You’re driving down I-40, somewhere between Little Rock and Fort Smith, and you see the signs for Clarksville. Most people just keep driving. They think it's just another pit stop with a gas station and maybe a fast-food joint. Honestly? They’re missing out on the literal "Peach Capital" of the state and a gateway to some of the most rugged, untouched wilderness in the Ozarks.
Clarksville isn't a manicured tourist trap. It’s a town where you can still find a greased pig chase in the summer and a quiet trail to a hidden waterfall in the winter. If you're looking for things to do in Clarksville Arkansas, you have to look past the Main Street storefronts. The real magic is tucked away in the creeks, the college campus, and the surrounding mountains.
The Peach Festival is Actually Kind of a Big Deal
Look, if you haven’t been to the Johnson County Peach Festival, you haven't really experienced Arkansas. It’s been running since 1938. That makes it the oldest festival in the state. People flock here every July—specifically July 14 through July 18 in 2026—to celebrate something as simple as a peach. But it’s not just fruit.
It’s chaos in the best way. You’ve got the terrapin derby (turtle racing, basically), a frog jumping contest, and the legendary peach cobbler eating competition.
For the active crowd, the Peach Fest 4 Miler happens on Saturday morning. It’s a fast course that starts at the corner of N Cravens and W Main Street. If you’re visiting during this week, expect the town to be packed. The parade is a local staple, and the street dances at night make the humid Arkansas air feel a lot more bearable.
Where to Find the Best Peaches
While the festival is the peak, the orchards are the soul. You can’t just buy a peach at the grocery store and say you’ve had a Clarksville peach. Drive out to Morgan Brothers Orchards or Peach Pickin’ Paradise. There is something incredibly satisfying about picking your own fruit. Just a heads up: wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. These are working farms, not boutiques.
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The "Waterfall Capital" Secret
Most hikers head straight to Devil’s Den or Ponca. That’s a mistake. Clarksville is sitting right on the edge of the Ozark National Forest, and locals know it as the "Waterfall Capital."
Pam’s Grotto is one of those spots that feels like it belongs in a movie. It’s a 1.2-mile trek that isn't too grueling, but the payoff is a 37-foot waterfall tucked into a massive rock overhang. If you go after a good rain, the sound is deafening in the best way possible.
If you want something closer to town, the Spadra Creek Nature Trail is surprisingly scenic for being so accessible. It runs from Main Street to South Rogers for about 1.7 miles. It’s paved, so you don't need fancy gear. You’ll see students from the University of the Ozarks jogging or people just sitting by the creek. It’s the easiest way to see why this town exists where it does—everything revolves around the water.
Getting Deeper into the Woods
For the serious adventurers, Clarksville is your basecamp for:
- Horsehead Lake: Great for kayaking and has a public beach that stays pretty quiet during the week.
- Big Piney Creek: If you’re into whitewater, this is the spot. You can put in at the Fort Douglas Bridge.
- The Ozone Trailhead: Located about 17 miles north on Highway 21, it’s a rugged piece of the Ozark Highlands Trail.
Small Town Eats: Beyond the Chains
You’ll see the Taco Bell and the McDonald’s on Rogers Avenue, but skip them. If you want to eat like a local, you go to Pasta Grill. It sounds generic, but it’s arguably the best meal in Johnson County. Their fried ravioli and stuffed manicotti are legendary.
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Then there’s the Oark General Store. Now, technically it’s a bit of a drive north into the forest, but it’s a Clarksville-adjacent rite of passage. It opened in 1890. It is the oldest continuous operation store in Arkansas. Get the buttermilk pie. Trust me.
Back in town, Yamato serves surprisingly fresh sushi for a landlocked town, and Diamond Drip Coffee Co. is where you’ll find the best caffeine fix. They do a rotating menu of flavors that keeps things from getting boring.
The University of the Ozarks Vibe
The campus is beautiful. Period. Even if you aren't a student, walking through the University of the Ozarks grounds is one of the more relaxing things to do in Clarksville Arkansas. The architecture is classic, and they frequently host events that are open to the public.
Keep an eye on the Walton Arts & Ideas Series. They bring in world-class speakers, filmmakers, and musicians. In the past, they've had Academy Award winners like Kevin Willmott. The Stephens Gallery inside the Walton Fine Arts building often has art receptions that are free to attend. It adds a layer of culture to the town that you might not expect from a rural mountain community.
Why You Should Visit the Marina
The Spadra Waterfront Marina is a bit of a hidden gem for visitors. It’s located at the end of Marina Drive and flows right into the Arkansas River. If you have a boat, great. If not, it’s still a cool place to hang out, watch the barges go by, or do some catfishing. The sunsets over the water here are some of the best in the state, mostly because the horizon opens up away from the heavy timber of the hills.
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Reality Check: What to Know Before You Go
Clarksville is a dry county—sort of. You can buy alcohol in restaurants, but there aren't traditional liquor stores in the city limits. You’ll have to drive to the county line for that.
Also, the weather here is no joke. Summer is brutal. If you’re hiking in July, start at sunrise. The humidity in the Ozark foothills can make a 90-degree day feel like 105. Conversely, winter can bring ice storms that shut the whole town down for a couple of days.
Planning Your Trip
- Timing: Late April/May for waterfalls, July for peaches, or October for the fall foliage.
- Gear: If you're hitting the National Forest, download offline maps. Cell service vanishes the second you head north on Highway 21.
- Stay: There are a few standard hotels near the interstate, but for a real experience, look for cabins near Horsehead Lake or Ozone.
Clarksville isn't trying to be Fayetteville or Hot Springs. It’s a place that’s comfortable with its identity as a quiet, agricultural hub with a backdoor to the wilderness. Whether you’re here for the madness of a peach-eating contest or the silence of a grotto in the woods, you’ll find that the town rewards people who actually take the time to stop.
To get started, head straight to the Spadra Creek Nature Trail trailhead on North College Avenue to get a feel for the local landscape without leaving the city limits. Afterward, grab a coffee at Diamond Drip and check the University of the Ozarks calendar for any evening lectures or gallery openings.