Bella Vista City Guide

By Suzanne Rhodes Bella Vista City Guide "You can't buy happiness, but you can buy a bicycle and that's pretty close"—Anon. Whoever said this might easily have been thinking of Bella Vista, a wonderland for mountain bikers, hikers and every sort of outdoor adventurer. With more than 54 trails covering 152 miles, Bella Vista's trail system is world- class, offering spectacular views of natural beauty. Let's take a look at some of the trails that give Bella Vista a reputation for being a jewel of Northwest Arkansas. • e Back 40. As one of three OZ Trails in NWA (these are designated world-class), this 22-mile, so-surface trail system crisscrosses through the ridges and valleys of Bella Vista's east side, giving cyclists strenuous upward climbs, super fast descents, and switchbacks. • Tanyard Creek Nature Trail is a favorite of hikers, an easy loop of 2.2 miles that leads to a swinging bridge, a view of Lake Windsor Waterfall, Tanyard Creek, and other scenic attractions. • Blowing Springs Park and Trail System. is is another awesome OZ Trail network, containing some 30 miles of trails. It features some of the most stunning panoramic views of any park in the area, with natural springs, a cavern, and cliffs. e trails are designed for all ages and ability levels. ere's a camping and RV area too, making it a draw for cyclists from outside the region. e Blowing Springs Greenway was added in 2021, three miles of paved trail that links Metfield Park to the northern portion of the Razorback Regional Greenway. • Little Sugar. If you're looking for a sensational ride that tests your skill and stamina, Little Sugar on the west side of Bella Vista is going to be your sweet spot. e 40-mile trails network has advanced drops and jumps, switchbacks, berms, bluffs, caves, lakes, waterfalls and creeks, and more climbs per mile than any other trail in Northwest Arkansas. • Bella Vista Lake Trail. is 1.75-mile paved trail is a popular choice for walkers, runners and bikers. It loops around Bella Vista Lake and connects to the Razorback Greenway. • Branchwood Trail in Branchwood Park is a closed loop of 1.5 miles that begins and ends at the recreational center. An easy walk on a hard surface, 8-foot-wide path, this trail is especially fun for families and children with a playground at the rec center, benches and a port-a-potty. • Tweety Bird Trail. is is another pleasant, family- friendly trail that's a popular destination for hikes, strolls and cycling. e 1.73 miles of twists, turns and small hills also make it a great practice trail for experienced cyclists. ere's plenty of natural beauty in Bella Vista to take in when you're enjoying outdoor adventures, but you can also expect the unexpected. How about a beer garden made from a shipping container and set among miles of trails? Created last summer in Blowing Springs, Gear Garden gives hikers and cyclists a chance to stop for a rest and a cold beer or glass of wine in a beautiful, natural setting. Open Wednesday – Sunday from 2 p.m. until dusk. Another new attraction to make you smile is Bella Insta, a fun and funky sculpture that replicates a hand taking a picture with a camera while enfolding the sides of the Tweety Bird Trail access tunnel to Little Sugar. ere's a real camera installed in the sculpture – a game camera that photographs bikers riding through the trail, all the creation of artist Stephen R. Feilbach. Not far from Lake Bella Vista is another novelty, one adored by kids, and that's an enormous robot named Clank. He's 18 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Community support is important to trail system From switchbacks to strolls, Bella Vista trails have something for everyone 18 | 2022 Bella vista city guide http://www.serfcopestcontrol.com • Licensed in AR, MO and OK • Bonded and Insured for your protection • Locally owned and operated Commercial – Residential Member of National Pest Management Association, inc Arkansas Pest Management Association Protecting you, your family and your home since 1974. oce: 479.273.2220 toll free: 1.800.495.2220 fax: 479.273.3401 Serfco POH & Garden AD 0117.pdf 1 1/24/17 11:20 AM • Licensed in AR, MO and OK • Bonded and Insured for your protection • Locally owned and operated Commercial – Residential Member of National Pest Management Association, inc Arkansas Pest Management Association Protecting you, your family and your home since 1974. oce: 479.273.2220 toll free: 1.800.495.2220 fax: 479.273.3401 Serfco POH & Garden AD 0117.pdf 1 1/24/17 11:20 AM

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