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.

Kessler Mountain Trails

You knew we’d start with Kessler, didn’t you? As a newer trail system and the closest to the heart of downtown Fayetteville, the Kessler Mountain Trails provide a perfect mix of valleys, rock bluffs, crestline, and forest for a fall hike. The looping trails provide over 10 miles of scenery and you can’t go wrong with any of them! The leaf action is fantastic this time of year and the views of Fayetteville and Prairie Grove’s skylines certainly don’t hurt. Leashed dogs are welcome, too!

Lake Sequoyah Trails

We recommend the north trail, “Kingfisher”, that extends along the east bank of Lake Sequoyah for incredible autumnal views to the west (sunsets + pretty leaves = yes please!) but all three are worth a visit. This family-friendly trail is generally not heavily trafficked and only 3.8 miles down and back. Dogs AND horses are welcome on this trail!

Mt. Sequoyah Woods Trail

This natural trail meanders through the east side of Mt. Sequoyah and boasts some unbeatable views in the fall time. The trail is heavily wooded (and sometimes a little rugged!) which makes for both a great hike and a fabulous sightseeing trip of gorgeous fall trees. You can really commune with nature in the heart of Fayetteville and get that “out in the forest” feel, even though you’re smack in the middle of the city.

Joe-Clark Trail

Located at lovely Lake Wilson, the Joe-Clark trail system has two short loops (the inner is 1.33 miles and the outer is 1.76 miles) that are specifically reserved for hikers. Dogs are welcome on both loops! The nature-filled trail runs through the woods almost entirely, with part of the trek featuring a view of the lake and the other surrounded in the red, orange, and yellow leaves of fall among the tall trees! Just a fair warning that you should be prepared for mud if it’s been raining within a few days of your hike. It’s worth it!

BONUS

If you’re not up for a hike, but you ARE up for the views, check out the overlook at Mt. Sequoyah. It’s not to be missed!