Kessler Mountain Regional Park

Natural Features

Situated in southwest Fayetteville, Arkansas, Kessler Mountain Regional Park spans a generous 620 acres. The park contains Kessler Mountain, which peaks at 1,856 feet above sea level.

Walking through the park feels like stepping into a quintessential Ozark postcard - mature hardwood forests surround you while seasonal wildflowers add splashes of color along the trails. The dozens of wildflower varieties attract nature lovers and bird watchers throughout the seasons.

Park Layout

Kessler Mountain is essentially two parks in one: a sprawling 400-acre nature preserve where trails weave through pristine forest, and a 200-acre developed section housing athletic fields and recreational facilities.

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 10PM, giving you plenty of daylight (and even some evening hours) to explore its offerings.

Trail System

The preserve has over 10 miles of natural surface trails that meander through classic Ozark forest terrain. No matter if you're looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, there's something for every skill level here.

If you're interested in longer adventures, the Fayetteville Traverse trail connects to other networks, including the popular Razorback Greenway. Families with young children should check out the Saddle Up trail - a manageable 1.25-mile route with gentle inclines that won't overwhelm little legs.

Mountain biking enthusiasts can test their skills on technical sections and challenging climbs, while more daring riders might appreciate the jump features scattered throughout some of the advanced trails.

Recreational Facilities

The developed portion of Kessler Mountain features lighted sports fields for soccer and baseball. The baseball diamonds feature quality turf surfaces, making them reliable venues for both casual games and organized tournaments.

Near the entrance, you'll come across a substantial playground funded by the local Rotary Club. It's thoughtfully designed with equipment for kids of all ages - toddlers (ages 1-5) have their own dedicated space with lower structures and stationary animal figures. Parents can relax on shaded benches while keeping an eye on the little ones.

Smooth, paved multi-use trails connect the park's various sections and link to Fayetteville's broader trail network, making Kessler Mountain an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Razorback Greenway.

Amenities

Clean restroom facilities are available across the park, but be aware they might only be open during sporting events.

Between the sports fields sits a concession area where you can grab refreshments when games and tournaments are happening. When the grill is fired up, it's worth stopping by - the food gets consistently positive reviews.

Four-legged friends are welcome here too - the park is dog-friendly, but you'll need to keep your pup leashed as you explore the trails and open areas together.

Park History

Kessler Mountain Regional Park opened its gates in 2016 and has been evolving in phases ever since. The park strikes a thoughtful balance between preserving the mountain's natural beauty and providing spaces for recreation and organized sports.

Sitting on Fayetteville's edge, it offers residents easy access to a substantial natural area while maintaining an expansive forest habitat that feels miles away from city life.