With several different definitions in use by various state agencies, the Arkansas Timberlands is essentially a region known for dense pine and cypress forests covering hilly terrain and lining numerous rivers.
Modern settlement created a significant logging industry and subsequent clearance agriculture which provided the basis of the local economy until the discovery of petroleum.
Local tourism is largely based on the popularity of deer hunting and bass fishing.
Attractions there include Marks' Mills Battleground Historical Monument, Jenkins' Ferry Battleground Historical Monument, Overflow National Wildlife Refuge, Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, South Arkansas Arboretum, Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, White Oak Lake State Park, Poison Springs Battleground State Park, Millwood State Park, and Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge.
Some notable towns there include Star City, Monticello (home of the University of Arkansas at Monticello School of Forest Resources, the state's only Forestry school), Crossett, El Dorado, Bearden, Camden, Magnolia, Smackover, Hope, and Texarkana.