The newest additions to the Fayetteville Traverse trail at the University of Arkansas are now open. This natural-surface trail is for walkers, runners as well as bicycle riders and adaptive cyclists of all skill levels. 

The Fayetteville Traverse natural trail loop is a one-of-a-kind amenity for U of A students, faculty and staff. The trails provide extra options for daily commutes and create connectivity that previously did not exist. Additionally, the trails enhance the campus landscape and create recreational opportunities without leaving the campus footprint, providing a one-of-a-kind experience that is uncommon throughout the nation. 

“The entire trail loop is designed as a beginner-level mountain bike trail, with the easiest and most premium sections of trail residing within the campus core,” Eric Boles, director of the Office for Sustainability, said. “Our students are looking for more ways to get around, and trails are a great option.”

TRAIL ETIQUETTE 

• All ages and abilities of trail users are encouraged to use the trail respectfully
• Pedestrians always have priority
• Ride within your limits and stay in control
• No motorized vehicles are allowed
• If you’re leaving visible ruts, the trail is too wet to ride

The U of A section of the Fayetteville Traverse loop is the first major piece of the trail to be opened on the east side of Interstate 49.

“We are excited about the Fayetteville Traverse trail and the connections it will provide to Centennial Park, Kessler Mountain Regional Park and other destinations like the University of Arkansas,” said Alison Jumper, director of Fayetteville Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs. “The completion of these sections of the trail highlight many of the unique features Fayetteville has to offer.”

The three sections of the trail opening today travel through the Fowler Woods, explore the Maple Hill Arboretum and navigate along the National Pan-Hellenic Council Gardens while creating a new connection across the Oak Ridge Hillside.

“The Fayetteville Traverse is nestled within the wooded hillside that threads its way through campus. The trail helps highlight the university’s unique setting and beautiful views, and encourages the public to experience more of the campus landscape,” said Todd Furgason, campus planner with Facilities Management.

Users of the trails can expect various picturesque spots along the route:

• Bird’s eye views of the Reynolds Razorback Stadium
• Native stone plazas and cedar bridges
• The site of the 2022 Walmart UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championship
• Cafes, restaurants, art galleries
• Historic homesteads and farms
• A Trail of Tears memorial
• Restored woodland prairie ecosystem.

“It’s all part of the U of A’s vision to create one of the most bicycle friendly campuses in the country and in keeping with a broader community effort to develop a connected network of trails in Northwest Arkansas,” said Boles.

The trail is part of a gift to the U of A and city of Fayetteville from Tom Walton and Steuart Walton and the Trailblazers. The first years of maintenance are also being provided through their generous support. The Trailblazers are a non-profit organization that develops multi-use trials and was integral in helping make the Fayetteville Traverse a world-class trail that provides a great experience for the community.

“The Fayetteville Traverse is the on-ramp for the next generation of students interested in recreating on a natural surface trail system,” said Mike Hoover, associate director of University Recreation.

The Trailblazers have partnered with Progressive Trail Design to continue work on sections four through eight. There will be additional announcements as more sections open to the public throughout the fall semester. Please respect any trail closures.

FIND OUT MORE

A new website is dedicated to the natural trail systems on campus, so keep an eye on it for trail updates and information.

UREC Outdoors has a full-service bicycle shop and mountain bikes for rent for all students, faculty and staff. 

The Fayetteville Traverse with a view of Reynolds Razorback Stadium below.

The Traverse crosses campus near the Tyson Center for Poultry Excellence.

A hillside view where the Fayetteville Traverse turns toward Mullins Creek.

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About the Office for Sustainability: The mission of the University of Arkansas Office for Sustainability (OFS) is to motivate, facilitate, and coordinate responsible practices through partnerships with students, faculty and staff across all campus departments. The OFS uses the campus as a living laboratory by overseeing the implementation of the University of Arkansas environmental goals. These programs are part of the UA Resiliency Center, hosted by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, and are supported by Facilities Management.

About Facilities Management Planning and Design: Facilities Management Planning and Design directs a broad range of planning issues, including land use and master planning, campus development standards, landscape design, transportation planning, resource allocation oversight, and facilities assessments. This group is the source for physical planning at the University of Arkansas, and ensures that all projects support the academic goals of the University and promote the highest physical potential of the Fayetteville campus.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.