Hiking is a fantastic outdoor activity any time of year. Even in the winter months, you can bundle up and make the most of the fresh, cool winter air. There are plenty of places to go for a hike in and around the Springdale area. With trails designed for the beginner hiker and some for the more adventurous, you’re sure to find something that fits your ability. Here are some of the best places to hike near Springdale, AR.

Lake Lafayette Trail

The Lake Lafayette Trail is a 5.5-mile loop that leads to other trails if you want to extend your hike. This is a highly trafficked trail and well maintained with some paved areas, too. There are some beautiful wooded areas and an open preservation area along the way, and you’ll also get to enjoy views of the lake. A wide variety of flora and fauna will greet you along the trail, and there are even benches if you need to rest.

Prairie Grove Battlefield

Prairie Grove Battlefield is one of America’s most intact Civil War battlefields, and the state park offers an excellent place for hiking and walking. There’s a 1-mile Battlefield Trail to follow where you can see the places where the battle took place, or you can go along the 5-mile driving tour to see the historic structures in the Ozark village.

Butterfield Hiking Trail

The Butterfield Hiking Trail is a challenging hike for more experienced hikers. It’s a rocky trail with some scrambling necessary. It got its name from the Butterfield Stagecoach and is one of the few looped backpacking trails in Arkansas. It starts in the Devil’s Den State Park right near the pavilion and crosses highway 74 before passing near Mount Olive. There are several scenic views along the way, including Vista Point and Blackburn Creek. Keep in mind that you need to get a free permit from the park office before starting on this hike.

Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail

The Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail in Rogers is just a few miles outside of Springdale and offers a simple hike perfect for beginners. You can see a lot of the river as you walk along the trail, which runs for about a mile and a half. This is a loop trail, so you can just keep following back to where you started. Also, it’s not too strenuous. This makes it a good hike for the whole family.

Withrow Springs State Park

Head to nearby Withrow Springs State Park in the Ozark Mountains for several hiking opportunities. There are trails for all levels, including the easy Dogwood Nature Trail and the War Eagle Trail, which is just a two-mile loop trail that runs along the river. The Forest Trails is a little more difficult but only runs for about a mile.

Try any of these gorgeous places near Springdale for hiking. There are trails for all levels, whether you’re just starting out or have some hiking experience already.

Image via Flickr by ubelkatze

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