Best Hikes—Springfield Nature Center

You may have gone there for a third-grade field trip, but we think you'll find it much, much more relaxing.

Within Springfield City Limits
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Yes, the Springfield Nature Center. I know it seems like we’re getting desperate at this point, but it’s Springfield. We are desperate. Literally every person we contacted for the scoop on the best hiking trails let out a sigh when we said it needed to be within 50 miles.

Matt O’Reilly of Dynamic Earth says the counties in the area don’t do enough to develop our natural resources. “Northern Arkansas does so much,” O’Reilly says.
“If you were to extend [your story] to 150 miles, you could reach the Buffalo River area, where there are endless hikes.”

While it’s easy to write off the Nature Center as the elementary-field-trip hot spot, it’s hard to deny its convenience. It’s nice to know there’s a relatively elaborate series of trails within city limits almost always available for an afternoon jog—complete with restrooms, water fountains and an indoor educational center.

The longest trail, creatively titled “Long Trail,” runs two miles around this 80-acre plot of land. Unlike the family-friendly portions of the Greenways trails, the trees stay thick, some of the footing is tricky, and there’s almost always a surprise visit from some sort of unusual wildlife. It’s close, casual and very pretty.

Just a warning. The Nature Center is currently closed due to tree damage from the most recent ice storm. It will open again as soon as enough debris has been cleared as to prevent any hazardous situations.

The Rundown

• Camping: No
• Hunting: No
• Mountain biking: No
• Road biking: No
• Horseback: No
• Learning: Yes