Clear Creek

The Clear Creek – Lake Fayetteville Trail loop from Bud Walton Arena offers a delightful road cycling experience, weaving through natural settings and providing scenic views of Lake Fayetteville. This easy 24.0-mile (38.7 km) route, with 739 feet (225 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly paved and suitable for all fitness levels, taking about 1 hour and 47 minutes to complete. You'll pass over a charming curved wooden bridge and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around the lake, making it a great option for a relaxed ride.

For planning your visit, the trail starts conveniently from Bud Walton Arena, offering easy access to this popular route. The Lake Fayetteville portion of the trail is well-equipped with amenities like benches, picnic areas, and restrooms. You can also find food trucks near the Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex for a quick bite. This trail is a fantastic choice for a morning or afternoon ride, especially during the milder seasons.

This loop is a key component of the extensive Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway, connecting you to a wider network of shared-use trails. The Lake Fayetteville area itself is a historical water source and a vibrant recreational hub, featuring a popular bridge spanning the spillway that's great for photos. It's an excellent way to experience Fayetteville's natural beauty and its commitment to accessible outdoor activities.

The Boardwalk along Spring Creek – Clear Creek loop from Springdale offers a delightful road cycling experience, tracing local waterways and connecting picturesque spots. You'll pedal along the unique "Boardwalk along Spring Creek" through downtown Springdale, enjoying the urban greenway feel, before reaching the serene Lake Springdale. This 31.0-mile (49.9 km) route, with its 920 feet (280 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and takes about 2 hours and 18 minutes, making it a great option for cyclists seeking a varied ride on mostly paved surfaces. The journey provides a pleasant mix of natural scenery and developed greenway areas, perfect for a steady pace.

To tackle this moderate road cycling trail, plan for access via the Razorback Regional Greenway system in Springdale. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the greenway is widely accessible throughout Northwest Arkansas. The trail is well-suited for road bikes due to its predominantly paved surfaces, so you can enjoy it comfortably for most of the year. Consider starting your ride in the morning to make the most of the pleasant conditions and avoid busier times on this popular route.

This loop is a significant segment of the larger Razorback Regional Greenway, an extensive 46-mile network of shared-use trails that links Springdale with other communities. Its integration into this larger system makes it one of the popular routes for road cycling in the area, known for its accessibility and well-maintained conditions. The route's highlight, the "Boardwalk along Spring Creek," provides a distinctive riding experience, setting it apart from more generic trails.