Set Sail By Trail

Foot and bike paths beckon students in to new world

Hey! New University of Arkansas students! As you seek your identity in college, there's something to be said for straying from the beaten path.

But sometimes the path is the very answer.

Northwest Arkansas is home to miles of trails that both connect to campus and extend out in all directions from it. Whether you're seeking something nearby or considering a day-consuming trip, the Northwest Arkansas trail system, anchored by the almost-complete Razorback Greenway, can get you there via foot or bike. The trail system directly connects to all kinds of activities, from skateboarding to sand volleyball to -- if you're old enough to partake, of course -- trailside breweries. We've compiled a guide on how to find the trails and how to use them once you take off for an adventure. Enjoy the trails.

And welcome. We're glad you're here.

Campus Connectors

Depending on where you start on campus, there are two primary ways to connect yourself to the Razorback Greenway, which is akin to the spine of a much wider nervous system of trails that expand away from it.

From the south parts of campus, find the Oak Ridge Trail, which connects to Garland Avenue near where it connects to Stadium Drive. Even though the trailhead on a steep-sloping road doesn't look like much, the path soon carries you east onto a tree-lined trail. The trail then begins to run parallel to Center Street, where it merges into the much-longer Frisco Trail. Travel north on the Frisco to head toward Veterans Memorial Park, Lake Fayetteville and all of the cities to Fayetteville's north. Southern travels from that intersection will lead to the Fayetteville Public Library or Walker Park.

From the north or far east parts of campus, there are two easy access points to the Frisco Trail. There's a dedicated crosswalk on Maple Street just east of Arkansas Avenue (think just northeast of Old Main, if you need a landmark). The Frisco Trail also intersects Dickson Street between the the confluence of Jimmy John's, Arsaga's Depot, George's Majestic Lounge and a big parking lot you can use to park for free until 2 p.m.

Around Town

Here are a few in-Fayetteville destinations for shorter trips:

What: Wilson Park

Accessible from what trail: Wilson Park is located a quarter mile due east of where the Scull Creek and Frisco trails merge. A sidewalk takes you from that point to the park

Contains a trail: A 9/10 mile walking trail encircles the park

Who goes there: Joggers, dog walkers, parents with children of all ages, jamming musicians, picnickers and fans of "Seven Points," better known as "the Castle," a rock and cement sculpture by artist Frank Williams surrounded by flower-shaped benches, a pond and a fountain

What is offered there: Playgrounds, tennis courts, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, a softball field and, in summer months, a swimming pool

What: Walker Park

Accessible from what trail: In 2014, a connection to Frisco Trail was completed as part of the Regional Razorback Greenway

Contains a trail: Walker Park Trail is a 1.2-mile loop trail providing access to all park amenities such as benches, picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, baseball fields and drinking fountains. The Walker Park Trail includes a 0.5-mile section around the Senior Adult and Wellness Center

Who goes there: Walker Park has been the home of youth baseball in Fayetteville since the 1960s, when volunteers built the original baseball fields and concession stand. But the park is also used by skateboarders, Ultimate Frisbee players, handball and racquetball players and more

What is offered there: Baseball, soccer, horseshoes, volleyball, tennis, basketball, walking, biking and a larger-than-life mural, painted on the outside of the handball court, that illustrates the history and development of south Fayetteville

What: Northwest Arkansas Mall & more

Accessible from what trail: Clear Creek Trail connects to Northwest Arkansas Mall. Also, Mud Creek Trail goes under Mall Avenue and then loops back up to the street. Take Mall Avenue through East Joyce Boulevard to reach Northwest Arkansas Mall

Who goes there: Shoppers of any age

What is offered there: Heading up Mall Avenue, stores such as Ulta, Old Navy and Best Buy are located on either side of the street, and Noodles Italian Kitchen is right off Mud Creek Trail. Northwest Arkansas Mall features various shopping and food options

What: Veterans Memorial Park

Accessible from what trail: Lake Fayetteville Trail bisects it, so take the Clear Creek Trail to the lake dam and head east until it merges with the Lake Trail. Conversely, you can take Scull Creek to Mud Creek trail northeast, then head north up the Kitty Creek Trail. From there, cross Joyce Boulevard at the stoplight and go about half a mile up the incline in the dedicated bike lanes, eventually crossing Zion Road and into the park

Contains a trail: The trailheads of the paved Lake Fayetteville Trail loop are located on either side of the park

Who goes there: The park caters to runners, bicycles and serves as an access point to many miles of unpaved trails. There are often workout classes held in the pavilions

What is offered there: Four sand volleyball courts, restrooms and trail access. There's also a disc golf course along the north side of the lake

What: Local Breweries

Accessible from what trail: Several Fayetteville breweries are accessible via the paved trail system. Follow Scull Creek trail to find Fossil Cove Brewing Co. near Poplar Street on Birch Avenue. To the south on the Frisco Trail, Hog Haus serves up food and drink down on Dickson. For a slightly longer jaunt, head up to Apple Blossom Brewing Company. Travel up Kitty Creek Trail, cross Joyce Boulevard and follow the bike trail to the corner of Zion Road and Vantage Drive. The Tanglewood Branch Beer Co. is located just a quarter mile west of the Walker Park Trail, and owners give a discount on Thursday nights to those who arrive on bikes. Additionally, the still-under-construction Columbus House Brewery & Taproom, located trailside at the intersection of the Scull Creek Trail and North Street, is expected to open soon

Who goes there: Thirsty patrons, 21 and up, looking for a taste of the local brews while enjoying the Fayetteville scenery

What else is offered there: Beer. Is there anything else?

Out Of Town

Here are a few longer-distance trips, some of which take you more than 20 miles one way:

What: Pinnacle Hills Promenade & more

Accessible from what trail: The Razorback Greenway passes behind Best Buy in Rogers and connects with Rife Medical Lane. Walk east on Rife Medical Lane to reach South Promenade Boulevard

Who goes there: Anyone who wants to shop and take a stroll outside between stores

What is offered there: Pinnacle Hills Promenade is an outdoor mall that features multiple stores selling clothing, accessories, food and more. Located nearby are Target, Old Navy, Bed, Bath & Beyond and several restaurants

What: Slaughter Pen Hollow

Accessible from what trail: The North Bentonville Trail dives under Tiger Boulevard, and there are nearby parking lots. And you might want to drive and park, because that would mean you'd be about 27 miles from downtown Fayetteville at this point. Take the North Bentonville Trail north past the treatment plants on the left, and you'll find several direct access points to the various trails inside Slaughter Pen

Contains a trail: More than a dozen of them, all dirt paths of varying difficulty

Who goes there: It's scenic and remote but also very busy. Everyone from trail runners to lunchtime mountain bikers escaping the nearby Walmart home office for an hour hit the trails. So too did former U.S. President George Bush, who rode there and has a trail named after him

What is offered there: Dirt paths suitable for trail runners, hikers and mountain bikers

What: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Accessible from what trail: The jaunt from Fayetteville to the museum will take you over many roadways, but it's worth it. Make your way to north Bentonville. After crossing Third Street, hop on Crystal Bridges Trail and follow its wooded path 1.5 miles to the galleries

Contains a trail: The grounds surrounding Crystal Bridges contain more than 3 miles of walking and biking trails, including the 1/3 mile Art Trail. The Art Trail offers views of several sculptures and outdoor art installations, including James Turrell's sunlight-responsive Skyspace called "The Way of Color"

Who goes there: Crystal Bridges is the perfect spot to learn more about all things art and with its award-winning restaurant and free admission, it's a great date location.

What else is offered there: The museum stands on 120 acres of lush grounds full of sculptures and gardens. The museum itself has a library, restaurant, gathering hall, galleries and art studio and hosts outdoor concerts and events.

What: Lake Bella Vista

Accessible from what trail: The 1.5 mile Wishing Spring trail leads to Lake Bella Vista

Contains a trail: A 13/4 mile walking trail loops around the lake, which is actually located inside the Bentonville city limits

Who goes there: Retirees from Bella Vista, Bentonville businessmen out for a jog, dog walkers, families and more

What is offered there: Playgrounds, lots of geese to feed and Bella Vista's Veterans Wall of Honor

-- Kevin Kinder, Ashley Batchelor, Allison Carter, Becca Martin-Brown

NAN What's Up on 08/15/2014

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