Crisp air, golden sunlight, and a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows—fall in the Ozarks is pure magic. If you’re planning a fall break getaway or cruising through Northwest Arkansas on a leaf-peeping road trip, Bentonville is your perfect stop. We’ve curated the ultimate guide to the best spots for fall foliage—handpicked by locals and tree experts.

 

Fall Foliage 2025 Arkansas

Courtesy of ExploreFall.com

Ready to explore? Let’s make your autumn adventure unforgettable!

Crystal Bridges Trails


Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art isn’t just a museum; it’s an experience. The museum is nestled in 120 acres of Ozark Forest and has Level I Accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. Here, masterpieces blend seamlessly with nature.

The Art Trail is a scenic path that winds through a living gallery of trees and native plants. Keep your eyes peeled for the bronze American Beech, fiery Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, crimson Flowering Dogwood, and the copper tones of Bald Cypress. Golden Arkansas Amsonia shimmers along the edges, making every turn photo-worthy.

 

Yayoi Kusama’s Narcissus Garden (1966) installation along the Art Trail at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. Hundreds of reflective silver spheres are arranged in a pond amid vibrant autumn foliage.

Courtesy of Holly Danielle Photography

But the beauty doesn’t stop with nature. Along the way, pause at James Turrell’s Skyspace: The Way of Color, where sunrise and sunset transform the sky into art. Continue to Yayoi Kusama’s Narcissus Garden (1966), and discover whimsical bronze animal sculptures tucked among the trees. Every step leads you closer to the South Entrance of Crystal Bridges, where world-class art and architecture await—and admission is always free.

 

Explore all of Crystal Bridges' trails, along with a full list of plants found along the trails on their website.

From Peel Compton Foundation’s Professional Tree Team

 

Explore the history of Bentonville at the Peel Museum & Botanical Gardens, then stroll through its beautiful gardens. Stop by the historic cabin—now the gift shop—to admire the brilliant ginkgo tree and sugar maples. Inside the museum, peek through the north windows for a stunning view of maples lining the fence, glowing in their autumn best.

Stroll through the newly renovated Compton Gardens & Arboretum and step inside Dr. Neil Compton’s beautifully restored mid-century home, now a museum honoring his conservation legacy. Along the trails, don’t miss Paul Manship’s Group of Bears—a bronze sculpture that becomes even more striking against the fiery reds of surrounding maples. Wander to the meadow for sweeping views of sugar maples and dogwoods glowing in their seasonal colors. It’s the perfect place to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty of fall.

 

Osage Park, although a wetland, the grass does shimmer in the changing seasons, and the boardwalks provide a great, accessible escape from the everyday.

Local Favorites

 

Ask any local, and they’ll tell you: the ginkgo at South Main and SW 2nd Street is downtown Bentonville’s brightest fall star. While you’re there, bring a reusable bag and explore the shops just steps away—there’s plenty to discover!

 

A park scene under a clear blue sky with vibrant autumn foliage. A pathway leads into the park, bordered by trees with red, orange, and yellow leaves. A stone sign in the background reads 'MEMORIAL PARK.' The ground is grassy with scattered fallen leaves.

 

🚶🏿‍♀️Local secret: All of our city parks are worth exploring during this season!

 

👉🏼 Planning tools: Explore our blog: Your Guide to Trails, Tastes, and Toasts! An easy guide to planning a day around a walking trail.

 

🚵🏾 Visit Coler Mountain Bike Preserve; on busy weekends, if you’re not biking in, parking can be tough. So, we recommend starting at the Grove parking lot off NW 3rd Street.

Put It All Together: Recommended Walks

 

  • Start from the downtown square and follow the Razorback Greenway, and experience Compton Gardens. Continue down the Greenway to the Art Trail to the CB South entrance (or vice versa)

 

  • From Crystal Bridges’ Campus Parking - explore the North Forest loop and across J Street to Orchards Park (fun fact: there’s a great playground for the kiddos and a dog park)

 

  • Stroll the square to Ledger and walk the ramps for panoramic views.

 

Browse the blogs below for curated insights and helpful details about each location to make your visit easier.

Plan Your Visit

 

Bentonville is ready to welcome you. Autumn is one of the most breathtaking times to explore, but every season offers something special. Check out our seasonal guide, and don’t forget to stop by the Visitors Center or our new Big Blue Truck for maps, tips, and all the info you need to make the most of your trip!