Kessler Mountain Regional Park, Fayetteville Travel Guide

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Explore nature and recreation at Kessler Mountain Regional Park in Fayetteville, AR: trails, sports, and Ozark beauty await!

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Kessler Mountain Regional Park

Kessler Mountain Regional Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas, offers a diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 620 acres, the park features sports fields, a nature preserve, and extensive trails for hiking and mountain biking, all set against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains.

A brief summary to Kessler Mountain Regional Park

2600 Wc 200, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701, US
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Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kessler Mountain Regional Park.

Bring plenty of water, especially when hiking or biking the more challenging trails.
Check the trail map beforehand to choose a route that suits your skill level.
Be aware of changing weather conditions, as the mountain can experience sudden shifts.
Mountain bikers should yield to hikers on the shared-use trails.
Visit in the late evening to see Common Nighthawks emerge.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Kessler Mountain Regional Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kessler Mountain Regional Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Kessler Mountain Regional Park is accessible by car from I-49. Take the Cato Springs Road exit and head west. The park entrance is located at 2600 W Judge Cummings Road. Parking is free, with multiple lots available near the sports fields and trailheads. Parking can be limited during peak times, especially during sports tournaments. A new parking lot was added in 2021 to increase capacity. Consider carpooling or arriving early. There are no tolls on the final approach.
Biking

Cyclists can access Kessler Mountain Regional Park via the Razorback Greenway, a 36-mile paved trail that extends to the park. The park serves as 'Mile Zero' of the Greenway. Follow the Greenway to the Cato Springs Trail, which connects directly to the park. Bike racks and repair stations are available near the playground area. There is no cost for bike access or parking.
Public Transport

While there isn't a direct bus route to the park entrance, you can take a Fayetteville Transit bus to a nearby stop and bike the rest of the way. Check the local bus schedule for the closest stop on Cato Springs Road or MLK Jr. Boulevard. From there, it's a short bike ride to the park. A single bus fare is $1.25.

Discover more about Kessler Mountain Regional Park

Kessler Mountain Regional Park, located in southwest Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a 620-acre recreational area built around the historic Kessler Mountain. Rising to 1,856 feet above sea level, the park blends sports facilities with a nature preserve, offering something for everyone.Originally inhabited by the Kessler family in 1866, who established what is believed to be Arkansas' first winery, the mountain has a rich history. While the family home is gone, remnants of their wine cellar and well can still be seen. For over 15 years, the mountain was a favorite spot for mountain bikers, who built expert-level trails with the landowner's permission.The park now features six lighted soccer fields, eight lighted baseball fields, concession buildings, and a playground. A 387-acre nature preserve adjoins the park, offering pristine Ozark forest for exploration. Over 20 miles of trails cater to hikers and bikers of all skill levels, from easy strolls to challenging mountain bike routes. Popular trails include Last Call, Terrapin Station, and the more difficult Crazy Mary. The trails pass through diverse terrain, including old-growth forests, rocky outcroppings, and bluff lines.Kessler Mountain is also a significant ecological area, with oak/hickory forests, ephemeral streams, and a shale barren. It lies on the border of the Ozark Highlands and Boston Mountains ecoregions and divides the Illinois River and White River/Beaver Lake watersheds. The park is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.