NWA Life

44 • nwa life • 3.29.2020 outdoors Northwest Arkansas: a land of wild, natural beauty where outdoor adventurers revel in its rushing rivers, lush mountain forests and glittering underground caves. Add to these spectacular vistas a moderate year- round climate, and you'll understand why the region is a favorite destination for boating, golfing, hiking, camping, and biking. Better yet, come experience these outdoor pleasures yourself. Biking It's being called a boom, a mecca, a renaissance, a major industry, a lifestyle. Northwest Arkansas' heavy investment in biking as alternate transportation — not just for recreation but for everyday commuting — means healthier living and a business boom, as the region's advanced network of some 350 miles of shared-use and mountain biking trails draws an ever-increasing number of residents, visitors and new businesses. The highlight of the trail system is the world-class Razorback Regional Greenway. Designed and built over a 10-year period, it was completed in 2015 and spans 37.6 miles of shared use connecting six communities: Fayetteville, Johnson, Springdale, Lowell, Rogers and Bentonville. Almost entirely off- road, the Greenway is actually an assortment of 19 individual, named trails. The Greenway extends from north Bentonville to south Fayetteville. The well- maintained asphalt/concrete trail weaves through scenic country landscapes, follows creeks, safely crosses city streets, and winds through tunnels. Trails are also in close proximity to downtown locations. The Walton Family Foundation has provided $74 million toward construction of 163 miles of trails, with the Razorback Greenway receiving $38 million of those funds. Other funding came from the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, NWA cities and a federal grant. "Northwest Arkansas is a shining example of the positive impact cycling can have on a community," noted Steuart Walton, grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton, in a press release announcing results of a 2018 economics benefits study by the Walton Family Foundation. The study revealed that bicycling provides $137 million in economic benefits to NWA. "We hope to inspire other towns and cities by sharing the lessons and impact we've observed, such as the importance of quality miles over quantity of miles, the proximity of trails to downtowns and advocating for female and youth cyclists," Walton continued. All totaled, between 2007 and 2019, the Walton Family Foundation has provided $85 million in funding to build trails and paved paths in the region. One popular Greenway event, held annually in the spring and fall and covering 30 miles of the trail, is called Square 2 Square. Cyclists of all ages can sign up for the spring ride from Fayetteville to Bentonville and the fall ride, from Bentonville to Fayetteville. For mountain bike enthusiasts of all ages, NWA's trails are among the most spectacular NWA is a Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts 1. Bella Vista: Back 40, 22.2 miles, and Blowing Springs Loop Trail, 4 miles 2. Bentonville: Slaughter Pen Trail, 23.7 miles, and Coler Creek Preserve Trail, 16 miles when completed 3. Eureka Springs: Lake Leatherwood Trail, 20.8 miles 4. Fayetteville: Mount Kessler Trail, 13.6 miles 5. Fossil Flats Trail – Devil's Den State Park, 5.6 miles 6. Lake Wedington Mountain Bike Trail, 7.6 miles 7. Rogers: Hobbs State Park Trail, 19 miles, and Railyard Bike Park and Lake Atalanta Trail, 10 miles 8. Springdale: Fitzgerald Mountain Trail, 0.6 mile out and back 9. Lake Fayetteville Trail, 6.6 miles 10. Upper Buffalo Headwaters Trail, 40 miles 10 best mountain bike trails in NWA

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