As I’ve constantly reiterated in this blog, Northwest Arkansas is the best region to live in America for several reasons. Housing is affordable; there are several job opportunities, and it’s the perfect place to retire in.
One of the most fantastic pros of living in Northwest Arkansas is that you’ll always be outdoors. The community is big on biking, kayaking, running, swimming, boating, fishing, and flying. Major additional activities include camping and golfing.
Such recreation is at its best here, so I can confidently guarantee that you’ll be in your best shape when you move down because the outdoors will always draw you.
Video:
The Best Outdoor Activities in Northwest Arkansas
NWA’s burst of outdoor activities is like no other. Natural charms abound, governments and organizations continually improve amenities, and the community is generally welcoming and suitable. Hence, there is so much to see and do here!
Biking is by far one of the best outdoor activities in Northwest Arkansas. Several trail systems of various difficulties and lengths exist in business areas and mountains. Moreover, the water bodies in the area allow water sports, including swimming, fishing, and boating.
You can rest assured these exciting outdoor activities will constantly engage you.
Biking
I’ve always stressed that Northwest Arkansans is the best location to enjoy non-stop biking, as the trail systems and culture here promote it.
Whether you prefer paved, flat pathways or rocky, mountainous ones, there’s a premier destination for you.
The region has hosted several renowned biking races, including the 2022 World Cyclocross championship and the recently concluded Big Sugar Race in Bentonville.
We love biking so much that we’ve constructed trails in multiple areas, including in business districts, to encourage biking as an alternate transport. For example, bikers can ride to any floor on the Ledger, a public building in Bentonville that I’ve discussed in this article. It will be the first genuinely bikeable building when it opens.
There are also so many bike sales and repair shops. However, if you can’t afford one, you may be a beneficiary of Pedal It Forward, a nonprofit offering free bikes to locals who need them.
Golfing
Golfing is another popular activity locals enjoy in several golf courses around, including the following:
- Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club, Fayetteville
- Big Sugar Golf Club, Pea Ridge
- Berksdale Golf Course, Bella Vista
- Creeks Golf Course, Fayetteville
- The Greens on Blossom Way Golf and Country Club, Rogers
- Blessings Golf Club, Fayetteville
- Topgolf, Rogers
Whether you’re the most skilled golfer you know or have yet to materialize your passion by swinging a club, there’s a golf course for you here.
For example, while Topgolf holds golf lessons for devoted folks, mostly veterans head to the Big Sugar course. Unlike most others, the former is also a destination for locals to hang around, with foods and drinks on sale, so everything you’d ever want is available.
Moreover, various competitions are also available to keep enthusiasts on their toes throughout the year. One of the biggest ones is the Walmart NW Arkansas Championships, a highly anticipated golf tournament held annually in Pinnacle Country Club.
A trophy is up for grabs with the prize money from the $2.3 million purse, as in 2022. $345,500 went to the winner, and the runner-up received $139,217, progressively decreasing until the 70th (last place) professional golfer, who also took home $4,687.
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
Hiking & Running
In all honesty, Northwest Arkansas’ expansive trail system was one of the reasons I moved here. They are unmatched throughout the country.
Whether you prefer paved one-mile courses or rocky five-mile ones, Mother Nature may hide the perfect lane in your backyard to explore a new world.
They expose the region’s lush vegetation, cascading waterfall, and giant boulders you’d want to capture with a camera. Great heights will gift you a commanding view of the area’s scenery, which is never short of stunning.
Slaughter Pen Trail in Bentonville is one of the most famous trails that’s family-friendly. It is about 40 miles one-way, with several highlights, including the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Hobbs State Park in Rogers also has scenic trails runners should explore. Some are easier than others, as they vary in length.
You should explore many others, regardless of your preferred NWA town.
Feel free to find others on the routes, as many locals know the adventures awaiting them on every walk. Your body will surely appreciate the effort.
Homes in NWA are unique! But they can also be weird sometimes Check out these homes in our new blog: Homes in Northwest Arkansas – Part 2 (WEIRD Things)
Water Sports
Those into water sports can also seek outdoor leisure in any of the following NWA lakes:
- Beaver Lake
- War Eagle Creek
- Buffalo River
- White River
- Osage Creek
Especially during summer, you can unwind and enjoy the breeze on any coastal shade, but there’s nothing wrong with hitting the water for more exhilarating activities as spirited folks do. Whether you’re into swimming, boating, kayaking, or the like, bring whatever gear you need to indulge yourself.
Locals restrict some of these activities in some waters, which becomes a blessing to anglers. They become more productive while fishing because the lakes are not disrupted by other human activities.
Public swimming pools are also popular and deemed “safer” by some around here and are an excellent option if you want to be near any lake.
Camping
Nights under the stars is also a big deal in Northwest Arkansas, thanks to the wide variety of premier sites.
Whether you seek the thrill of setting tents from scratch or prefer to remain cozy in RVs, the following campgrounds will surely make it a dream come true:
- Devil’s Den Camping, Fayetteville
- Horseshoe Bend, Rogers
- Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Bentonville
- Prairie Creek, Rogers
- Eureka Springs KOA, Eureka Springs
They all vary in fees, amenities, and ground size, but one thing’s for sure — you’ll enjoy every bit of their serenity as you laugh with friends and set campfires.
Kids are difficult to entertain right? We got you covered! Best Things for Kids To Do In Bentonville, Arkansas
Final Thoughts
There’s nowhere you’d rather be than NWA if you’re genuinely into the outdoors! – A massive perk of the area.
Many lanes facilitate biking, running, and hiking; there are golf courses for every skill level; you can relish unending water sports, and campgrounds here are like no other.
Sources
- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: World’s top cyclists invade Fayetteville for World Cyclocross Championships at Centennial Park
- Visit Bentonville: BIG SUGAR GRAVEL 2022 RESULTS
- Everything NWA: Best Co-Working Spaces Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Bella Vista!
- Everything NWA: Northwest Arkansas Summers. What To Expect.
- NW Arkansas Travel Guide: Top 10 Camping Spots – Campgrounds in Northwest Arkansas
