Biking and Hiking Trails, Bella Vista
Northwest Arkansas is known for its biking and hiking trails, many of which are located in Bella Vista. The trails in Bella Vista were designed and constructed primarily for mountain biking, as Northwest Arkansas has become a mountain biking hot spot known by mountain biking enthusiasts around the nation.
Use of the trails for hiking is also permitted. With numerous elevation changes due to the Ozark Mountains, you can find various levels of challenging trails. Bella Vista also offers paved walk- ing trails at Lake Bella Vista, Loch Lomond, and Branchwood. The trails are free to use, and you do not need to be a P.O.A. member to enjoy all that the trail have to offer. Here’s a look at the Bella Vista trail system.
Blowing Springs Trail
Blowing Springs Biking Trails offer 6.3 miles of natural- surface trails at Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista, which may also be suitable for hiking. The rolling contour trails range from two to three feet wide. The trails are designed and constructed to be used by mountain bikers of all age and skill levels, although use of the trails for hiking is permitted. The trails have been designed to take advantage of the park’s natural beauty, including its many bluff lines, springs, caverns and established natural habitat. One of the trails’ highlights is a 30-foot bridge that leaves a rock shelf to connect to the trail below that winds around to a “natural air conditioned cavern,” which releases 60 degree air. The trail system includes a total of eight bridges and 15 benches. Given the terrain, some of the trails are inherently more challenging; however, the trail was built with safety and sustainability in mind.
Directions (from Town Center on Arkansas 340/Lancashire Boulevard): Take U.S. 71 south. Turn left on Dartmoor Road.
Branchwood Nature Trail
The 1.5 mile paved walking and biking trail winds through the natural rolling hills of the Ozark with scenic bridges and benches.
Directions (from Town Center on Arkansas 340/Lancashire Boulevard): Take Arkansas 340 west. Go through the Highlands Gate. Turn right on Glasgow Road. Travel 3.8 miles. The trail is on the right.
Loch Lomond Walking Trail
Loch Lomond Walking Trail The nearly 3,300-foot walking trail sits on the community’s west side. The level trail, which is located below the Loch Lomond Dam, has a paved surface and available parking. The trail loops around a softball field.
Directions (from Town Center on Arkansas 340/Lancashire Boulevard): Take Arkansas 340 west. Go through the Highlands Gate. Turn right on Glasgow Road. Travel about one mile. The trail is on the left.
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, which was constructed by volunteers, is a two-part trail with parking. The first part of the paved walking trail is a relatively level 0.3-mile loop through open country. Meanwhile, the other portion of the trail is moderately hilly. The trail stretches through woods and along Tanyard and Sunshine creeks. This portion of the trail has a well-maintained natural surface. In addition, the 2-mile trail connects to the top of the Lake Windsor Dam, which takes hikers past a breathtaking waterfall. This section adds another half of a mile of level, paved walking. The total length of the trail is about two miles. Both portions have signs describing the plants and flowers hikers will see along the way. The Tanyard Creek Pavilion sits at the trail’s entrance.
Directions (from Town Center on Arkansas 340/Lancashire Boulevard): Take Arkansas 340 west. The trail, which is less than a mile from Town Center, is on the left.
The Back 40 Trail System
The Back 40 is a 40 mile soft mountain biking trail system that is located on the east side of Bella Vista and is open to the public. This trail was designed and constructed primarily for mountain biking, but using the Back 40 to hike is permitted.
Trails
Beginner trails:
Mulligan (.93 miles)
Intermediate trails:
The Back 40 Loop (21.4 miles)
Brittany Dam (.17 miles)
Buckingham Cutoff (.08 miles)
Flo Ride (2.17 miles)
Merritt Spur (.1 miles)
Pinyon Creek (2.08 miles)
Rago (2.96 miles)
SBAT (2.33 miles)
Taylor Homestead (1.71 miles)
Tower Trail (.11 miles)
Expert/Advanced trails:
The Ledges (2.94 miles)
Lookout (.35 miles)
Summit School (.5 miles)
What the Chuck (.1 miles)
Trailheads
Buckingham Trailhead — Trafalgar Road and Buckingham Drive From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) on Trafalgar Road for 1.2 miles, left on Buckingham Drive. The trailhead is on the right.
Lake Ann Trailhead — Castleford Drive and Wem Lane From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) on Trafalgar Road for 3.8 miles, left on Castleford Drive. The trailhead is on the left after one-quarter mile.
Bear Hollow Trailhead — Gainford Drive and Gosforth Lane From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) off exit 98 (Lancashire Blvd.) for 3.2 miles, left on Gainsford Drive. The trailhead is on the left after 350 feet.
*Bella Vista trail information provided by www.bellavistapoa.com and www.bellavistaar.gov. **For a complete list of all Northwest Arkansas trails visit Oz Trails at www.oztrailsnwa.com.
Biking and Hiking Trails, Noel
Big Sugar Creek State Park
Hike a trail back into history. Big Sugar Creek State Park is a rugged landscape of rare shrubs and trees not often seen anymore in Missouri. Visitors can find solitude in hiking through shady upland woodlands and sunny grassy glades while passing near numerous rock ledges. Notable plants such as the Ozark Chinquapin tree and low prickly pear cactus can be found along with animals such as armadillos and birds such as scarlet tanagers.
6727 Big Sugar Creek Road Pineville, MO 64856
Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area
The 2,106-acre area — the first large forested tract purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation in Southwest Missouri — has more than 17 miles of trails for hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and hunters.
2012 Packet Hollow Rd, Pineville, MO 64856
Golf Courses
In the natural setting of Northwest Arkansas, the Bella Vista golf courses are some of the most beautiful and challenging in the central United States. Bella Vista offers five regulation,18-hole courses and 2 nine-hole courses. Bella Vista’s golf courses have multiple sets of tees, letting you play at the length that is the most fun for your game.Bella Vista golf courses are part of the P.O.A. and are open to members and non-members. Contact information, tee times, score cards, and additional information can be found at bellavistapoa.com/thingstodo/golf or by calling (479) 855-5079.
Bella Vista Country Club – 18 Hole
98 Club House Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72715
The Bella Vista Country Club Golf Course features long fairways flanked by mature trees, walkable terrain and several holes where Little Sugar Creek is in play. The course’s five tees create a golf experience that is both challenging and fun, no matter your skill.
It is also home to the Cooper Community Charity Classic, a favorite stop on the APT Professional Tour.
The Tanyard Creek Practice Center is nearby. Warm up at the Practice Center before reporting to the golf shop.
Highlands Golf Course – 18 Hole
1 Pamona Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72715
The Highlands Golf Course is the longest and most challenging course in Bella Vista. Carved out of Bella Vista’s rolling terrain, it is a test of shot control with a few surprises around the doglegs. Take extra balls. The course’s five tees provide a challenge for all skill levels. Rental clubs are available.
Highlands includes a full service bar and Grab-and-Go food selections including soup, sandwiches and salads. A large community room is available for rent.
Highlands has a full practice facility including a Driving Range, Putting Green and Pitching and Chipping Green. Driving Range hours are typically from one-half hour before the day’s first tee time to one-hour before dark. The Driving Range is closed until 9:00 a.m. on Monday’s for maintenance.
Highlands Golf Course is the home course for the local High School Teams from Bentonville and Gravette.
Scotsdale Golf Course – 18 Hole
10 Scotsdale Ln, Bella Vista, AR 72715
The Scotsdale Golf Course is a course unlike any venue in Northwest Arkansas. The recently renovated 18-hole course plays like a traditional Scottish links course. New Champion Bermuda greens, strategically placed bunkers and roll off collection areas, create a spectacular course that requires unique and calculated shots from its players. Five tees are offered.
The design of the back nine offers a golf experience that embraces all of Scottish golf by using the natural hills and slopes of the terrain. The #18 5-par is the local’s favorite hole in Bella Vista for its challenge and beauty.
After your game, stop by the Scotsdale Clubhouse and Pub. Our selection of beer, ales and Scotch combined with the ‘Bella Vista Brat’ is a wonderful way to wrap up the day.
Dogwood Golf Course – 18 Hole
1 E Euston Rd, Bella Vista, AR 72714
The Dogwood Golf Course, a links-style course, traverses Metfield’s townhouses, Bella Vista’s wooded land and Benton County’s rural area. The layout features gentle terrain, by Bella Vista standards, with several long stretches from green to the next tee. The Dogwood Golf Course is located on the East Side of Highway 71 and is designed for all skill levels. The golf shop carries all the basics and has a snack bar where you can enjoy a beer and brat after the round.
Kingswood Golf Course – 18 Hole
4 Kingsdale Ln, Bella Vista, AR 72714
The Kingswood Golf Course is an 18-hole links-style facility and paired with Berksdale makes up the Kingsdale Golf Complex. Golfers of all skill levels enjoy the open fairways and mostly flat terrain of the Kingswood Course. Kingsdale is a favorite course for social golf including couples and family play.
Practice facilities include a Putting Green, Chipping Green and warm up area. The Tanyard Creek Driving Range is about 10 minutes away by vehicle. The Kingsdale Golf Shop offers an extensive array of merchandise including apparel, balls, range finders and other accessories. Our friendly staff will help order items you want. Papa Mikes, a quick service restaurant is located next to the Pro Shop.
Berksdale Golf Course – 9 Hole
4 Kingsdale Ln, Bella Vista, AR 72714
The Berskdale Golf Course is a nine-hole course adjacent to the Kingswood Course and is in process of being certified by Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. It is a full length, 36 par course with holes that combine water, trees, elevated greens and walkable terrain. This course is an excellent choice for a quick round after work, those starting in golf or a casual round. Rental clubs are available for adults and juniors.
Brittany Golf Course – 9 Hole
1 E Euston Rd, Bella Vista, AR 72714
Brittany Golf Course is an executive course that rounds out the 27-hole Metfield Golf Complex that includes Dogwood Hills Golf Course. This short, but fun layout features five par 3s and four par 4s and two tee choices. At 1,889 yards from the White Tees, the hilly terrain and fast Bermuda greens will test your short game. Brittany now also features a par 3 layout and an additional teeing area which will be a favorite for new golfers, anyone seeking a unique experience, or those with just time for 9.
Tanyard Creek Practice Center
10 Nature Trail Ln, Bella Vista, AR 72715
The Tanyard Creek Practice Center has twenty-eight uncovered and eight covered hard surface stations, which are heated, and ideal for cold weather practice. The center has grass tee surface, a putting green and a practice area with bunkers and chipping stations. We carry a wide selection of putters, bags and golf clubs.
Tanyard Creek is centrally located and is the place to get your game in shape. Schedule individual lessons with our PGA Teaching Professionals or sign up for our Get Golf Ready programs.
Property Owner Association Guest Card Amenities
The Bella Vista Property Owners Association provides Members and their guests a variety of amenities, including, but not limited to golf, fitness facilities, swimming, boating and tennis. To participate in these activities, valid guest cards are required at all recreation facilities, except golf and restaurants. For this reason, we’ve asked in advance the names of the members in your reservation and have secured guest cards for your stay. If you have any questions about the P.O.A. amenities during your visit, please contact the P.O.A. Member Services by phone or email. To see the current rate schedule for P.O.A. amenities, please check here:
https://bellavistapoa.com/fee-schedule/#recreation
(479) 855-8000
membership@bvvpoa.com www.bellavistapoa.com
*It takes 7-10 business to process and receive guest cards, which is why we ask for your guest information in advance. If additional guests or a change of guests occurs, we will not be able to secure a guest card for that person(s).
Swimming Pools and Public Beach
Kingsdale Pool
(open summer season only)
4 Riordan Dr.
Bella Vista, AR 72714
(479) 855-8174
Metfield Pool
(open summer season only)
3 Euston Rd.
Bella Vista, AR 72714
(479) 855-8165
Branchwood Indoor Pool
(open year round)
222 Glasgow Rd.
Bella Vista, AR 72715
(479) 855-8181
The Beach at Lake Avalon
The Beach at Lake Avalon — a large sandy beach, a swim area, beach volleyball courts, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and small concessions stand.
105 Lancaster Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72715
Fitness Facilities
Riordan Hall 3 Riordan Dr.
Bella Vista, AR 72715
(479) 855-8170
Metfield Clubhouse
3 Euston Rd.
Bella Vista, AR 72714
(479) 855-8165
Branchwood Recreation Center
222 Glasgow Rd. Bella Vista, AR 72715
(479) 855-8181
Tennis
Kingsdale Tennis Center
Conveniently located just off Highway 71 in Bella Vista, the Kingsdale Tennis Center is the perfect place for you to develop and build on your talent. For more information or to schedule a tour of the facilities, call Jake Shoemake at (479) 855-8174.
Disc Golf
An all new 18-hole disc golf course at Branchwood Recreation Center was opened summer of 2018. The course is open to all, from beginners to seasoned players. The course is available from sun up to sun down. There’s no fee for POA members to play on the course.
Other Notable Points of Interest
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712
crystalbridges.org
Museum of Native American History
202 SW O St, Bentonville, AR 72712
monah.org
The Walmart Museum
105 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
walmartmuseum.com
The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens
400 S Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712
peelcompton.org
Veterans Wall of Honor
103 Veterans Way, Bella Vista, AR 72714
vetwallofhonor.org
Old Spanish Treasure Cave
14290 AR-59, Sulphur Springs, AR 72768
spanish-treasure-cave.com
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
4703 N Crossover Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72764
bgozarks.org
Turpentine Creek and Wildlife Refuge
239 Turpentine Creek Ln, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
turpentinecreek.org
US Pea Ridge Military Park
15930 East, US-62, Garfield, AR 72732
War Eagle Cavern
21494 Cavern Dr, Rogers, AR 72756
wareaglecavern.com
Tonitown Winery
335 N Barrington Rd, Springdale, AR 72762
tontitownwinery.com
Sassafras’s Springs Vineyard and Winery
6461 E Guy Terry Rd, Springdale, AR 72764
sassafrasspringsvineyard.com
Railway Vineyards and Winery
4937 State Hwy 187, Eureka Springs, AR 72631
railwaywinery.com
A Christmas City: Scenic Drive from Noel to Anderson
This route is Missouri Highway 59. The features of this scenic drive include the Elk River, Indian Creek Roadside Park, Mt. Shira Stream Access, Noel and impressive overhanging bluffs. The Mt. Shira Stream Access is the only public access along this route that offers a nice close-up view of the Elk River. During the Spring and after a heavy rainfall, look for water cascading from the lime- stone bluffs.
The Falls
384 Rt. K Hwy, Pinevlle, MO 64856
enjoythefalls.com
Bluff Dwellers Cave
163 Cave Rd, Noel, MO 64854
bluffdwellerscave.com
Whistling Springs Brewing Company
246 Whistling Springs Lane,
Jacket, MO 65745
