Blowing Springs Park Extended Loop

Parking is available directly at Blowing Springs Park. The trailhead is easily accessible from the main parking areas within the park.

No, there are generally no entrance fees or permits required to access Blowing Springs Park or to hike this trail. It's free for public use.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the park's natural beauty for everyone.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm, but the wooded sections provide shade. Winter hiking is also possible, though some sections might be muddy or slippery after rain or snow.

The terrain is a rolling, natural-surface path, typically 2 to 3 feet wide. You'll encounter singletrack, rocky sections, and roots. While generally easy, some parts can become muddy, and rocks may be slippery, especially after rain. It features gradual climbs and long descents.

You'll traverse through beautiful wooded areas with rock outcroppings, moss-covered boulders, and bluff lines. Notable features include the natural springs, caverns (one emitting 60-degree air), waterfalls, and sections lined with old cedar trees. Don't miss the 30-foot bridge near Blowing Springs Cave.

Yes, the route is part of a larger network. It also passes through sections of the Blowing Springs Loop-North Upper, Blowing Springs Loop-South Upper, Bomb Diggity, Low Ride, and Blowing Springs Greenway. It also serves as a gateway to extensive networks like the Razorback Regional Greenway, Back 40, and Slaughter Pen trails.

On average, hikers can expect to complete the 6.1 km (3.8 miles) loop in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on pace and stops for scenery.

Yes, the trail is generally considered family-friendly due to its 'easy' difficulty rating and engaging natural features. However, be mindful of rocky and rooty sections, especially with younger children. The extended loop offers a longer experience, but shorter sections are also accessible.

While the trail itself is natural, you're close to Bella Vista amenities. For a unique stop, consider visiting The Gear Garden, which is a highlight along the route.

The Blowing Springs Park Extended Loop primarily utilizes sections of the Blowing Springs Loop-North Upper (88% of the route), Blowing Springs Loop-South Upper (86%), Bomb Diggity (80%), Low Ride (57%), and Blowing Springs Greenway (83%).