Fall Picnic Guide: Exploring 10 Spots in Northwest Arkansas

As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp, cool air sweeps through the Ozark Mountains, it is the perfect time for a fall picnic in Northwest Arkansas. Northwest Arkansas is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant fall foliage, and being an outdoor recreation destination. Whether you are a local or just passing through, this comprehensive fall picnic guide will help you plan the perfect day visiting one of our many charming outdoor spots.

For more fall activities check out our other blog posts on where to view fall leaves and Northwest Arkansas's Best Pumpkin Patches.

Preparing For Your Picnic

Before we delve into our favorite picnic spots let's get prepared. A successful outdoor meal begins with planning a date and time. The best part of the year in our opinion to get the true fall experience is from late October through mid-November. This way the fall colors are in bloom and the heat for the most part is gone. However, the weather in Northwest Arkansas is unpredictable so it is essential to check the weather in advanced as well as before you head out. 

Selecting The Perfect Location 

Northwest Arkansas has so many perfect picnic spots it is impossible to list them all. You can travel near or far and cater your outing to what you want to experience. We listed some of our favorites and most popular locations. If we missed your favorite excursion spot email us here and we will check it out!

Fayetteville

1. Wilson Park

Wilson Park in the heart of Fayetteville, is a great picnic location. This park features nice open spaces, a picturesque pond with the famous "castle", and playgrounds, making it a fantastic location for an outdoor excursion.

2. Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks

Fayetteville's Botanical Gardens provide a sanctuary for picnicking, with its colorful blooms and winding paths. During the fall, the gardens take on a new charm as the seasonal flowers blend with the autumn foliage, creating a one-of-a-kind experience in Northwest Arkansas. Explore the themed gardens and perhaps find a quiet corner for your outdoor meal amidst the season's beauty. 

3. Gulley Park

Gulley Park offers a spacious pavilion equipped with picnic tables if picnicking on the grass is not the fit for you. Additionally, the park's playgrounds, open spaces, walking trail, and a pond make Gulley Park an excellent choice. One thing to note though is that the park does have some ongoing construction as they work to remodel the trails, pavilion, and landscaping. 

Bentonville

4. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

Situated in Bentonville, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve offers a delightful blend of nature and adventure. Its extensive trail system, including the Hub, has a lot of cool options for an outdoor meal surrounded by vibrant fall colors. Our favorite spot is in the middle of the park on the grass near Airship Coffee. 

5. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Picnicking at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a delightful blend of culture and nature. On the museums 120-acre grounds, you can enjoy an outdoor excursion amidst sculptures and art installations. In the fall, these outdoor art pieces are complemented by the rich colors of autumn, making your visit a multi-sensory experience. There are no tables but there are lots of benches and grassy areas you can set up for a meal. Just make sure to follow all signage and be respectful of any sculptures or artwork. 

6. The Green at Momentary

Also located in downtown Bentonville, and adjacent to Crystal Bridges is The Green at The Momentary. The Green is a vast lawn perfect for picnics. With ample bike racks available, it is a great spot to park your bike after a day of hitting the trails and have an outdoor meal with family and friends. On the grass, there is a lot of space to set up a picnic but if you are looking for tables then we recommend going below the "You belong here" neon sign on the momentary building. 

7. Orchard's Park/ Memorial Park

Located in the heart of downtown Bentonville is a string of beautiful open space and parks. One of these parks is Orchards Park. Named in legacy of Bentonville's history and connection to apple orchards in the fall Orchards park is a great place for an outing. The park has a beautiful pond with a water feature, a pavilion with tables, a wildflower garden, and lots of paved walking paths. If the pavilion is busy there are lots of grassy areas to sit and have an outdoor meal as well. A short walk along the trail and paths will lead you to Memorial Park. Another great park. Memorial park has a covered pavilion and lots of maple trees and oaks that turn vibrant shades of pinks and reds during the fall. We love that these parks are so close together and connected but also are big and open enough you can truly connect to nature. 

8. War Eagle Mill

Perched along the War Eagle River, War Eagle Mill is a historic treasure. Enjoy a rustic outdoor meal by the riverbanks while listening to the gentle flow of water. The mill's rustic charm surrounded by natural beauty, becomes even more alluring as fall colors paint the surrounding trees. Before or after your excursion we recommend checking out the shops at the mill to learn about its rich history. 

9. Lake Atalanta

Lake Atalanta in Rogers is a gem for picnicking. This serene lake is encircled by walking trails, and in the fall amazing fall foliage reflects beautifully on the water's surface. Pick a spot along the shoreline or boardwalk to enjoy your outdoor meal, and afterward, consider a leisurely walk to take in the natural beauty. If you are looking for tables or some shade then one of the park's pavilions is a great spot. The pavilions can get busy during the weekends, so we recommend planning to enjoy on the lawn or boardwalk. 

10. Shaw Family Park

Shaw Family Park in Springdale is another great destination. This urban park offers a lot of the same amenities as other parks on this list such as open spaces, walking trails, and vibrant fall color, making it an inviting spot for picnicking. Shaw Family Park provides a great backdrop for a relaxing outdoor meal. It is the perfect setting to embrace the beauty of autumn. 

Each of these ten spots provides a unique experience to take in the beauty of Northwest Arkansas during the fall months. Whether you seek adventure, culture, or simple relaxation, these locations offer an array of choices to celebrate the crisp air and beautiful fall foliage and color. So, let's pack our picnic baskets and get out and explore!

 

Packing For A Picnic

The Heart:

One of the most important parts when packing for a picnic is to bring food. Whatever food is easy to package and eat without having to heat up and is delicious to you is what you should bring. We also love to bring something fall themed such as local produce from one of the local farmers' markets and bringing seasonal produce like apples, pumpkin seeds, or even sweet potatoes. Another option would be to go to one of the local butcher or artisan cheese shops in Northwest Arkansas and make a sandwich. Other fall themed food items could include warm soups packed in a thermos, or sweet treats like pumpkin pie, caramel apples, and even cinnamon rolls. Regardless of what you pack, your meal is for you to enjoy the great outdoors! 

The Essentials:

Aside from food be sure to pack these essential supplies,

• A cozy blanket or quilt for comfortable seating
• Plates, utensils, napkins, and cups if needed.
• A cooler or insulated bag for keeping your drinks and perishables cool or hot items warm.
• A basket or tote to carry your picnic items in
• A trash bag for clean-up and leaving no trace.