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Recreation

With its locality at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, northwest Arkansas is a haven for recreational enthusiasts. Expansive state parks, vast bodies of water and winding trail systems are infused with beautiful golf courses and plenty of sites allocated to public parks, recreation centers, sports complexes, skate parks, public pools and fitness centers. Each community within northwest Arkansas is fortunate to be served by a Recreation Department devoted to providing these wonderful open areas, superior facilities and a host of leisure activities for all ages and abilities.

GOLF

Northwest Arkansas is a prime retreat for golfers. The region is ranked no. 8 in the nation for private golf holes per capita and no. 66 nationally in total golf holes per capita. In fact, Bella Vista alone offers six continuous miles of golf courses, amounting to 126 holes. Fayetteville’s 18-hole Stonebridge Meadows Golf Course was named the no. 1 public course in Arkansas by Golf Digest. The newest addition to northwest Arkansas’ golfing repertoire is The Blessing at Clear Creek, with additional courses in development. Further courses in the area not to miss include Fayetteville Country Club, Paradise Valley Golf Course, Pinnacle Country Club, Razorback Park Golf Course and Springdale Country Club.

STATE PARKS

DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK Located just outside of Fayetteville in the Lee Creek Valley of the Ozark Mountains, Devil’s Den State Park offers plenty of activities for the outdoor lover. Canoeing, kayaking and fishing are ideal on eight-acre Lake Devil, and a number of trail systems attract hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and equestrians. The park also is home to several caves and crevices open for exploration, plus sites for camping.

HOBBS STATE PARK AND CONSERVATION AREA This park area spans 12,045 acres along Beaver Lake, making it Arkansas’ largest state park in land area. Just 10 miles east of Rogers, Hobbs State Park is equipped with four hiking trails, including one multi-use trail welcoming mountain bikers and equestrians. A new 17,000-square-foot visitor/education center is open as of fall 2008. Future development of the area will aim to include expanded programs, cabins, picnic areas and pavilions, as well as further hiking trails.

OZARK NATIONAL FOREST Hiking, swimming, camping, hunting, fishing and boating are a few of the activities available to visitors of the Ozark National Forest. The park encompasses 1.2 million acres of forestland, with the majority of that located in the northwest Arkansas region. Mount Magazine—the tallest mountain in Arkansas—and Blanchard Springs Cavern—an amazing living underground cave—call the Ozark National Forest home. Passive leisure also is found here through picturesque panoramas and excellent wildlife viewing.

LAKES AND RIVERS

BEAVER LAKE Just northeast of Fayetteville lies Beaver Lake, a 30,000-acre body of water that hails as the site of the first Bassmasters fishing tournament. The lake still hosts Bassmasters events, and is also home to the FLW Tour Wal-Mart Open each spring season. In addition to fishing, additional popular water sports and camping are favorite pastimes here.

BUFFALO RIVER Encompassed by Buffalo National Park, Buffalo River winds 150 miles eastward, ending at the White River. Camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing round out the popular activities along the river.

LAKE FAYETTEVILLE This 194-acre lake, nestled on the northern side of Fayetteville, is ideal for fishing, boating and other water sports. The 640-acre park surrounding the lake is excellent for hiking, picnicking and just relaxing among its natural beauty. The park even offers softball facilities, a playground and a 5.5-mile trail.LAKE WEDINGTON Lake Wedington, totaling 102 acres just west of Fayetteville, draws in those looking to take advantage of the water with fishing, boating and swimming. Plus, the site offers the 37-acre Lake Wedington Recreation Area, which offers everything from hiking, camping and picnicking to volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and pavilions.

LAKE WILSON This body of water is an attractive site for anglers, and also provides a picnic pavilion and the 2.6-mile Clark Trail.

LAKE SEQUOYAH Another haven for anglers, 160-acre Lake Sequoyah is stocked with bass, bream, crappie and catfish, and offers a boat dock, boat ramp and a bait and tackle shop.


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