
Carol Ann Cross Park
A serene community park featuring a secure playground, scenic walking trails, a pond with wildlife, and kayak rentals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Carol Ann Cross Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene community park featuring a secure playground, scenic walking trails, a pond with wildlife, and kayak rentals.
"This park is absolutely beautiful, offering a peaceful escape with great amenities for all ages."

Kayak Rental Info
Kayaks are $7/hour and include a life vest and paddle. 🛶
Playground Safety First
The playground is fenced and great for little ones, but watch for off-leash dogs. :child:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 1,032 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kayaking on the Pond
Park Pond
Paddle around the serene pond, enjoying the water and surrounding nature. A refreshing way to spend an hour.

Fenced Playground
Playground Area
A safe, enclosed play space with soft turf, perfect for toddlers and young children.

Paved Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk on the well-maintained concrete and boardwalk trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Kayak Rentals & Pond Fun
Playground Safety & Features
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kayak Rental Info
Kayaks are $7/hour and include a life vest and paddle. 🛶
Playground Safety First
The playground is fenced and great for little ones, but watch for off-leash dogs. :child:
Trail Exploration
Enjoy paved trails and a new boardwalk for scenic walks. :athletic_shoe:
Wildlife Spotting
Ducks and geese frequent the pond; bring safe snacks for them! 🦆
Tips
from all over the internet
Kayak Rental Info
Kayaks are $7/hour and include a life vest and paddle. 🛶
Playground Safety First
The playground is fenced and great for little ones, but watch for off-leash dogs. :child:
Trail Exploration
Enjoy paved trails and a new boardwalk for scenic walks. :athletic_shoe:
Wildlife Spotting
Ducks and geese frequent the pond; bring safe snacks for them! 🦆
Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic tables and BBQ grills available for public use. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carol Ann Cross Park for its well-maintained facilities, especially the secure, fenced playground and clean walking trails. The peaceful atmosphere and opportunities to observe wildlife are also frequently highlighted as major draws. Some minor concerns include occasional off-leash dogs in the playground area.
"Took my girlfriend here too see her kids. It is a really nice park. Beautiful with various things too do for kids and adults"
Anderson Whitworth
"I was at the playground and WOW!!! I was totally impressed!!! Completely fenced in. Only has 2 gates and both are on same side and close together so it feels very safe since there is not a gate out of sight. Entire area is AstroTurf. Equipment is still very new looking. Great place for 6 and under. They do have a sign showing no dogs allowed, but someone had their dog in there😑. I think sign needs to be more obvious. Definitely a great place for little ones!!!"
Stephanie Jardine
"Amazing park! Excellent and clean trails. Currently installing a new playground to be completed soon. Open to public fishing. Plenty of benches. Was amazed at how clean it was. Trails for hiking,even paved trails through woods that accommodate handicap equipment. Animal friendly with leash laws present. Was great experience! Highly recommend."
Todd Davis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carol Ann Cross Park is located north of Rogers Avenue, near Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR. It's easily accessible by car. Parking is available within the park grounds.
Information on public transportation routes directly to Carol Ann Cross Park is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park. Check local Fort Smith transit schedules for nearby stops.
The park has multiple access points, with the main entrance typically leading to the playground and pond areas. The walking trails also offer various entry points throughout the park's perimeter.
Yes, ample parking is available throughout the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The paved walking trail extends to the river, offering a scenic route to access parts of the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Carol Ann Cross Park is a public park and generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for general park access.
The park is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary, so it's always a good idea to check local listings or park signage upon arrival.
The Water Lantern Release Festival at Carol Ann Cross Park has free entry for everyone. You can bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy the event.
While the park is animal-friendly with leash laws, there is a sign indicating no dogs are allowed in the playground area.
Kayak rentals at Carol Ann Cross Park cost $7 per hour and include a paddle and life vest.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy kayaking on the pond, playing at the fenced playground, walking or hiking on the paved trails and boardwalk, picnicking with BBQ grills, and spotting local wildlife.
Yes, the playground is fully fenced with two gates on the same side, making it feel very safe for children aged 6 and under. The entire area is covered in AstroTurf.
Absolutely! The park features a .45-mile concrete walking trail, and a boardwalk is also being installed. These trails are great for enjoying nature and are even suitable for handicap equipment.
Yes, the park offers open public fishing. It's described as a safe, catch-and-release fishing experience that's fun for the whole family.
You can often spot a variety of birds, lizards, and frogs. The pond is home to ducks and geese, and sometimes snakes can be seen on the trails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park provides numerous picnic tables and built-in BBQ grills for public use, making it ideal for a picnic lunch or dinner. There are no on-site restaurants.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food for picnics. The picnic tables and grills are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.
Carol Ann Cross Park is located in Fort Smith, AR, which has a variety of restaurants. You can find dining options along Rogers Avenue and in the surrounding areas.
While bread is commonly used, it's best to feed ducks safe snacks like corn, peas, or oats. Avoid feeding them processed foods or anything that could be harmful.
There is no concession stand mentioned at Carol Ann Cross Park. It's recommended to bring all your food and drinks with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The pond with its wildlife, the new playground, and the scenic walking trails offer great photo opportunities. The fall foliage can also be beautiful for pictures.
Yes, the park is excellent for nature photography with its diverse wildlife, including birds and waterfowl, and its natural pond setting.
No specific restrictions on photography for personal use have been mentioned. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful lighting for photography. Morning light can also be lovely for capturing the park's tranquility.
Yes, events like the Water Lantern Release Festival are great opportunities for photography, capturing the festive atmosphere and illuminated lanterns.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit