Growing up in Fayetteville, I had an adventurous childhood. Building tree houses and playing sports outside with the neighborhood kids was always fun, but the best weekends were spent in the nearby woods, rivers, lakes, and on the trail. 

While Fayetteville is known for the Razorbacks and the University of Arkansas, there is so much waiting to be discovered off campus that make this electic town a hidden natural treasure. 

Highlighting just a few favorites at a time. Here we go….:

1.  One of my favorite hiking spots is Mount Sequoyah Woods just east of the university. The Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association played a huge role in saving this pristine natural area from development. This is a place filled with indigenous creatures and vegetation, saved for future generations to enjoy. 

Hiking and mountain biking trails open most of the year. 

Two pictures above, Mount Sequoyah Cross rises above the downtown area and university. The retreat center here hosts religious and non religious events. Cabins can be rented out for weddings and events.

Check out the beautiful, hand-crafted pavilion designs by Robert Runyon– paid for by the Lindsey and Underwood families– at the bottom of the trail by The Cliff Apartments. 
2.  Lake Fayetteville, just north of town has family-friendly hike and bike trails around the lake. There is also nice playground equipment for kids at the main entrance. 

Hike-bike Trail on the Lake Fayetteville levy. 

Only hand powered canoes and boats allowed on lake. Many schools use the lake for teaching scientific research. 

Bridge leading from playground area to the lake. 

Natural hike-bike trail through woods by Lake Fayetteville. 

The unassuming Southtown Sporting Goods is just a short distance west of the lake. The store is owner-operaterdd by the Aggus family, a long time Native Fayetteville family. Support your local businesses 🙂 

Check out the store for live crickets for baiting fishing poles, sleeping bags for camping, and kayaks for floating Lake Fayetteville and beyond. And anything else your outdoor adventures require. 
3.  The Ozark Botanical Gardens back up to the woods of Lake Fayetteville, connected by the hike and bike trail. The Garden hosts wedding parties, school field trips, social night’s out,  and educational ventues. 

One of the main open areas of the garden. 

Plenty of places to picnic and relax on the main grounds. 

Main center of Botanical Gardens. 

Kids love climbing the whimsical stairs leading to a floating garden. 
If you are a UofA student or a tourist visiting Fayetteville for the first time, venture off the. Eaten path to seek out these relaxing, peaceful places close to Fayetteville’s core. You’ll be glad you discovered something new. 

Stay tuned for more Fayetteville treasures uncovered.