Gordon Long Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gordon Long Park is a popular destination located in Fort Smith, Arkansas.


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Summary

The park spans across 200 acres and offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. One of the top reasons to visit Gordon Long Park is its scenic beauty, featuring lush greenery, a picturesque lake, and a network of hiking trails. The park also offers a range of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking. There are several points of interest within the park, including the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, which features interactive exhibits and educational programs about the local wildlife and ecosystem. Other attractions include a pavilion, playgrounds, and sports fields.

Visitors to Gordon Long Park can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and various bird species. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers, trees, and shrubs. One interesting fact about the park is that it was named after Gordon Long, a former mayor of Fort Smith who was instrumental in establishing the park system in the area.

The best time of year to visit Gordon Long Park is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities and events throughout the year, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Overall, Gordon Long Park is a must-visit destination in Arkansas, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and educational experiences.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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