First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, has a big, beautiful campus with several good walks. If you feel like getting out in nature, the Brooks-Hummel Trail should be your top choice.

Start the Brooks-Hummel Trail behind the Butterfly Garden, across the parking lot from First School. The rocks outlining the start of the trail will let you know you’re in the right place.

You’ll step down through mossy stones into a tranquil woodland space.

It’s not a difficult trail, but it does take you right into the woods. You are in the middle of town, but you are also in the middle of the woods, surrounded by trees.

Some Northwest Arkansas trails sport wildflowers, but this one has lichen, and you may see wildlife, too. A family of deer live in this natural area, along with foxes and smaller creatures.

This is a cooler space in the summertime. Without direct sun and concrete, the temperatures here are quite a bit lower than on the city streets. That makes this a good summer walk.

Soon you’ll come to a fork in the path. Head left. The trail is not strongly marked, but soon you’ll enter the Brooks-Hummel Nature Preserve, and you can explore. Enjoy the sights and sounds and smells,  and get the feeling that you’ve been for a nature hike — with the convenience of staying in town.

This is a public space, and we at the church are happy for you to access it from our property.