Finding People to Hike With

All hiking is good for the body and the brain. A hilly trail burns calories, and time in green space helps quiet an anxious mind. Hiking with other people adds something more, because it lifts your mood more than hiking alone.

A group also makes the trails easier to learn. If you have just moved here, our trail systems can feel like a maze of junctions and unmarked turns. Hiking with people who know the way lets you enjoy the woods instead of watching your map. You’ll pick up favorite routes, trailheads, and tips along the way, and you may leave with a few new friends.

Hike NWA hosts free group hikes led by volunteer hike leads through our Hike NWA community, Bella Vista Walks & Hikes. It’s a private group on Facebook that organizes group hikes throughout the week. Join the group to see what’s coming up.

There is no membership and no fee. Our hikes are planned for a range of paces, so you can choose a group that matches how fast and how far you like to go. You can learn more about who we are and how our hikes work on our About page.

Once you’ve joined a few hikes and feel at home on the trails, you might enjoy giving back. Our hike leads are everyday hikers who like helping others get outside, and you can find out what’s involved on our Lead a Hike page.

Northwest Arkansas has a friendly hiking community, and there is room for everyone. These groups also welcome newcomers, and each one has its own style.

• Hill ‘N Dale Hikers. This club hosts regular hiking events that bring together outdoor lovers from all walks of life. Along with group hikes, it offers workshops and social gatherings. Visit bvhikingclub.com for more information.
• Mimostly Champagne Hiking Club. This group organizes hikes on Saturday mornings, usually around 7:30 or 8am. The pace is moderate, the distance is usually around 4 to 5 miles, and the hike is followed by a food social. Visit the Mimostly Champagne Hiking Club Facebook group for more information.
• Arkansas Sole Sisters. This is a group for women who love to hike and want to make friends along the way. Members post informal group hikes that range from easy to hard, and they take as many breaks as they need, so it’s a good fit if you’re still building up to longer trails. Visit the Arkansas Sole Sisters Facebook group for more information.

Group schedules change with the seasons, so check each group’s page for the latest times and meeting spots before you head out.

Going to a group hike where you don’t know anyone can feel awkward, and that’s completely normal. Almost everyone in the group has been the new person at some point. Here’s how to make your first hike an easy one.

• Pick the right pace. Many group hikes list a pace and distance. Choose one you can finish comfortably, even if it feels a little easy. You can always move up next time.
• Arrive a little early. Trailhead parking can fill up, and you’ll want a few minutes to find the group, use the restroom if there is one, and get settled before the start.
• Tell the hike lead it’s your first time. The hike lead will be glad to know, can tell you what to expect, and will keep an eye out for you along the way.
• Bring water and a snack. Carry enough water for the whole hike, wear shoes with good tread, and dress for the weather. Our Day Hike Gear Checklist has the full list.
• Expect to sign a waiver. Hike NWA and many other organized groups ask new hikers to sign a waiver before they join a hike.
• Just say hello. Hikers tend to be easy to talk to, and a trail gives you plenty to talk about. If you only chat with one person on your first hike, that’s a great start.

A group on a shared trail takes up more room than one hiker, so a little awareness goes a long way. These habits keep everyone safe and keep the trail friendly for the riders and runners we share it with.

• Stay behind the hike lead. The hike lead knows the route and sets the pace, so don’t pass them or take a turn on your own.
• Keep the person behind you in sight. At every junction, look back to make sure the hiker behind you sees which way you turned.
• Speak up if you need a break. If the pace is too fast, you need water, or something hurts, tell the hike lead or the person near you. Nobody wants you to struggle in silence.
• Step aside together. When someone calls “Rider up!” or “Rider back!”, pass the call along and have the whole group move to the same side of the trail. Let riders know how many hikers are still behind you.
• Don’t leave anyone behind. Wait at junctions and the top of hills so the group can regroup. If someone leaves the hike early, make sure the hike lead knows.

For more on sharing the trail with bikes, runners, and other hikers, see our Trail Etiquette guide.

• About Hike NWA—learn how our free group hikes work.
• Lead a Hike—help newcomers find their way on the trails.
• Getting Started on the Trails—everything a new hiker needs before a first outing.

This guide is general information from a volunteer trail organization, not medical advice. Group details change, so check with each group directly. In an emergency, call 911. See our Terms of Use and Trail Safety Disclaimer.