The 8 Best Ways to Get Out in Nature In and Near Bentonville, Arkansas

The trails and grounds of Crystal Bridges are a must-see part of the Museum experience. More than 3.5 miles of trails wind through the Museum’s 120-acre site, providing guests with access to the beautiful Ozark landscape. Designed to spark the imagination, the trails help guests form connections to the land and its history, as well as enjoy outdoor artworks.

Our take: These trails are a 20-minute walk from The Green Door. Trails range from paved to dirt and feature art along the way. Whether you just want a small taste of the outdoors before dinner or meander throughout the trail system, these are a must-visit.

Slaughter Pen Hollow Trail is a 5.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Bentonville, Arkansas that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.

Our take: Primarily used for mountain-biking, this trail put Bentonville on the MTB map. Accessible from downtown Bentonville.

Blowing Springs Trails Loop is a 3.8 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Bella Vista, Arkansas that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate.

Our take: This is a beautiful trail just north of Bentonville that Michelle often runs when she is the mood for a trail run.

Pure Arkansas singletrack: Nearly 40 miles of natural-surface, multi-use trails.

Our take: The Back 40 is made up of 14 different trails and covers nearly 40 miles of singletrack in nearby Bella Vista. Great for mountain biking, hiking and running. There are three main trailheads.

Lake Atalanta is a Public Park located just east of Downtown Rogers on Walnut Street. The park was re-opened in October of 2016 after undergoing a complete renovation, and now has approximately 4 miles of hard surface trails and over 10 miles of soft surface multi-use trails. The lake has 5 pavilions, three bathroom facilities, and two different playground areas. There are six fishing piers located around the lake and several picnic tables.

Our take: A bit of a drive, but worth it. Lots to see and do and great for families!

Incorporating the path of a very old country road and the meanderings of Tanyard Creek, the trail loops lazily up hills and down with long stretches of straight-aways. Most of the trail takes you through 2nd growth Oak/Hickory forest, with some of the trails skirting meadow lands. The beautiful waterfall created by run off of Windsor lake is a favorite resting place with a well placed bench and fenced concrete viewing area. Rapids created by the falls present a wonderful recreation area for more daring adults and children alike who don't mind getting a bit wet.

Our take: One of the hidden gems of the area. Great for families.

Pea Ridge offers those who love the outdoors plenty of opportunities to experience nature. The battlefield has hiking trails, a bike path and horse trails.

The park's hiking trail is seven miles long and goes through both natural and historic areas of the park. If you are not interested in hiking the entire trail there are several shorter loop trails, accessible from tour stop 7 (the Elkhorn Tavern).

Our take: Worth the drive, especially if you are into history.

Arkansas's largest state park in land area, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (HSPCA) covers a 12,056-acre tract of diverse Ozark landscape along the southern shore of 28,370-acre Beaver Lake. Twenty-two of the park’s 60 miles of border stretch along the shores of Beaver Lake. The park lies between Beaver Lake to the north and War Eagle Creek to the south with acreage stretching across a part of Benton County southeast of Beaver Lake and extending into Madison and Carroll counties.

The 24-mile Multi-use Hidden Diversity Trail is designed for equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers.

Our take: Hobbs is one of Michelle's favorite places to run during the summer because of its shady trails. She has participated in trail races there, including the Outback to the Ozarks 200-mile relay.