NWA Daily
Northwest Arkansas and the Ozark Mountains are a great place… to get your steps in.
As the weather warms up, check out this curated list of the best places to go for a wal throughout the region, ranging from the Greenway, Downtown strolls, and trail walks.
— Written by Tyler Roth, Market Director at NWA Daily
🌳 Top Multi‑Use & Paved Walking Trails
🚶♂️ Razorback Regional Greenway (Across NWA)
One of the most iconic trail systems in Northwest Arkansas, this ~40‑mile paved greenway connects Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and Bella Vista. You can walk short sections or go for longer stretches, linking parks, downtowns, lakes, and community stops.
Best for: Long walks, variety of scenery
Terrain: Smooth pavement
Distance Options: 1+ miles up to entire 40‑mile route
🚶♀️ Lake Fayetteville Trail, Fayetteville
A ~5.5‑mile loop around Lake Fayetteville, this paved trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog, winding through forests and along the water.
Best for: Medium‑length walks, scenery
Terrain: Paved, stroller‑friendly
Extras: Picnic spots, lake views
🐕 Lake Atalanta, Rogers
Over 4 miles of paved walking paths around the lake, with boardwalks, water views, and plenty of benches.
Best for: Relaxed walks, birdwatching
Terrain: Paved and well‑maintained
Extras: Playground and water activities nearby
🌿 Compton Gardens & Crystal Bridges Trails, Bentonville
Scenic woodland paths and creekside trails on the grounds of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Best for: Nature walks + artsy scenery
Terrain: Paved/natural paths
🏛️ Urban & Historic Walks
🏘️ Historic District, Fayetteville
Stroll through charming streets lined with historic homes, churches, and local shops. A great way to soak in Fayetteville’s architecture and story.
Best for: Casual urban walks, architecture enthusiasts
Terrain: Mostly paved sidewalks
Extras: Cafes and boutique stops
🌳 Wilson Park & Gulley Park, Fayetteville
Two community favorites with paved paths, playgrounds, and shaded walking routes, perfect for a quick escape in the city.
Best for: Family-friendly walks, shaded strolls
Terrain: Paved paths, accessible
🏙️ Downtown Bentonville
Walk the streets of Bentonville’s revitalized downtown, exploring public art, shops, and restaurants. Combine this with the Compton Gardens paths for a longer urban/nature walk.
Best for: Urban sightseeing, art & coffee stops
Terrain: Paved city streets
🏔️ Downtown Eureka Springs
Hilly streets, historic architecture, and unique shops make walking here a bit of a workout, but well worth it for the views and charm.
Best for: Hilly, scenic strolls with character
Terrain: Sidewalks, hills, cobblestone streets
Extras: Art galleries, boutique shops, cafes
🏞️ Nature & Beginner‑Friendly Trails
North Forest Trail, Bentonville: ~1.8‑mile wooded loop, quiet and peaceful.
Historic Van Winkle Trail, Hobbs State Park: Short, shaded trail with historical points and a tunnel.
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, Bella Vista: Family-friendly loop with bridges and a waterfall.
Osage Park, Bentonville: Flat trails through wetlands, great for birdwatching.
Mt. Sequoyah Woods, Fayetteville: Short trails through an urban forest.
Battlefield Loop Trail, Prairie Grove: Wildflower-lined short walk with Civil War history nearby.
👋 Did we miss anything? Email us at [email protected] with your recommendations!