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Print Friendly MapThe Lake Fayetteville Trail, one of the most popular multi-use paths in Fayetteville's extensive network, encircles the nearly 200-acre lake at the center of Lake Fayetteville Park. Built in 1949 as a vital source of drinking water, the lake continues to serve local residents well, who now use its glassy surface to fish, boat or simply admire nature.
While the lake is at the center of the park, it is not the only draw. A large softball complex at the park's northwest edge hosts ballgames, and Veterans Memorial Park along the lake's southern edge offers volleyball courts, picnic areas and playgrounds. The North Shore at Lake Fayetteville is largely undeveloped, allowing for free play throughout its wide open 50 acres.
The Lake Fayetteville Trail provides direct access to all of these areas—presenting scenic views of Lake Fayetteville along the way—but the encircling 7-mile nature trail hugs the shoreline even closer and might be a better option for hikers. On the park's eastern edge, both trails also serve the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. While an admission fee is required, visitors won't regret it as they tour the twelve themed gardens and butterfly house or attend a workshop or lecture with their children.
Located on the border between Fayetteville and Springdale, the park already serves a large percentage of Northwest Arkansas' population, and access continues to improve with new trail connections. Below the Lake Fayetteville Trail's Spillway Bridge, where rest areas allow trail users to enjoy the serene landscape, the Clear Creek Trail heads west, passing Northwest Arkansas Mall and ultimately merging into the Scull Creek Trail. Alternatively, pick up the Powell Street Trail from Lake Fayetteville Park's northern reaches to head north into Springdale.
All four trails are central components of the Razorback Regional Greenway, a 46-mile, primarily off-road, shared-use trail that extends from southeast Bella Vista to the southern edge of Fayetteville.
Parking for the Lake Fayetteville Trail is available at several locations within Lake Fayetteville Park. The recommended parking lots are located in Veterans Memorial Park (4451 N. Vantage Drive) and the Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex (1153 E. Lake Fayetteville Road).
It’s well maintained, paved, shaded (at least based on time of day/season), and really pretty. However, don’t listen when others say it’s “somewhat hilly” or “not excessively hilly.” Y’all, it’s Fayetteville. It’s all hills. There’s no way around that. Also, per the usual on the NWA trail system, the cyclists are jerks 95% of the time and don’t give warning when passing, so be aware.
Ran here in November during fall foliage visit.Started at Veterans Park off Zion Rd.Headed east on recently completed portion of trail.Really enjoyed this run.Trail was uncrowded.Trail was bordered by trees and was somewhat hilly.Very scenic trail.
We rode this trail completely around the lake starting from the Park. It is hilly, but not excessively so. It looks like it is nicely maintained.
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