Home to 40 miles of memorable experiences by bicycle.
By Brannon Pack
Square 2 Square GreenwayGeorges: Riders in the bi-annual Square 2 Square Bike Ride crossing Dickson Street in Fayetteville. The “official rides” of the Greenway takes place twice a year, from Fayetteville to Bentonville in May and from Bentonville to Fayetteville in September.
Fossil Cove: Several breweries, such as Fossil Cove Brewing in Fayetteville, are located along or just off the Greenway.
Now two decades in the making, the Razorback Regional Greenway is the backbone of an intricate trail system, winding through and connecting seven sister cities of ever-growing Northwest Arkansas.
It’s also become a regional draw for the cities it serves, an attraction in itself, giving visitors to the region a chance to be a part of the local cycling culture, which has spawned an entire industry and uses the trail and its branches to meet up at their favorite coffee shops, restaurants and breweries.
Officially started in 2000, the paved spine-like, shared-use trail was originally envisioned by the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission to connect existing trails being developed in communities across the region. The Greenway was completed in 2015 as a 37-mile network, weaving through Fayetteville, Johnson, Springdale, Lowell, Rogers, Bentonville and Bella Vista.
Tsa La Gi: Public art can be found along the Greenway and its connecting trails, like Stacy Bates’ mural in south Fayetteville. The mural, which commemorates the Trail of Tears, is located on the Tsa La Gi Trail that connects to the Greenway just south of MLK Blvd.
This year, as it celebrates its fifth anniversary, the Greenway spans 40 miles thanks to the addition of the Cato Springs Trail in Fayetteville, which created a much-needed connection to Kessler Mountain Regional Park and expanded the Greenway’s southern boundaries.
In recognition of the extension, the planning commission recently designated Mount Kessler Regional Park as the new “Mile Zero.” Doing so made the park the official starting point.
The beauty of the Greenway, with its myriad of connecting trails and adjoining public spaces — town squares, parks, shopping areas, arts and entertainment venues — is that you can get on and off throughout Northwest Arkansas, making access easy and intercity travel doable on bike.
In fact, the bi-annual Square 2 Square Bike Ride, the “official rides” of the Greenway, uses the Fayetteville and Bentonville downtown squares as starting and finish lines. Each year, thousands of cyclists embark on 30-mile, fondo-esque adventures from Fayetteville to Bentonville in May, and from Bentonville to Fayetteville in September. It’s a rolling celebration of cycling in Northwest Arkansas and a beginner-friendly goal for cyclists getting into the sport.
As the backbone of a thriving cycling destination, the Greenway connects visitors to popular destinations year-round. From local favorites and dives to award-winning venues, the trail is a pathway to authentic experiences in Northwest Arkansas.
Jason Jones Rabbit: Fayetteville artist Jason Jones’ mural “Fresh Air” is located along the Greenway just south of Center Street in Fayetteville, close to the Historic Downtown Square.
Maxines: After a day of riding the Greenway, enjoy drinks at Maxine’s Tap Room in Fayetteville, which was recently named to Esquire’s “Best Bars in America.”
That starts with lodging, and having trail access is becoming an increasingly important factor. Northwest Arkansas features several bicycle-friendly hotels just a short distance from trails. Fayetteville is leading the way, where on average its 25 hotels, motels and inns are just a half-mile from the Greenway or a paved trail connecting to it.
Someone staying at The Graduate, the newest hotel in Fayetteville, located right off the downtown square, only has to peddle down Dickson Street to jump on the Greenway. From there, it’s a little less than five miles south to Kessler Mountain, or a little more than six miles north to Lake Fayetteville on the north side of town.
In between lies all the fun things people love to do, eat and drink while on The Hill — all of which don’t require a car to enjoy. Among those are some of the most popular hangouts in the cycling community.
In the morning, coffee shops and bakeries like Arsaga’s at the Depot, Little Bread Co. and Onyx Coffee Lab will load you up with caffeine and carbs needed to navigate the variety of scenery along the Greenway, which includes downtowns, woods, neighborhoods and parks.
Arsaga’s: The Greenway goes through seven cities in Northwest Arkansas, often passing by restaurant patios that offer tasty treats for a break, like coffee at Arsaga’s at the Depot just off Dickson Street in Fayetteville.
Doomsday: Street tacos at Doomsday Coffee Cantina in Fayetteville are great for refueling after a ride on the Greenway as well fueling up beforehand if you want to sleep in.
Being in the Ozarks, the Greenway often snakes along creeks and across thoughtfully built bridges worthy of Instagram.
When it’s time to refuel, Mr. Taco Loco, Hammontree’s, Nomad’s Trailside and Wood Stone Craft Pizza Uptown offer delicious food and have patios perfect for you and your trusty steed.
Finally, when it’s time to call it quits and celebrate the ride, a pitstop at breweries like Fossil Cove, Columbus House and Apple Blossom are a much-deserved reward after a long day in the saddle. (Pro tip: Put a Fayetteville Ale Trail Passport in your seat pack.)
Fayetteville is not alone. These standout experiences are waiting to be discovered in communities across the region, each brimming with new life from the positive economic impact of the Greenway.
Live music at George’s Majestic Lounge. Art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary. History at the Shiloh Museum. All are accessible from the Greenway.
With 40 miles of memorable experiences waiting, make the Razorback Regional Greenway in Northwest Arkansas your next cycling destination.
Greenway Downtown: As a shared-use paved trail, the 40-mile Greenway is perfect for cycling, walking and running — by both humans and their furry friends.