State Parks and Area Lakes
Gear up for spring with hiking or canoeing at a state park, or a picnic with the family at one of these area parks and lakes. Wherever you go, you’ll find that Northwest Arkansas is a place of beauty and harmony year-round.
Devil’s Den State Park
South of Fayetteville, Devil’s Den State Park is situated in picturesque Lee Creek Valley near West Fork. The trails at Devil’s Den are well-loved for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Hike the Yellow Rock Trail to a glorious scenic overlook of Lee Creek Valley below.
Blowing Springs Park
Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista features an RV park, campground with amenities, waterfalls and a 1.8 mile Blowing Springs perimeter loop popular with hikers, walkers and off-road cyclists alike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Lake Wedington Recreation Area
The 424-acre Lake Wedington Recreation Area has a 102-acre lake that’s popular with anglers, canoeists and wildlife watchers. Amenities include playgrounds, volleyball courts, air-conditioned cabins, walking trails and a boat ramp – all surrounded by lush hardwood forest.
Lake Fayetteville Park
With both natural and paved trails around Lake Fayetteville, this city park attracts everyone from joggers and anglers to disc golfers and pet walkers. Features include a boat dock and marina on the lake, softball fields, a disc golf course and a bike skills park. Lake Fayetteville extends to the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks.
Lake Atalanta
Lake Atalanta is home to the slope-style Railyard Bike Park, walking trails, kayaking, fishing and picnic areas. Cyclists can loop around Lake Atalanta on a trail with swooping bridges, steep climbs and gravity cavities.
Lake Leatherwood City Park
Eureka Springs’ city park boasts an 85-acre spring-fed lake, perfect for fishing, canoeing and recreation. Birders will be thrilled to know Lake Leatherwood is home to over 120 different bird species, including heron, duck, geese, bald eagles and wild turkey. Cabins and camping are available year-round.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
With more than 900 acres, this park was the site of the last major Civil War battle in Northwest Arkansas. Featuring walking trails, driving tours and historic homes on site, and battlefield reenactments on even numbered years.
Near Fayetteville
Beaver Lake
Nationally renowned for its bass fishing, Beaver Lake is a nature lover’s delight. Amenities include marinas, lakeshore cabins, modern campsites, boating, scuba diving, water skiing, wake boarding, kayaking and swimming.
Springdale, Eureka Springs, Rogers
Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area
This state park east of Rogers includes a diverse, 52-mile trail system for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. It’s the only state park in Arkansas to allow regulated hunting, and is home to the world-class off-road cycling Monuments Trails. Lodging options include primitive hike-in and bike-in campsites.