The views and opinions expressed in the Graduate and International Ambassador Blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Arkansas.
Arkansas is known as “The Natural State” for a good reason: It is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the outdoors.
The Ozark Mountain that surround our university are an absolute treasure trove of natural beauty and new adventures. With over 484 miles of trails and over 100,000 acres of wilderness in Northwest Arkansas alone, there is always something to explore. If you want to stay active, have fun, and reconnect with Mother Nature, check out a few of our favorite outdoor spots and activities!
A Walk in the Park
If you are looking for an easy and convenient outdoor experience, Northwest Arkansas is home to dozens of beautiful parks that are perfect for a quick picnic, a leisurely walk, or a relaxing study spot. There are several parks close to campus that offer scenic views and casual trails, but two in particular stand out. The first is Lake Fayetteville, which is only 10-15 minutes from campus. This area offers a 5.5-mile nature trail and a 4.3-mile paved trail, both of which circle around the lake in the center of the park. While most people go to Lake Fayetteville to walk or bike on these trails, you can also play disc golf, rent kayaks, go fishing, or enjoy one of the nearby food trucks.
The second great park is Lake Atalanta, which is located in the city of Rogers (about 30 minutes from campus). Lake Atalanta is similar to Lake Fayetteville, but offers a few more activity options. Its main feature is a paved, 2-mile path that loops around the public lake, but it also has several different nature trails, two large playgrounds, the Railyard Bike Park, and rentable pavilions. There are also informational signs throughout the park that point out unique Arkansan ecosystems, plants, and wildlife. Whichever park you choose to visit first, you are guaranteed to see lush greenery and lots of cute dogs! (On leashes, of course.)
Hiking and Camping
Within the Ozark Mountains there are several state parks, each of which has some truly incredible trails and outlooks. These spots are ideal for a day trip full of hiking and hammocking, or perhaps camping on the weekend with friends. One of the best (and closest) state parks is Devil’s Den, which is only a 30 minute drive from campus. The most popular attraction at Devil’s Den is the Yellow Rock Trail, a three-mile hike that ends with a breathtaking view of the Lee Creek Valley. This trail is a must-see in the fall season, as the changing leaves make the view even more astounding. The park has 10 other trails, as well; each one is worth exploring, as they all offer a unique combination of waterfalls, rock formations, fossils, and great views.
Another nearby must-visit park is Hobbs State Park, which is located 50 minutes north of campus. The largest state park in Arkansas, Hobbs consists of an impressive 12,054 acres and a 52-mile trail system. The park is also located to next to Beaver Lake, a gorgeous body of water and an important environmental resource. Because of this, Hobbs has been labeled a conservation area and is protected from human impact. Here, you can enjoy a historical visitor center, 12 great trails, and the untainted beauty of the Ozarks.
If you do choose to camp at Devil’s Den, Hobbs, or any other state parks, make sure to check campsite availability online before your trip.
Cycling
Northwest Arkansas is known nationwide for its great bike riding options. Not only are there too many bike trails to count, there is also a supportive and enthusiastic community of bike riders wherever you go. Whether you are a pro-mountain biker or just looking to try something new, NWA is the place to be. One of the most famous biking options in the area is the Razorback Regional Greenway: a 36-mile trail that stretches through several historic sites, six cities, a few parks, and the University of Arkansas campus! The Greenway is perfect for any rider; experts and families alike use it year-round. You can choose where to start, what to see, and where to stop!
For those who like to mountain bike, one great location is “The Back 40” in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Found about 40 minutes from campus, The Back 40 is a series of trails designed and cultivated specifically for mountain biking. Most of the trails are for intermediate riders, but there are options for beginners (like the “Mulligan” trail) and for experts (like the “What the Chuck” trail). Although the trails were designed with biking in mind, hikers and pedestrians are also welcome.
In fact, you do not even have to leave campus if you enjoy mountain biking. In addition to nearby trails within Fayetteville such as Gregory Park, Mount Kessler and Mount Sequoyah, you can find places to ride on the campus grounds, including the 0.5-mile Oak Ridge hillside loop, as well as the 1-mile Indian Trail Bike Park that is currently under construction.
Road Trip!
If you are willing to drive an extra hour or two, even more amazing outdoor adventures await you (and if you do not have access to a car, you can go on great adventures hosted by UREC Outdoors on campus). One of the most popular destinations in Arkansas is the Buffalo River, a national park that’s approximately two hours from campus. In the summer, students love to float down the river in kayaks, canoes, and inner tubes. Another popular area is the Ponca Wilderness, which is only an hour or so from campus. There are a lot of great hikes in Ponca, but I would suggest trying the Lost Valley Trail first; it’s easy, it features an exciting cave, and it ends with a waterfall. I would also recommend visiting Cosmic Cavern, which is about an hour and a half from campus. If you have never toured the inside of a cave system, it will be an experience you will never forget!
These are just a few of the incredible outdoor activities that are available near the U of A. When you are a Razorback, you are never short on adventure. Remember to always stay safe while exploring: Stay hydrated, pay attention to the weather, and always try to go with at least one friend. Happy hiking!
