Outdoor Recreation

They don’t call us the Natural State for nothing! Northwest Arkansas ranks high for outdoor recreation and opportunities to connect with nature. Here, we highlight some of the many lakes, rivers, state parks and more.

Bella Vista Lakes

bellavistapoa.com / (479) 855-8000

Bella Vista lakes are some of the finest in the region, ideal for fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, boating or simply enjoying the surrounding nature. Of the seven lakes, Lake Ann, Lake Windsor and Loch

Lomond are larger all-sports lakes, while Lake Avalon, Lake Norwood, Lake Rayburn and Lake Brittany are primarily fishing and swimming lakes.

War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake

21494 Cavern Drive, Rogers wareaglecavern.com / (479) 789-2909

Open seasonally, War Eagle Cavern features a spectacular natural entrance on the shores of Beaver Lake. The pristine natural cavern offers easy guided, stroller and pet friendly walking tours with no stairs or tight passages.

Hobbs State Park Conservation Area

20201 E Hwy 12, Rogers arkansasstateparks.com / (479) 789-5000

Arkansas’ largest state park in land area, Hobbs State Park is home to the state’s first Monument Trails optimized for mountain biking, along with a diverse, 52-mile trail system with hiking, ADA approved and horseback riding trails, and five primitive campsites. With 22 of the park’s 60 miles bordering the shores of Beaver Lake, Hobbs is a great spot to exercise or soak up nature’s boundless beauty.

Beaver Lake

arkansas.com / (479) 636-1210

Beaver Lake has nearly 500 miles of natural shoreline and prime access points near Rogers, Eureka Springs and Springdale. With boating, swimming, fishing, hiking trails, wildlife watching, various campgrounds and more, Beaver Lake has something for everyone.

Devil’s Den State Park

11333 W Hwy 74, West Fork arkansasstateparks.com / (479) 761-3325

Devil’s Den State Park is nestled deep in the Lee Creek Valley, approximately 20 miles south of Fayetteville – a picturesque Ozarks setting surrounded by ancient sedimentary mountains and lush oak-hickory forest. Hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails wind through the park and the surrounding Ozark National Forest.

Buffalo National River

Tyler Bend Visitor Center, 170 Ranger Rd, St. Joe nps.gov/buff / (870) 439-2502

Established in 1972 as America’s first national river, the Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. From running rapids to quiet pools, the river is surrounded by the massive bluffs of the Ozark Mountains. There are many activities, including floating the river, visiting historic homesteads and prehistoric sites, along with hiking and camping.