The best walks and hikes around Bentonville

Yes, the region is well-suited for beginners. There are over 25 easy-rated hikes to choose from. Many of these are paved greenways or gentle loops within parks. For a shorter, scenic walk, consider the Oscar's Loop — Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, which is a well-regarded path through a beautiful valley.

Tanyard Creek Nature Trail is a popular choice for families. It features well-marked paths, beautiful scenery with small waterfalls, and restrooms at the trailhead. The trails at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art also offer a unique experience, combining art, nature, and accessible paths suitable for all ages.

Many trails in and around Bentonville are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. The North Bentonville Trail is a well-kept local favorite for dog walkers. Parks like Coler Mountain Bike Preserve and many of the trails in Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area also welcome leashed dogs. Always check specific park regulations before you go.

The Tanyard Creek Nature Trail in nearby Bella Vista is your best bet for seeing waterfalls. The trail follows a creek and features several cascades, especially after recent rainfall. For a more rugged experience with unique water features, the trails in Devil's Den State Park lead past crevices and springs, including the Devil's Icebox.

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking in the Ozarks. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while fall provides stunning autumn colors in the hardwood forests. Winter is also a great time for hiking, especially on trails like the Ozark Highlands Trail, as the bare trees offer clearer views of the surrounding landscape.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) offers a rugged, remote backpacking experience stretching over 200 miles through the Ozark National Forest. For a challenging day hike, the trails at Devil's Den State Park, such as the Yellow Rock Trail, provide strenuous climbs with rewarding views.

Hobbs State Park, a massive conservation area, offers a diverse trail system with options for all skill levels. You can find everything from easy, family-friendly nature loops to longer, more remote backcountry trails for backpacking, like the Pigeon Roost Trail. The park's trails wind through varied terrain, including dense forests and scenic lakefront sections along Beaver Lake.

While both are famous for mountain biking, they offer different hiking experiences. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is set in a contained valley and has about 2 miles of paved, multi-use trail that is excellent for a relaxed walk, connecting you to a coffee shop and art installations. Slaughter Pen Trail is a vast network of singletrack trails closer to downtown Bentonville; while primarily for biking, hikers can use the trails but should remain alert for fast-moving cyclists.

Devil's Den State Park is known for its remarkable geology. It contains the largest sandstone crevice area in the United States, and its trails wind through fascinating rock formations, caves, and shelters. The historic, rustic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park's unique character. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in natural history.

The trails around Bentonville are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the variety, from the well-maintained paved greenways like the Razorback Greenway to the scenic, natural-surface trails in places like Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. The accessibility of the trails and the beautiful Ozark scenery are also commonly highlighted.

Yes, there are many excellent loop hikes. The Sunset Vista, Down Under & Sick-A-More loop in Bella Vista is a great example of a moderately easy loop through the woods. Many parks, including Coler Mountain and Hobbs State Park, are designed with multiple interconnecting loops, allowing you to easily customize the length of your hike.

Most major trail systems and parks, such as Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, and Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, have designated free parking areas at their primary trailheads. These lots can fill up on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea.