By Stella Mutoni
With all the stress of midterms and the constant flow of assignments due, it can sometimes feel like you never leave the Bermuda Triangle that is either the library or lab, dining hall, and home base! At the end of the day, it’s important to find time to relax and release stress in a different environment. We are lucky to be surrounded by the beautiful Ozark Mountains in the Natural State, so why not venture outside to clear your mind in the fresh air?
Check out some places and activities around Fayetteville listed below that you can take part in to get in touch with nature!
Outdoor Sports at the University Recreation Center (UREC)
Did you know that UREC offers several opportunities for students to make the most out of the amazing natural landscape of Northwest Arkansas?
UREC offers equipment rental so you and your friends could take on mountain biking on the extensive Ozark trail system, or spend a few nights camping under the stars in one of the nearby State Parks!
The club sports program hosts 27 student-led clubs for sports like badminton, baseball, boxing, golf, swimming, lacrosse, and many others that will get you moving and take you outdoors. You can even get private swim lessons from certified instructors, which will give you more confidence for a Buffalo River floating trip!
Besides this, UREC Outdoors organizes several trips throughout the semester where you can make friends, try a new activity, and bring some adventure into your everyday life! During Thanksgiving Break, UREC is doing a Grand Canyon backpacking trip which you won’t want to miss – and transportation, food and camping gear are included!
Floating and Canoeing on The Buffalo River
Named the first national river, Buffalo River starts in the Boston Mountains and flows eastwards ending in the Ozark Mountains. The Buffalo River is a great place to enjoy hiking and floating during any season as the gorgeous scenery changes and offers something new each time you visit! Floating down the river, you can marvel at the caves, cliffs, and waterfalls along the way. There are trails for hiking and horseback riding surrounding the river, and hunting and fishing are also allowed (although permits are required).
Hiking at Devil’s Den State Park
Devil’s Den is a well-loved sight-seeing and hiking spot located in Washington County near West Fork. It has everything from hiking, backpacking, mountain bike, and horseback riding trails that offer marvelous views, especially in the fall season. If you’re a student at the U of A, a trip to Devil’s Den at least once during your time in Northwest Arkansas is a must! If you’re not afraid of heights, check out the Yellow Rock Overlook which will offer you some truly breathtaking sights!
Wilson Park
Wilson Park is the first and oldest park in Fayetteville, and it is conveniently located in the center of the city–you can easily walk there from campus when you want to catch a break in a peaceful and harmonious environment. Wilson Park also offers are great places for playing volleyball, soccer, and other team sports if you’re interested in something more active than making hotdogs! Don’t have the gear? Remember that you can rent it at the HPER for a small fee.
Finally, the park offers several great spots for picnics complete with outdoor grills, so you might just have enough time to throw one last outdoor gathering with friends before the colder weather sets in.
