friendly for everyone is to build connectors that create smaller loops . Many times people don ’ t have time to go on an 8-mile hike , but they can go on a 2-mile hike .”
The idea of the connector is to link existing trails that produce the opportunity for smaller or more diverse courses without building new trails . Additionally , much of the Bella Vista trail system is single track , so there aren ’ t jumps or obstacles . That makes the system more-friendly for foot traffic .
“ One of my goals is to make the trail system user-friendly for a variety of user groups ,” said Culpepper . “ Some of that effort will be about marketing . A lot of what people see in print or on social media regarding Bella Vista is about mountain biking . We need to ensure that hikers and bird watchers and trail runners are also encouraged to be out there .”
The hard-surface trails are seeing the kind of diversity of use Culpepper would like to see on the soft-surface trails . Counters employed on the various trails bear that out . In October 2023 , the number of trail users came in at almost 31,000 for the month . The full year total is projected to be 300,000 users , up slightly from 2022 . And that ’ s just for the select trails where a counter was employed ; across the entire system the numbers would be much higher . The counter makes no differentiation for a bicyclist versus a walker .
Culpepper and city / POA representatives analyze counter data and user feedback to determine opportunities for new trails or revisions to the existing system . For example , a new trail called Tweety Bird was developed with young families in mind . Initial usage was low and user feedback said the trail was too difficult . So a new plan was initiated to make it easier by doing some rerouting , widening the path and removing some technical features . Usage skyrocketed immediately .
“ The goal is simple ,” said Culpepper . “ We want to build trails that people want to use , trails where people can be active .”
The City of Bella Vista and the POA maintain a trails master plan that serves as the backbone for the overall system . The plan is approved by the city council . In addition , frequent users may make suggestions for things like better trail access , which can include elements like ensuring that users from certain neighborhoods don ’ t have to ride or walk on busy streets to access a trail .
“ In many cases , when we ’ re approached with questions or suggestions there is a solution . Right now , we ’ re interested in listening to the people of Bella Vista about what kind of trails they want and where they want those trails ,” said Culpepper .
About 10 miles of new trails are projected for development in 2024 , all within the existing trail footprint . Getting Started
Photo courtesy NWADG / Flip Putthoff
Hikers learn to identify trees in the winter from Cris Jones ( right ) during a guided tree identification hike on the Tweety Bird Trail in Bella Vista .
For newbies on the trail system , there ’ s no end to online resources . However , Culpepper is quick to point out that there ’ s nothing like getting out on the trail and trying it out firsthand .
“ If you ’ re a hiker , look for bluffs and the best scenery ,” said Culpepper .
He suggests that Sugar Bridge , which crosses over Sugar Creek , is a good place to start . Another option is the Buckingham trail head on the south side of Lake Ann .
As to decorum on the trails , different user groups for the most part inherently understand that they ’ re all there for the same reason : To enjoy the outdoors . Bikers should slow down for hikers and as a general rule , hikers yield right-of-way to passing bicyclists . On the hardsurface trail , “ on your left ” is a universal signal that a bicycle is passing pedestrians . With the confines of a single-lane , soft-surface trail , it ’ s better to slow your bike down and ensure that hikers in front traveling in the same direction know you ’ re there . Culpepper shares that conflicts are more frequent on the hard surface because walkers will sometimes spread across the entire width of the trail , which combines with cyclists travelling much faster .
Justin Culpepper is the trails and active transportation coordinator for the City of Bella Vista . Growing up in the mountains of Colorado before moving to Oklahoma , he longed for a place to raise his family where they had access to nature and outdoor recreation . He and his wife found that , and more , when they moved to Bella Vista . Prior to his role with the city , he worked for Rogue Trails and helped build many miles of trails , and even more great memories , in Bella Vista . Justin is an advocate for sustainable trail design and believes trails are a catalyst for creating the next generation of environmentalists and conservationists . His greatest joy is riding or hiking with his family and his proudest moment is becoming a living kidney donor . He loves hearing from the community and encourages anyone with questions or concerns about the trails to reach out to him .
The trails of Bella Vista are there for everyone – from mountain bikers and hikers to birders and pedestrians , from town locals to the active vacation visitor . There ’ s a little something for everyone and it ’ s all easy to find . How you enjoy Bella Vista is really all up to you . It ’ s like the slogan says : Just do it .
Photo courtesy NWADG / FLIP PUTTHOFF
Eleanor Jones checks limbs to identify a redbud tree along the Back 40 Trail System in Bella Vista .
OZARK LIVING • OCTOBER 2024 • 11