The best walks and hikes in Benton County

Discover the easy Lake Atalanta Loop, a 1.8-mile (3.0 km) hiking route that winds around the beautiful spring-fed lake. You will enjoy continuous water views, especially from the boardwalks extending right over the water. With a gentle elevation gain of just 48 feet (15 metres), this trail is perfect for a relaxed stroll and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Lake Atalanta Loop is part of the accessible and family-friendly Lake Atalanta Park. You will find convenient amenities like playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and clean restrooms on site. The trail is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry companion along for the hike.

This loop offers a chance to explore a lush Ozark forest environment, with diverse plants and local wildlife to observe. The park's setting around the lake provides a refreshing escape, making it a notable spot for outdoor activity in the region.

The Tanyard Perimeter Loop offers an easy hiking experience through lush wooded areas, perfect for a quick outdoor escape. You will follow a crystal-clear creek, passing rock bluffs and crossing several sturdy bridges, including a popular suspension bridge. This route covers 1.9 miles (3.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 150 feet (46 metres), taking approximately 50 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, remember that the Tanyard Perimeter Loop is easily accessible from Bella Vista. While the terrain is generally easy, wearing good hiking shoes is a smart choice for comfort and stability. With many connecting paths in the area, using a mapping app like komoot can help you stay on your intended route and explore confidently.

A highlight of this trail is the stunning waterfall created by the Lake Windsor spillway, a beautiful spot that often attracts families. As you hike, keep an eye out for historical markers and various local plant species that add to the natural charm of the area. This loop provides a refreshing journey through diverse scenery, making it a notable option for a short nature walk.

Embark on Oscar's Loop, a moderate hiking route spanning 5.8 miles (9.3 km) within the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. You'll navigate varied natural scenery, encountering singletrack paths that can be quite rocky in places. The trail offers a steady climb of 425 feet (130 metres) and typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. As you hike, you'll connect to The Hub, a distinctive 20-foot steel and wood structure that serves as a central landmark and offers access to other routes. This loop provides a balanced challenge for most hikers.

Oscar's Loop is a multi-use trail, welcoming hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and e-bikers. Dogs are also permitted, making it a great option if you want to bring your canine companion along. Since it's part of the larger Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, you'll find it well-connected to many other routes, allowing for extended adventures if you wish. Check the preserve's official website for current conditions and any specific access rules before your visit.

This route is notable for its integration into the extensive Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational infrastructure. The varied terrain, from smooth sections to

Embark on the Appleblossom Trail for a moderate hike spanning 5.5 miles (8.9 km), where you will gain 217 feet (66 metres) in elevation. This well-maintained path, estimated to take around 2 hours and 19 minutes, winds through the wooded areas of the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. You can expect a pleasant outdoor experience as you explore the natural surroundings, perhaps passing by The Homestead at Coler Preserve.

When planning your visit, you will find good access and parking facilities within the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. While no specific warnings are noted, it is always wise to check local conditions before you head out. The preserve is well-equipped with amenities, including a Bike Wash & Repair Station, indicating a visitor-friendly environment for all.

The Appleblossom Trail offers a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. You might encounter other popular routes in the area, such as Rock Salad Trail or Here's Johnny! Trail, which are also part of the preserve's network. This trail provides a great opportunity to explore the region's outdoor offerings.

Embark on the Blowing Springs Greenway, Rago, and Back 40 Loop for a moderate hike that blends paved paths with rugged natural terrain. This 7.3-mile (11.7 km) route features an elevation gain of 541 feet (165 metres) and takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete. You will begin with an easy stroll through wooded areas on the greenway, crossing a notable 30-foot bridge. As you transition to the Rago and Back 40 Loop trails, expect undulating terrain, rocky outcrops, and open glades, offering picturesque views of the Ozark hills and a tranquil pond. The varied landscape ensures a dynamic outdoor experience.

When planning your visit, remember that sturdy hiking boots are recommended for the natural surface sections of the Rago and Back 40 Loop. Dogs are welcome to join you on leash on these natural trails. Parking is typically available at Blowing Springs Park, which also provides convenient amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. This makes it a good starting point for your adventure.

This loop offers a diverse experience within the larger Blowing Springs Park and Back 40 Trail System. You can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Blowing Springs Arboretum along the greenway. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and armadillos, especially in the more natural sections of the trail. The combination of easy greenway and challenging natural paths makes this route a standout in the region.

The Tweety Bird Trail offers an easy hiking experience through shaded woods, perfect for a refreshing outing. You'll cover 1.7 miles (2.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 70 feet (21 metres), making it accessible for nearly everyone. Expect to spend around 44 minutes enjoying the peaceful surroundings. As you hike, keep an eye out for unique art installations and quirky statues, like the 'Bella Insta' sculpture near the Tunnel Art, adding a playful touch to your journey. The trail provides pleasant views, especially when the trees are full, creating a serene atmosphere.

Planning your visit to the Tweety Bird Trail is straightforward, as it's an all-weather route accessible throughout the year. You can enjoy this trail even in wet conditions, offering flexibility for your schedule. Dogs are welcome to join you, but remember to keep them on a leash for their safety and the comfort of other hikers. The path is well-groomed and designed for use in both directions, allowing you to choose your preferred starting point and route. This makes it easy to fit into your day, whether you're looking for a morning stroll or an afternoon adventure.

The Tweety Bird Trail is a key part of the larger Little Sugar Trail System, providing a beginner-friendly option within this extensive network. It stands out for its straightforward hiking experience and minimal challenge, making it an ideal choice if you are new to hiking or seeking a relaxed walk. The route is mostly shaded, offering a comfortable escape from the sun during warmer months. This trail is notable for its blend of natural beauty and unexpected artistic elements, creating a memorable outdoor experience. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local woods without committing to a strenuous trek.

Discover the Village on the Creeks Trail, an easy hike that offers a refreshing escape within a bustling commercial area. This route spans 0.7 miles (1.1 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 5 feet (1 metres), making it perfect for a quick 16-minute stroll. You'll enjoy a beautifully landscaped, park-like environment as the trail winds alongside the serene Osage and Turtle Creeks, leading you past a scenic 12-acre lake.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is part of a 64-acre commercial development. This means parking is generally convenient and readily available within the Village on the Creeks area. You can easily access the trail for a leisurely walk, or even combine your hike with dining at one of the lakeside restaurants nearby.

The Village on the Creeks Trail stands out as a pleasant outdoor oasis, providing a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere. It's a unique opportunity to experience nature's calm within an otherwise active commercial setting, offering a serene backdrop for your outdoor activity. This trail is ideal if you're looking for a short, accessible walk that blends natural beauty with urban convenience.

Embark on an easy hike along the Sick A More trail, a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) route that takes about 31 minutes to complete. You will gain 125 feet (38 metres) in elevation as you traverse a narrow canyon. Expect to encounter rocky edges and some tricky uphill rock climbs, even though the overall difficulty is easy. The path offers beautiful scenery, winding through varied terrain that keeps the experience engaging.

This trail is generally accessible, making it easy to start your hike. You can bring your dog along, as they are permitted on the route. Parking is typically available near the Blowing Springs trail network, which provides a convenient connection to the Sick A More trail. There are no specific permits or fees required to enjoy this outdoor experience.

Located within the Little Sugar Trails network in Bella Vista, Arkansas, this route is part of a multi-use system. You might share the path with mountain bikers and trail runners, all enjoying the impressive views. While the overall route is easy, be aware that sections of the trail itself are known for their technical singletrack terrain, adding a unique challenge to this short adventure.

The Bamboozled Trail offers an easy hiking experience, covering 3.0 miles (4.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 287 feet (88 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The singletrack path winds beautifully along a creek, providing a hilly experience under a dense tree canopy. This offers plenty of shade and a natural feel as you hike. Look for a unique passage under Forrest Hills via a tunnel, adding an interesting feature to your journey. The trail also connects to Lake Avalon, giving you scenic views.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is consistently easy to follow. You are welcome to bring your leashed dog along for the adventure. Good access and parking options are available in the Bella Vista area, making it convenient to start your hike. This route is also popular for mountain biking and trail running, so you might share the path with others.

Located within Lake Avalon Park, the Bamboozled Trail is part of the extensive OZ Trails network. This connection allows for onward exploration if you wish to extend your outing beyond this specific route. The trail's unique passage under Forrest Hills via a tunnel is a memorable feature that sets it apart. As you hike, keep an eye out for