If Arkansas is known well for one thing, it would have to be for nature. Our beloved Natural State is famous for its picturesque backgrounds that can be spotted in all of its regions. The whole state is full of outdoor trails and opportunities for its residents to have fun in nature. Northwest Arkansas, with its award-winning mountain and street biking scene, is home to many trails for both the mountain biker and the avid hiker.
Since there are so many paths to be hiked, here is a list of some trails to get out on to clear your head: (Note: this list is not ranked and not compiled in any particular order).
- Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway – From Bentonville to Fayetteville
- Bella Vista Lake Trail – Bella Vista
- Lake Fayetteville – Fayetteville
- Shiloh Trail – Springdale
- Hobbs State Park – Rogers
- Devil’s Den – West Fork
- Yellow Rock Trail
- Fossil Flats Trailhead
- Tanyard Creek – Bella Vista
- Buffalo National River trails
- Indian Rock House Self-Guided Nature Trail
- Lost Valley Trail
- Smith Creek Trail
- CenterPoint to Goat Trail
- Whitaker Point Trail/Hawksbill Crag – Ozark National Forest – Ponca
- Smith Creek Trailhead – Ponca
- Thunder Chicken Trailhead– Springdale
- Cave Springs Cave Natural Area – Cave Springs
No matter what your particular experience is, it is important to keep safety in mind when deciding to hike any trail. According to the National Park Service, when planning a hike, you should know your limits, plan your hike, bring equipment, food and water and hike smartly. The NPS also explains that hikers should not rely on their phones solely, because service might not always be available.
This year marks the Buffalo National River’s 50th anniversary of becoming the first National river. For more information on the story of the Buffalo National River, click here. For more information on planning a safe hike, visit the NPS website.