Over two decades in the making Razorback Regional Greenway

An accommodating trail with multiple uses, the Razorback Regional Greenway represents over 40 miles of paved, easy-riding trail. Points of interest dot the Greenway's entire length, making it a great way to experience the area.

Alarge project over two decades in the making, the Razorback Regional Greenway is a paved, multi-use trail that stretches more than 40 miles from Kessler Mountain Regional Park, just south of Fayetteville to Southeast Bella Vista. Made up of many other, smaller trails, it runs through the business districts of Bentonville and Fayetteville and connects them to the Springdale, Lowell and Rogers areas.

“The biggest benefit is just the use it gets, and lots of different kinds of use,” said Tristan Hill, manager of the Greenway. “You think of the traditional things like fitness and recreation, but it also offers lots of transportation opportunities since it connects so many business districts.” Nearly the entire trail is off the roadway except for a short stretch in central Bentonville. It’s widely regarded as an easy, accommodating path for cyclists of all stripes.

“As far as skill level and comfortability on a bike goes, it’s level enough that people don’t need to lean into banks and it’s completely paved for the whole length,” Tristan said. “There are sections that are great for families with kids, and there are steeper sections for people who really want to pick up speed; it’s got a little bit of something for everyone”

As riders cruise into town from the trail’s southern end, there are many opportunities to stop and fuel up for the rest of the journey. The oatmeal’s or smoothies from Makama Bowls are a great way to stave off hunger and light enough to keep riders moving along comfortably.

As one approaches Dickson Street, they can catch sight of George’s Majestic Lounge, Arkansas’ oldest and longest-running club and live music venue. George’s was the first venue in the state to integrate, and had the first pizza delivery service and first color TVs. Moving north of Springdale, the Greenway runs along Spring Creek, providing scenic views of the waterway and surrounding tree stands to enjoy as one peddles along. This leg of the Greenway offers easy access to Lake Springdale, where riders can dismount and stroll around the lake or enjoy some dock fishing.

Passing through Bentonville, travelers can divert slightly and pay a visit to the strikingly designed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Many of the pieces inside once belonged to Alice Walton, who continues to support the museum with large endowments and new art. The place offers an opportunity for travelers to rest and take in a highly curated art collection.

Wherever one wants to go between Fayetteville and Bella Vista, the Greenway is a great way to get there without the need for a car.

“It’s very useful for a lot of people in a lot of different ways; that’s what makes the Greenway so special,” said Tristan. The Greenway is also the site of its own community event: the Square 2 Square Bicycle Ride. A popular event from the time of the Greenway’s completion in 2015, it has grown in public interest.

“The turnout is always impressive, and it seems like there’s always more and more people every time we have it,” Tristan said. Held in both fall and spring, the ride covers nearly the entire stretch of the Greenway. “It’s unique because it’s an event that encompasses multiple communities,” Tristan said. “It ties together a lot of the communities in Northwest Arkansas, and that’s always been the goal of the Razorback Regional Greenway.”