HomeArkansasFort Smith › Harry E. Kelley River Park

Harry E. Kelley River Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 753 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Smith, Arkansas · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Harry E. Kelley River Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicRestroomsWater

Recreational park on the river featuring an outdoor amphitheater, picnic tables, trails & fishing.

What runners say about Harry E. Kelley River Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (753 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“Clean, well kept area, I can tell the city keeps up with their parks.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Beautiful riverside experience with scenic views of the river especially at sunset.”

I've been on walking trails in Corpus Christi, TX, Tulsa, ok and in several smaller towns. Fort Smith is building something great here. This trail is beautiful, peaceful. The morale on this trail is unique with the people of this town. I absolutely adore this❤️ I live Fort Smith.

★★★★★ — Emerald , May 2023

Beautiful riverside experience with scenic views of the river especially at sunset. Music festivals, fishing. Walking, biking, skating or skateboarding and scooter the paved trail alongside the river. Great nature adventure and Great for working out.

★★★★★ — Melissa , Aug 2023

Great park with lots of space to walk, run, or use the bike rentals and skate park.

★★★★☆ — Shawnee , Aug 2024

It's a nice place to walk your dogs or run or even bicycle. It could use a few more amenities but it's relatively new. I know they have a lot more planned for this area.

★★★★☆ — Anna , Jun 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 753 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“Beautiful riverside experience with scenic views of the river especially at sunset.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“No restrooms anywhere in site.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“Water fountains, handicap parking and walking for great views.”

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Plan your run at Harry E. Kelley River Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
  • Websitefortsmithparks.com
  • Phone+1 479-784-2368

Hours

Monday 6 am–11 pm
Tuesday 6 am–11 pm
Wednesday 6 am–11 pm
Thursday 6 am–11 pm
Friday 6 am–11 pm
Saturday 6 am–11 pm
Sunday 6 am–11 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Harry E. Kelley River Park

121 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith, AR 72901

Get directions

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.