14 Miles - Moderate
Beginning from Fayetteville's Downtown Square, enjoy a bicycle-friendly loop through east Fayetteville following large portions of our paved trail network. Featuring sections of the Razorback Regional Greenway, Mud Creek and Niokaska Trails – our Parkside Circuit route connects several popular public parks in Fayetteville including Gordon Long, Gulley Park, and Wilson Park.
From downtown, our Parkside Circuit route follows shared roadways to the Razorback Regional Greenway before branching off east towards Wilson Park – Fayetteville’s first and oldest public park. First-time guests will want to consider a stop at the northeast corner of the park to explore the Wilson Park Castle, a fort-like structure inspiring the imaginations of children, teenagers, and adults for nearly 40 years.
Leaving Wilson Park, the route follows bicycle-friendly streets through Fayetteville’s Washington-Willow Historic District and east to Mission Boulevard. Depending on the time of day, cyclists can expect to share the road with motorists during this 0.3-mile segment along Mission and should exercise caution in this area. Motorists are expected to share the road and allow 3' when passing cyclists.
From Mission Boulevard the route picks up the Old Wire side path north towards Gulley Park. The 27-acre Gulley Park has evolved over the years into a highly used community park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms. A long-standing tradition in Fayetteville, the Gulley Park Summer Concert Series features live outdoor music and a gathering of some of our favorite food trucks on six different occasions each summer – and is easily accessible by bicycle.
Departing Gulley Park, the 3-mile Niokaska Creek Trail meanders northeast alongside Niokaska Creek before connecting back to the Razorback Greenway via the Mud Creek Trail. Heading west, the Mud Creek Trail guides cyclists through Fayetteville’s Uptown District – with bicycle-friendly hotels, over 150 retail stores and restaurants, and a wide array of entertainment options for the whole family.
From the Mud Creek Trail, the route rejoins the Razorback Regional Greenway and points back towards downtown. Paralleling Fayetteville’s Skull Creek, this 4-mile section of the Greenway features abundant tree canopy, trickling creek waters, and accessible public restrooms and water fountains along the way. Cyclists looking to wet their whistles with a craft beverage should consider stopping off at Columbus House Brewery – a quaint little three-barrel brewhouse dedicated to providing Fayetteville with quality brews and a friendly environment. Located just off the Greenway, Columbus House is a popular gathering place for community group rides and trail runs 7 days a week!
Where to Park
Downtown Fayetteville offers guests an abundance of parking possibilities including free and for a fee options. Metered on-street and surface parking lots are free after 6pm and on the weekends and the Fayetteville Town Center parking deck, located at the corner of N. East Avenue and W. Rock Street, is only $4/day.
No bike? No problem. Fayetteville has an extensive fleet of dockless e-scooters and e-bikes that can be found all around town and available for rent from partners VEO and SPIN.
