Finding Your Northwest Arkansas
Where Should I Live If I Love the Outdoors?
Welcome to Finding Your Northwest Arkansas!
By: Jennifer Freeman
Principal Broker, Encompass Real Estate
Published: July 21, 2026
One of the biggest misconceptions about relocating to Northwest Arkansas is that choosing where to live is simply about finding the right house.
I believe it's much more than that.
It's about finding the community that best fits your lifestyle, your priorities, and the life you hope to build.
Throughout this series, we'll explore some of the questions I encourage many of my relocating clients to ask themselves before purchasing a home. Whether you love the outdoors, travel frequently, enjoy lake life, or are looking for a walkable community, my hope is that these articles will help you discover the part of Northwest Arkansas that truly feels like home.
After all, making a confident decision isn't just about choosing the right property—it's about choosing the lifestyle that creates the greatest opportunity for you and your family.
For those of you who love getting outdoors to brighten your week and bring you back to a place of serenity, I'm going to focus on the Northwest Arkansas communities that keep you close to some of the most popular outdoor recreation our region has to offer.
I can relate closely to those of you who were drawn to this article. I've traveled to many places around our nation, and it's always hard for me to imagine living anywhere else. To me, Northwest Arkansas is one of the most beautiful places in our country.
I know that's an extremely bold statement considering all the beauty and diverse landscapes our nation has to offer, but ever since I was a child growing up on our family farm, nature has been my place of peace. If I was upset, discouraged, scared, or simply needed time to think, I could take a walk across our land. It never took long before being surrounded by green, observing wildlife, and taking in God's beautiful creation would calm my heart.
My favorite free outdoor activity is hiking. It reminds me of the adventures I shared with my brothers when we were children. We'd spend hours exploring our farm and the woods surrounding our property. Looking back, those simple adventures brought us so much joy. Today, hiking brings those memories back while also benefiting my physical health, so I'd call that a double blessing!
If You Love the Hiking Life
So let's begin with those of you who love the hiking life!
We have some amazing hiking trails, and the communities closest to many of these popular destinations include Bella Vista, Fayetteville, West Fork, and Rogers.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista is home to one of our most popular hiking trails, Tanyard Creek Nature Trail.
Back in my college days, my geology class utilized this trail for geology studies. It's approximately a 2-mile out-and-back trail. Along the way, you'll follow the creek beneath a canopy of mature Ozark trees, cross scenic footbridges, and enjoy the trail's fan-favorite highlight—a picturesque waterfall flowing over ancient layers of Ozark limestone.
Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, one of the most popular trails is the Lake Fayetteville Trail. It offers both a 5.5-mile paved loop and a 6.9-mile natural-surface hiking loop around the lake. If you enjoy fishing, come prepared to cast a line, and don't forget to pack a picnic lunch for a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
Another trail system that holds a special place in my heart is Lake Sequoyah. My husband and I utilized these trails to help prepare for our 25th wedding anniversary trip to several of our National Parks out West.
Lake Sequoyah also has an interesting history. It was originally created as a drinking water reservoir for the City of Fayetteville before Beaver Lake became the region's primary water source. Today, its trail system totals approximately 4.15 miles one way and is made up of several connecting trails. You'll find yourself surrounded by beautiful hardwood trees, and if you enjoy a hike with a few elevation changes, this trail may be just what you're looking for.
West Fork
Now let's drive about 15 minutes south of Fayetteville to West Fork, home to Devil's Den State Park.
Devil's Den is not only one of Arkansas's most beautiful state parks, but it's also rich in history. Established in 1933 during the Great Depression, the park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.
Long before it became a state park, archaeologists believe Native Americans utilized the Lee Creek Valley for thousands of years. Today, the park is known for its scenic hiking trails, impressive rock formations, deep crevices, and one of the nation's largest sandstone crevice cave areas. Those unique geological features are what inspired the name Devil's Den.
Devil's Den holds so many wonderful memories for me and my family. During our early years of marriage, Jason and I spent many afternoons there on free dates, simply enjoying time together. As our family grew, it became one of our favorite places to take our children for inexpensive day trips and memory-making adventures. I honestly can't tell you how many times we've hiked these trails over the years. It's one of those places that has become woven into our family's story.
If you're looking for a great family day trip, Devil's Den is hard to beat. Spend the morning hiking, enjoy a picnic lunch, and during the summer months, cool off with a swim in the park's seasonal swimming pool.
Rogers
Finally, let's head to Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in Rogers and visit the Historic Van Winkle Trail.
If you love history, this easy, ½-mile ADA-accessible trail is one you won't want to miss.
Peter Van Winkle owned one of the largest steam-powered sawmills in Arkansas following the Civil War and played an important role in rebuilding the region. As you walk the trail, you'll discover the stone foundations of the Van Winkle home and mill, visit the spring that once supplied water to the property, and learn about one of Northwest Arkansas's most fascinating pieces of history through interpretive exhibits along the way.
If Mountain Biking Is Your Passion
If mountain biking is your passion, Bella Vista and Bentonville may be the perfect place to call home!
Now, for all of you avid bicycle enthusiasts—I can't say that I'm one! Although, when my family was young, we loved riding our bikes around Pea Ridge National Military Park. But I can't begin to relate to those of you who take on these incredible trail systems with such skill and passion. I truly admire you! Watching riders navigate these incredible trails with such confidence always amazes me. It takes skill, determination, and a whole lot of courage!
Northwest Arkansas is home to four signature mountain bike trail systems:
Slaughter Pen
Back 40
Little Sugar
Blowing Springs
One of the things that makes these trail systems so unique is that many residents can leave their driveway, hop on their bike, and ride directly onto the trails without ever loading their bike onto a vehicle. That's a lifestyle many outdoor enthusiasts dream about, and it's one of the reasons Northwest Arkansas has become such a desirable place to live.
Over the past decade, Northwest Arkansas has become recognized as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the country. That transformation has been made possible through partnerships among local governments, nonprofit organizations, trail builders, and significant philanthropic investments from the Walton family and organizations they support. Together, these efforts have created an extensive trail network that continues to attract visitors and new residents from around the world.
Another exciting addition is the OZ Trails Bike Park, home to Arkansas's first chairlift-served mountain bike park. The park features more than 20 miles of gravity-focused downhill trails, trails for riders of all skill levels, bike rentals, a restaurant and gathering space, and much more.
I also can't forget to mention the Razorback Regional Greenway, a paved trail system that stretches approximately 40 miles, connecting Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Lowell, Springdale, Johnson, and Fayetteville. Whether you're walking, running, or cycling, the Greenway offers another incredible way to experience Northwest Arkansas and connects many of our parks, downtowns, and community destinations.
If spending your Saturdays leaving home on your bike, exploring miles of scenic trails, and then meeting friends or family for dinner in downtown Bentonville sounds like your idea of the perfect day, Bella Vista and Bentonville may be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
If Lake Life Is Calling Your Name
If lake life sounds like your idea of the perfect weekend, there are several Northwest Arkansas communities that may be just the right fit for you.
Some of the most popular Beaver Lake communities include Prairie Creek, Beaver Shores, Monte Ne, War Eagle, Garfield (Lost Bridge Village), Avoca, and the Rogers communities east of Highway 12. Each offers its own unique charm while providing convenient access to one of Arkansas's greatest natural treasures.
Beaver Lake covers more than 28,000 acres and boasts nearly 500 miles of shoreline. It was created in 1966 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed Beaver Dam on the White River. The lake serves many purposes, including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, drinking water, and recreation.
Like many large public projects, the creation of Beaver Lake brought both opportunity and sacrifice.
As the lake filled, many family farms, homes, churches, cemeteries, and historic communities—including Monte Ne—were forever changed or covered by water. My mother has shared many stories about how Beaver Lake changed this area. While she has countless wonderful memories of the lake, she also remembers the communities and way of life that existed before the water arrived.
At the same time, Beaver Lake has become one of Northwest Arkansas's greatest assets. Here at Encompass, we often talk about creating generational opportunity, and I can't help but think about the sacrifices made by previous generations that have benefited so many families today. Beaver Lake provides drinking water to much of Northwest Arkansas while also creating countless opportunities for recreation, tourism, and lakefront living.
Some of my favorite childhood memories were made at Lost Bridge.
My mom would load up my brothers, our neighbors, and cousins several times throughout the summer. We'd stop in Avoca to pick up my Granny, then head to my aunt's house just minutes from Lost Bridge before making our way to the lake. We'd enjoy a picnic supper, spend hours swimming, and simply enjoy being together.
Those are memories I'll always treasure.
Today, Beaver Lake continues to bring families together. Beaver Lake's shoreline is home to thousands of families who enjoy fishing, boating, tubing, water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking nearby trails, and simply relaxing by the water.
If you're considering lake living, here are a few areas worth exploring:
Rogers
Prairie Creek
Beaver Shores
Monte Ne
War Eagle area
Communities east of Highway 12
Lowell Area
Hickory Creek Marina
Pleasure Heights
Blueberry Lane area
Rocky Branch
Garfield
Lost Bridge Village
For those looking for a quieter lake community, Lost Bridge Village remains one of the most nostalgic places on Beaver Lake for me and continues to be one of my favorite spots to visit.
Final Thoughts
This is really just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many outdoor opportunities here in this beautiful part of the country that we call home.
My hope is that this article encourages you to think beyond your daily commute and instead consider the lifestyle you want to live. While being close to work is important, being close to the places that bring you peace, create family memories, and allow you to enjoy the hobbies you love can be just as valuable.
One of the greatest joys I have as a Realtor is helping people discover not only the right home, but the Northwest Arkansas community that truly feels like home.
At Encompass Real Estate, our mission is to provide trusted guidance that helps our clients make confident decisions. Sometimes that means finding the perfect house. Other times, it means helping someone discover the lifestyle that will bring them the greatest joy for years to come.
Because at the end of the day, home isn't just where you live.
It's where you build your life, create lasting memories, and create opportunities that can impact generations to come.
About the Finding Your Northwest Arkansas Series
Finding Your Northwest Arkansas is a relocation series created by Jennifer Freeman, Principal Broker of Encompass Real Estate, to help individuals and families discover the community that best fits their lifestyle before purchasing a home.
Each article explores a different aspect of life in Northwest Arkansas, providing trusted guidance to help people make confident decisions and create opportunities for generations to come.
