Hey everybody! I’m Phillip Shepard, a local real estate agent here in Northwest Arkansas. And today we’re going to be talking about something that’s near and dear to my heart, which is some of the top five things you can do outdoors in Northwest Arkansas.
Here’s a list of the five best things to do in Northwest Arkansas:
- Biking outdoors
- FLYOZ
- Hiking and running
- Water activities (swimming, kayaking, etc.)
- Music
Keep reading for more on the best things to do in NWA. And while you’re at it, download my three-day NWA itinerary to find out more about what you can do in this part of The Natural State. Let’s go!
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Biking Outdoors
Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, I didn’t enjoy the outdoors and biking. Illinois didn’t invest in outdoor parks and recreational facilities where people could walk or hike. And if you came from downtown, you can access only one major pathway.
So, when I came to Northwest Arkansas, I fell in love with the endless biking trails for novice and pro bikers alike. Northwest Arkansas is for you if you’re into the intense diamond class biking trails or green ones for beginners. It has biking shows for bikers at any skill level.
Don’t worry if you want to come down to Northwest Arkansas and you don’t have a bike. There are several places you can rent one. And if you don’t know your way around, you can come with people who can show you all the trails around Bentonville.
Many people and companies in the Bentonville and Fayetteville area offer biking tours and almost anything to do with the whole biking process. So if you don’t know how to handle a bike like a spoke break or chain fall, don’t worry. There’s a lot of help around you.
Planning to move to NWA? Looking for opportunities? How to Find a Job In Northwest Arkansas?
FLYOZ
One of the most fantastic things that seem to fly under most people’s radars in Bentonville is the company called Fly Ozark. The company has planes that fly hikers up the mountains. So you get your buddies to pool the money to have a pilot fly you to the Ouachita mountains or deep into the Ozark mountains. The pilot can then drop you off on some of the trails where you can camp, and they’ll pick you up the next day.
Also, I have a 3-day itinerary that can help you decide what activities to do if you’re overwhelmed by everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a sports person, a sightseer, or want to spend quality time with your kids; I have something for you. Check out the link below to learn more:
https://www.allthingsnwa.com/3-day-itinerary-northwest-arkansas
However, Fayetteville does have a veteran’s hospital located right here in NWA. And so, if you are a veteran and you are looking to move to different parts of America, just know that you’ll have a full-service hospital right here for you.
Hiking and Running
I’ve gone on about biking, but what about hiking and running trails? Well, you can hike or run some of the biking trails in NWA as well. They’re multi-use trails, so you can do anything on them. You can also find other trials in the Northwest Arkansas Ozark. The area is gorgeous for anyone who wants to go on hiking or running trails.
Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den is one of my favorites, and I always recommend it. And one of the reasons why I like Devil’s Den is because of the endless miles of trails made over the years and have been maintained by the state parks. There’s also this company called Monument Trails, known around the area for making phenomenal trail systems.
They’ve just finished some 12 miles (19 km) of the trail system in Devil’s Den, and you’re going to go over and under waterfalls to see all the fantastic sights Devil’s Den offers. The trail is best for hikers, bikers, runners, and anyone who wants to casually go through and see the new features of Devil’s Den.
Whitaker Point
Whitaker Point is another famous hiking point. Whitaker Point is a massive rock sitting on a huge canyon where people go to take photos. Many engagement parties, weddings, private music recordings, and live band performances happen here. It’s a gorgeous place to take pictures, just about 45 minutes from Northwest Arkansas.
Ozark Highland Trail Path
I use the Ozark Highland trail path a lot. It starts near lake Fort Smith and has over 300 miles (483 km) of trails going out to the Ozark national forest. Of course, you don’t have to do the whole 300 miles (483 km). You can jump on the trail system or jump off with some back roads running from where the trail starts.
Water Activities (Swimming, Kayaking, etc.)
Northwest Arkansas offers various water activities like floating, kayaking, swimming, and fly-fishing. The options are endless — from Buffalo River, Kings River, White River, and (I shudder to say it) the Illinois River. There are many rivers you can spend time with. Get your tube to float or rent a kayak and head down the river all day and have a great time.
There are top-notch beaches in Northwest Arkansas. There’s Beaver Lake to the east side of NWA, but there are other beaches and marinas where you can put your boat out or jet ski. If you find one of the beaches filled up, you can try the other five beaches within the area and have a great day with family and friends. The beaches are big enough, so you can have lunch out there and not feel cramped or out of space.
Kayaking
If you want to kayak, you can practice your rapids in Salaam Springs. They have an intense section, so you can bring your kayak and then go down this section to hone your kayaking skills. But make sure you’re safe when you’re going down the large areas of the river.
Fly Fishing
There’s a whole culture dedicated to fly fishing up in Northern Arkansas. So, if you want to practice some fly fishing, get down the rivers here. There are several businesses and guides dedicated to teaching people how to fly fish. I love it: It’s such a cool idea because fly fishing is such a unique skill set. It’s just not like normal fishing. So you need someone who can guide you, someone who’s done it before.
Go into Northern Arkansas, talk to a tour guide, and they’ll bring you some other people to train and fly fish along with you. You’ll have a great afternoon or full-day learning the skill and enjoying the beauty of Arkansas rivers.
Music
The Momentary in Bentonville has a Bluegrass Fest happening several times a year. It’s an excellent time to go out, see all the different bands and festivals, and hang out with other people. There are many restaurants where you can grab a meal while enjoying the bluegrass music.
Another cool thing about NWA music is that in Gulley Park (located in Fayetteville), they host band music every Thursday for the better part of summer. They have food vendors and many kids’ fun events, so if you’re looking to come down to Northwest Arkansas in summer, come out on Thursday nights in Gulley Park.
The Amphitheater is another music scene to consider. It draws music talent across America, and you can expect amazing artists in 2022, including Morgan Wallen and Tim McGraw, among others.