Your Ultimate Guide:: Autumn Fun in Northwest Arkansas

Alex Redford
Sep 8
3 min read

🍁 Fall in Love with Fall: Your Ultimate Guide to Autumn Fun in Northwest Arkansas

As the air turns crisp and the Ozark hills come alive with vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange, Northwest Arkansas transforms into a fall lover’s paradise. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, autumn in NWA offers something for everyone—from scenic hikes and pumpkin patches to foodie festivals and cozy coffee spots.

Here’s your ultimate fall guide to fun things to do in Northwest Arkansas this season:

🌳 1. Chase the Fall Foliage

One of the best parts of fall in NWA is the explosion of color across the region. For peak leaf-peeping, plan your visit around mid to late October.

Top Spots for Leaf Viewing:

Devil’s Den State Park – Hike the Yellow Rock Trail for a sweeping view of the colorful valley.
Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point) – One of Arkansas’s most iconic photo ops, especially stunning in the fall.
Mount Sequoyah Woods Trail (Fayetteville) – A peaceful in-town trail with beautiful leaf cover.

🎃 2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze

No fall is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch or getting lost in a corn maze.

Local Favorites:

Farmland Adventures (Springdale) – Pumpkin picking, a huge corn maze, pony rides, and pig races.
McGarrah Farms (Pea Ridge & Lowell) – Classic fall fun with hayrides and a charming farm store.
The Jones Center Harvest Festival (Springdale) – Great for kids with games, crafts, and pumpkin painting.

🥧 3. Fall Flavors to Savor

Celebrate the season with pumpkin spice everything, farm-to-table goodness, and fall-themed treats.

Must-Try Fall Spots:

Onyx Coffee Lab (Multiple Locations) – Sip their seasonal lattes while soaking in the cozy vibes.
Trash Creamery (Rogers) – Wild, nostalgic ice cream flavors often feature seasonal twists.
The Farmer’s Table Café (Fayetteville) – Their hearty, locally sourced brunch feels like autumn on a plate.

🎨 4. Experience Fall Festivals and Events

Fall is festival season in NWA, and the region doesn’t disappoint.

Can’t-Miss Fall Events:

War Eagle Craft Fair (October) – A legendary fair set along the river, packed with handmade crafts, art, and delicious fair food.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ (Fayetteville) – A massive motorcycle rally with music, food, and fall scenery.
Ozarktober (Springdale) – A beer and music festival with local brews, German fare, and games.

🚲 5. Bike the Razorback Greenway

Cooler temps make fall perfect for biking. The 40-mile Razorback Greenway connects Bella Vista to Fayetteville, passing parks, shops, and scenic overlooks.

Tip: Stop in Bentonville for coffee or brunch, or take a detour to explore Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art—beautiful both indoors and out in fall.

🧙‍♀️ 6. Get Spooked (Just a Little)

Looking for a little Halloween fun?

Spooky Season Ideas:

Nightmare on Block Street (Fayetteville) – A quirky haunted bar pop-up with themed cocktails and costumes.
The Haunted Prison Experience (Huntsville) – For thrill-seekers looking for a real scare.
Ghost Walks of Fort Smith – A short drive away, but worth it for historic haunts and ghost stories.

🛍️ 7. Shop Local at Fall Markets

Support local makers and find one-of-a-kind gifts or decor.

Popular Fall Markets:

Fayetteville Farmers Market (Downtown Square) – Still buzzing into fall with seasonal produce and handmade crafts.
8th Street Market (Bentonville) – Great for foodies and shoppers alike.

🏡 8. Cozy Cabin Getaways

If you want to fully immerse yourself in fall, rent a cabin in the Ozarks for a weekend retreat.

Great Staycation Spots:

Beaver Lake – Rent a lakeside cabin for morning mist and fall foliage.
Eureka Springs – Charming Victorian vibes, great restaurants, and nearby hiking.
Buffalo National River – Perfect for fall float trips, hiking, and stargazing.

🍂 Final Thoughts

Northwest Arkansas in the fall is a true gem—whether you're carving pumpkins, sipping spiced cider, or hiking under a canopy of changing leaves, there's a little magic in the air.

So grab your flannel, pack your camera, and make the most of this beautiful season in the Ozarks.

Tag us in your fall adventures! 🍁Use #NWAexperience to share your favorite fall memories.

THE O'BANNON| REDFORD TEAM \\ Limbrid Real Estate Team