Things To Do in Northwest Arkansas: Northwest Arkansas is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and vibrant culture. From hiking and biking to arts and music festivals, there’s never a shortage of things to do in this region. If you’re an adventure seeker looking for exciting activities to do in Northwest Arkansas, you’re in luck. This guide will highlight some of the best adventurous things to do in Northwest Arkansas.
Adventurous Things To Do in Northwest Arkansas
- Hiking
Northwest Arkansas is a hiker’s paradise with an abundance of trails to choose from. The region’s natural beauty includes forests, rivers, and mountains, making it a perfect place to explore nature. Some of the best trails in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. Hawksbill Crag Trail: This 3-mile round-trip trail is popular among hikers due to its stunning views of the Ozark Mountains.
b. Lost Valley Trail: This 2.2-mile round-trip trail takes you through a cave, a waterfall, and a natural bridge. It’s a perfect trail for families.
c. Ozark Highlands Trail: This 165-mile trail passes through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the Ozark Mountains. It’s a great option for experienced hikers looking for a multi-day adventure.
Northwest Arkansas has some of the best rock climbing areas in the country. With its numerous cliffs, crags, and boulders, the region offers a wide variety of climbing options for all skill levels. Some of the best rock climbing areas in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch: This ranch offers over 300 climbing routes on sandstone cliffs ranging from 30 to 300 feet tall. It’s a great destination for both beginner and experienced climbers.
b. Sam’s Throne: This popular climbing area features sandstone cliffs with routes ranging from 30 to 150 feet tall. It’s a great spot for experienced climbers.
c. Cave Springs: This climbing area features a variety of routes on limestone cliffs and is a great spot for beginner and intermediate climbers.
Northwest Arkansas has quickly become a mountain biking mecca, thanks to its diverse terrain and world-class trails. The region has over 200 miles of mountain bike trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Some of the best mountain biking trails in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. Slaughter Pen Trail: This 18-mile trail system in Bentonville is a favorite among mountain bikers for its technical features and flowy singletrack.
b. Coler Preserve: This 16-mile trail system in Bentonville features rock gardens, drops, and jumps. It’s a great spot for experienced riders.
c. Mount Kessler Greenways: This 10-mile trail system in Fayetteville features flowy singletrack and technical features. It’s a great spot for riders of all skill levels.
- Kayaking and Canoeing
Northwest Arkansas is home to several rivers and lakes, making it a perfect destination for kayaking and canoeing. Whether you’re looking for a calm paddle or an exciting whitewater adventure, the region has something for everyone. Some of the best kayaking and canoeing destinations in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. Buffalo National River: This national river offers over 135 miles of scenic paddling on crystal-clear water. It’s a great destination for both kayakers and canoeists.
b. Kings River: This river offers a mix of calm and rapids, making it a great spot for intermediate paddlers.
c. Lake Fayetteville: This lake is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing due to its calm waters and scenic surroundings.
- Zip-lining
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, zip-lining is a must-do activity in Northwest Arkansas. The region has several zip-line courses that offer breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains and forests. Some of the best zip-line courses in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. Ozark Mountain Ziplines: This zip-line course in Eureka Springs features 10 zip-lines that take you over the Ozark Mountains and valleys.
b. Adventureworks: This zip-line course in Fayetteville features 8 zip-lines that take you through the forest canopy and over a lake.
c. Buffalo Outdoor Center: This zip-line course in Ponca features 3 zip-lines that take you over the Buffalo River and the Ozark Mountains.
Northwest Arkansas is home to several caves, making it a perfect destination for caving enthusiasts. These caves offer a unique opportunity to explore underground formations and experience the wonders of nature. Some of the best caves to explore in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. Blanchard Springs Caverns: This cave system in Mountain View features guided tours that take you through underground rooms and passageways.
b. War Eagle Cavern: This cave system in Rogers features guided tours that take you through a natural cave system and a mining exhibit.
c. Onyx Cave Park: This cave system in Eureka Springs features guided tours that take you through a limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Skydiving
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, skydiving is a must-do activity in Northwest Arkansas. The region has several skydiving companies that offer tandem skydiving experiences with breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains. Some of the best skydiving companies in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. Ozarks Skydive Center: This skydiving company in Fayetteville offers tandem skydiving experiences with views of the Ozark Mountains and Beaver Lake.
b. Skydive Skyranch: This skydiving company in Siloam Springs offers tandem skydiving experiences with views of the Ozark Mountains and Illinois River.
c. Skydive Arkansas: This skydiving company in Russellville offers tandem skydiving experiences with views of the Ozark Mountains and Lake Dardanelle.
- Horseback Riding
Northwest Arkansas offers several opportunities to explore its natural beauty on horseback. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, there are several horseback riding destinations in the region. Some of the best horseback riding destinations in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch: This ranch in Jasper offers horseback riding tours that take you through the Ozark Mountains and Boxley Valley.
b. Eureka Springs Carriage Company: This company in Eureka Springs offers horse-drawn carriage tours of the city’s historic district.
c. The Riding Stables at Devil’s Den State Park: This park in West Fork offers guided horseback riding tours that take you through the park’s scenic trails.
- Fishing
Northwest Arkansas offers several opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to catch a variety of fish species. The region has several lakes and rivers that are stocked with trout, bass, and other fish. Some of the best fishing destinations in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. White River: This river is a popular destination for trout fishing and offers guided fishing tours.
b. Beaver Lake: This lake is a popular destination for bass fishing and offers several fishing spots and boat rentals.
c. Lake Wedington: This lake is a popular destination for trout fishing and offers several fishing spots and boat rentals.
- ATV Riding
Northwest Arkansas offers several opportunities for ATV enthusiasts to explore the region’s scenic trails and forests. Some of the best ATV riding destinations in Northwest Arkansas include:
a. Byrd’s Adventure Center: This adventure center in Ozark offers ATV trails that take you through the Ozark Mountains and along the Mulberry River.
b. Ozark National Forest: This forest offers several ATV trails that take you through scenic vistas, streams, and waterfalls.
c. Mulberry Mountain: This mountain offers ATV trails that take you through the Ozark Mountains and along the Mulberry River.
Conclusion
Northwest Arkansas is a region rich in natural beauty and offers several opportunities for outdoor adventures. From hiking and biking to rock climbing and kayaking, the region has something for every adventurer. Whether you’re looking to explore the Ozark Mountains, paddle through scenic rivers, or soar through the treetops on a zip line, Northwest Arkansas has it all. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful regions in the United States.
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