With cooler weather upon us, the fall season is in full swing. For visitors to Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas, one of the most popular activities to do during this time of year is enjoying the fall foliage. From mid-October to early November in the Ozarks, the leaves change color in spectacular fashion, making for breathtaking views throughout wooded paths, scenic overlooks and even inside the city, considering how green Fayetteville is during the spring and summer months.

The air is growing crisper, the nights are growing longer, and the Ozark foliage is bursting with the burnt oranges, blazing reds, and vivid yellows that frame our beautiful Fayetteville each fall. When the world looks like this, it’s the best time of all to explore the trails that Fayetteville has to offer! We’ve compiled a few of our favorite hikes with scenic views to get you started.

Fayetteville is nestled in the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by scenic beauty all year long, which makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and travelers seeking outdoor recreation experiences. What’s less obvious is that in addition to the beauty of the great outdoors in Northwest Arkansas, you’re also surrounded by opportunities to round out your nature vacation with one of many agritourism adventures in Fayetteville! 

Whether you’re making your first trip to Fayetteville or you’re a lifelong native of the area, there is no better way to get a true picture of the vibrant and beautiful community than to carve out a few hours to take in the local trail system. The southernmost section of the Razorback Greenway, a 40 mile shared-use trail that traverses some of the prettiest countryside in Northwest Arkansas, runs through the heart of Fayetteville and alongside an array of unique stops that will turn a 10-mile local ride into a fantastic all-day adventure.

If you’ve ever considered visiting a castle, be sure to make space in your FayettePlans for a journey to Wilson Park! There, you’ll find the whimsical “Castle” sculpture that has drawn visitors to Fayetteville since its completion in 1981.

Fayetteville is home to a vibrant rock climbing scene, known for its strong, supportive sense of community. Just ask Fallon Cardoza and Patrick Randall, co-owners of Boulders and Brews, the city’s climbing gym located in the Dickson Street Entertainment District. “The climbing culture here is just really inclusive,” Cardoza said. “That’s what’s special about it to me.”