Fall is a great time to explore the hiking trails in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Cooler temperatures make it easier to spend time outside, and the changing leaves add plenty of color to the wooded trails, lakes and hills around the city.

If you're traveling to Fayetteville for a fall weekend, hiking is an easy way to see the season's colors while exploring the Ozarks. Spend the day on the trails, then head back into town to enjoy Fayetteville’s food culture, artisan coffee shops, or, if you happen to be a beer aficionado, hop on the Fayetteville Ale Trail. Make Fayetteville your home base for the weekend, with plenty of opportunities to discover hidden art, browse boutique shops, and find a place to stay close to it all.

If you're visiting Fayetteville to see the leaves change, don't stop with the trails. Explore more ways to see fall foliage in Fayetteville and throughout the Ozarks, from scenic drives to some of the area's best overlooks.

Whether you're looking for a short walk close to town, a longer trail around the lake or a more challenging hike, you'll find plenty of options in Fayetteville and just beyond the city limits. Here are a few trails to add to your fall hiking list.

Kessler Mountain Trails

Just southwest of Fayetteville, Kessler Mountain Regional Park offers 10+ miles of natural-surface trails through wooded hills and rocky Ozark terrain. The interconnected trails give hikers plenty of options, with climbs, creek crossings and rocky sections along the way.

Fall is a great time to explore Kessler, when the hardwoods surrounding the trails begin to change color. The park is also popular with mountain bikers, so hikers should keep an eye out for other trail users. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Gregory Park: Morning Light Trail

For a shorter outing, head to Gregory Park in Fayetteville. Morning Light Trail is a natural-surface trail that can be enjoyed by both walkers and mountain bikers.

The trail makes a nice option for a quick walk (or ride) through the park and its tree-lined surroundings. Gregory Park also features a pump track, bicycle skills course and downhill mountain biking trails, making it a popular spot for cyclists and observers!

Lake Fayetteville Trail

If you're looking for a longer, more relaxed hike, head to Lake Fayetteville. The trail system around the lake combines paved and natural surfaces, with a 6.9-mile nature trail circling the lake.

Along the way, you'll pass through wooded areas, a large, restored prairie and spots with views of the water. The trail also passes by the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and connects to the Razorback Greenway, making it easy to add more miles to your outing.

The mostly level trail is a good choice for walking, running or biking, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Lake Sequoyah Trails

Just east of Fayetteville, Lake Sequoyah offers a quieter setting for a fall hike. The trails follow the lake through wooded areas, with gorgeous views of the water and spur trails that provide access to fishing spots along the shoreline.

The area is also a great place for birdwatching, with Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles and Belted Kingfishers often spotted around the lake. As the leaves begin to change, the wooded shoreline makes a pretty backdrop for a fall afternoon outdoors.

Mount Sequoyah Woods Trail

You don't have to leave Fayetteville to find a trail that feels far removed from the city. Mount Sequoyah Woods Trail winds 4.5 miles through the thick woods on the eastern side of Mount Sequoyah, with plenty of natural terrain along the way. It's close to town, but once you're on the trail, the trees make it easy to forget you're still in Fayetteville.

It's a convenient option if you're staying near Downtown Fayetteville or the University of Arkansas and want to fit a hike into your day without making a long drive. Afterward, you're just minutes from downtown restaurants, coffee shops and other things to do around town.

Joe Clark Trail at Lake Wilson

Located at Lake Wilson, the Joe Clark Trail offers another chance to explore the woods and enjoy the fall scenery just outside Fayetteville. The trail system includes two loops, the inner loop at 1.33 miles, and the outer loop at 1.76 miles, for hikers, with wooded sections and views of the lake along the way.

It's a good option if you're looking for a quieter trail where you can enjoy the woods and lake scenery, especially if you have a four-legged friend! The park is an off-leash dog park, so it's a popular spot for getting outside with your faithful hiking buddy.

Lake Wedington Hiking Trail

About 13 miles west of Fayetteville, Lake Wedington is another easy day trip for anyone looking to explore more of the Ozarks. The area surrounds a 102-acre lake and includes wooded trails, lake views and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

The 7-mile Wedington Hiking Trail takes you through the wooded landscape surrounding the lake and is a good choice when you want to get away from the city for a while without going too far. Fall brings plenty of color to the hardwood forest, making this a scenic addition to a Fayetteville-area hiking trip. On the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of northwest Arkansas' best-kept recreational secrets.

Find Your Fall Trail in Fayetteville

You don't have to travel far from Fayetteville to enjoy a good fall hike. From the wooded trails of Kessler Mountain and Mount Sequoyah to the open views around Lake Fayetteville and the quieter paths at Lake Wedington, there's a trail for just about every kind of outing.

So grab your hiking shoes, check the trail conditions and head outside. Fall is a great time to explore Fayetteville and the Ozarks one trail at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed on these hikes? 

Yes. Dogs are welcome on these trails as long as they are kept on a leash. The exception is the Joe Clark Trail at Lake Wilson, which is located within an off-leash dog park, so it's an option if you'd like to hike with your dog without a leash.

Are there facilities at these parks?

Facilities vary from park to park. All have parking, Kessler Mountain and Lake Fayetteville have restrooms, and a few have picnic areas or gazebos. If you're planning to spend several hours on the trail, it's a good idea to check the park's current amenities and bring water and anything else you may need for your hike.

When is the best time to go hiking in Fayetteville?

Fall is one of the best times to hike in Fayetteville, with cooler temperatures and changing leaves making the trails especially scenic. Fall color typically develops across the Ozarks during October and into early November, although timing can vary from year to year.