Marshall

Marshall sits deep in the Ozark Mountains just 10 miles south of America’s first national river, the Buffalo. The largest city in the Buffalo River Watershed, Marshall puts canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, stargazing, smallmouth bass fishing and horseback riding all within easy reach.

On the Water and in the Woods
The middle section of the Buffalo National River, accessible from the Tyler Bend Recreation Area just outside town, offers some of the most accessible floating on the river, with stretches calm enough for beginners and long enough for all-day float trips.

Hikers can stretch their legs on short trails like the two at Mountain Homestead Natural Area at the end of Range Street, trek the Collier Homestead trail at Tyler Bend, or tackle the nearby 270-mile Ozark Highlands Trail for thru-hiking.

For gravel riders, the Ozark Grinder Trail covers roughly 200 miles and 13,000 feet of elevation through the remote stretches of the north-central Arkansas Ozarks. It includes a loop trail that circles Marshall. The annual Arkansas High Country Race goes through Marshall and attracts long-distance bikepacking cyclists for this self-supported, approximately 1,034-mile epic event. The Bobcat Trail off Airport Road draws fly-in mountain bikers, although it’s open to runners and hikers too. E-bike explorers can rent through LR All Terrain E-Bike Rentals, while those in need of bike repairs or service can head to Buffalo River Bike Shop in town.

Motorcyclists know Marshall well. The 57-mile Bear Creek Growl and the 64-mile Leslie Lasso combine into the 121-mile Growl-Lasso, a route that threads through panoramic Ozark views, lush Bear Creek valley, farmlands and Marshall's historic courthouse square. Watch for elk roaming the hillsides just outside the city limits. The Ozark National Forest is also great for bird watching.

The region is ideal for dark sky viewing, and the Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park. It’s also prime territory for ATV riding, horseback riding, rock climbing, hunting and fishing. Bear Creek Log Cabins near Marshall has a 1,200-acre landscape for outdoor pursuits, including off-roading and an annual Dark Sky Festival.

Signature Attraction
The Kenda Drive-In has been showing films since 1966. It’s one of two drive-ins left in Arkansas, and the only one open year-round. The 72-foot screen shows first-run double features and the concession stand draws as many fans as the movies. In warmer months, Throwback Thursdays bring in pre-1980s vehicles for free-admission nights with classic car-themed films.

Food
Searcy County is the Chocolate Roll Capital of the World, a title backed by a World Champion Chocolate Roll Contest held each spring and a 2021 Reader's Digest nod as the Best Dessert in Arkansas. The Daisy Queen, an Arkansas Food Hall of Fame nominee, has been serving the community for more than 50 years. Round out your meals with Boston Mountain Pizza, Los Locos Mexican Restaurant or a stop at the Marshall Overlook on US Highway 65, which rewards visitors with Rock n Java coffee shop and incredible panoramic views. Additional options range from barbecue to Thai food.

History and Culture
The Buffalo River Historic Jail & Museum occupies a renovated 1902 jail and tells the story of the Buffalo River watershed as well as the legacy of Elton Britt, a Marshall native and the first country music artist to receive a Gold Record. The Searcy County Veterans Memorial Hall holds an extensive military museum with photos and records stretching back to the War of 1812. The Searcy County Quilt Trail features nearly 40 painted quilt blocks on barns and buildings across the county.

Getting Here and Staying Here
Lodging runs the full range: RV parks, campgrounds, farm stays, cabins and bed and breakfasts. Highlights include Ratchford Buffalo Farms and Cabin Rentals, Crassy Road Cabins and Camping (sauna, treehouse, hot tub and fishing pond), Horton RV Properties, and Boston Mountain RV Park. Aviation enthusiasts can fly directly into Searcy County Airport-4A5, which has a fly-in campground, pilot lounge and a courtesy car.