In early 2025, I had uncontrolled blood pressure and was more than 40 pounds overweight, and I finally came to the realization that I desperately needed to lose weight and get healthier. I started on a keto diet in March and started losing weight, but I still wasn’t active at all. In May 2025, I finally stopped making excuses and decided to figure out how to start hiking—something I’d never done before.
I asked around on social media and discovered there were a lot of others who also wanted to get out and hike. But like me, they either didn’t quite know how to start or didn’t have anyone to hike with.
So I gathered a small group together and created a private FB Group, Bella Vista Walks & Hikes, to help us coordinate group hikes. We started exploring the trails and completed our very first hike of just 2.4 miles on May 5, 2025. After my group was comfortable with about 20 hiking routes, I opened up the group hikes to our full FB group. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to remove the barriers that prevent people from hiking our beautiful trails.
And that’s where Hike NWA comes in.
Hike NWA exists to make hiking accessible and enjoyable for everyone in Northwest Arkansas. I specifically try to address the most common excuses I hear:
- “I don’t have anyone to hike with.” → Several hike leaders organize regular group hikes via Bella Vista Walks & Hikes.
- “I don’t know where the trails are (or where to park).” → You have access to an easy-to-use parking map and hundreds of hiking routes.
- “I don’t know how to navigate the trails.” → Komoot is an excellent app for this, and I often host Komoot Training Hikes (via our FB group) so you can easily learn how to use the app to navigate the trails.
Hiking has transformed my own health and life, and I want that same experience for as many people as possible—whether you want to get active or simply explore the gorgeous trails right outside our doors.
Hike NWA is more than just a hiking resource—it’s a movement. Everyone deserves to experience the joy, health benefits, and friendships that come from getting outside and walking our incredible trails.
Now get out & hike!
Joy A. Miller