads, country churches and family farms are scattered through the valleys.
Plan Your Visit
Getting here is part of the adventure
Scott County is in west-central Arkansas along U.S. Highway 71, south of Fort Smith and north of Mena. Mountain highways wind east through the Ouachitas toward the Fourche La Fave country.
- Fort Smith
- about 1 hour
- Hot Springs
- about 2 hours
- Little Rock
- about 2½ hours
- Tulsa
- about 3 hours
Good to Know
- Cell service can be spotty in the mountains. Download maps before you go.
- River levels change quickly. Check gauges before floating, and never cross flooded low-water bridges.
- Hunting seasons bring a lot of people into the forest. Wear blaze orange when you hike in the fall.
- Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in so the Ouachitas stay wild.
- Fill up on gas in town. Stations are few and far between on back roads.