The locals know Lincoln Lake well but, for the rest of us, it’s a hidden gem in Northwest Arkansas that offers fishing, hiking, rock climbing and more.
You are probably familiar with the bustling city of Fayetteville but nearby is a hidden gem that few of us have heard about.
Just a short 30-minute drive will bring you to the beautiful Lincoln City Park. It Consists of 400 Acres of beautiful Ozark Mountain land with opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking.
The park also includes Lincoln Lake which is 90 Acres of beautiful Arkansas water. Popular activities here are fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Lincoln Lake Rock Climbing
“Total roped climbs number around 40 or so. The climbing ranges from easy 5.4 to hard 5.13 with (I think) at least one route needing a FFA that is supposedly hard 5.13. There is also some bouldering to be found and some that is still to be or in process of being developed.” -source
Lincoln Lake Hiking
The Lincoln Lake “Lake Trail Loop” Is a fun 4-plus mile lightly-trafficked hiking loop around the lake. What makes this hiking loop fun are all the things to explore along the path including bluffs and boulders.
Note: Parts of the trail can flood after a heavy rain. It is best to hike this trail when the weather has been dry.
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Lincoln Lake Mountain Biking
Lincoln Lake Park offers over 7 miles of great mountain biking trails. Most of them are single-track trails. There are also several great caves along the trails that make fun pit stops.
“Our trail system is all hand built singletrack. The trails pass through towering bluffs, hardwood forest, a pine forest, and passes by many caves. There are great views of the lake throughout the ride.
The trails are rated intermediate to advanced riding as there are some technical sections. The Spillway/Piney Loop are beginner friendly, however. The entire trail system can be ridden as one loop with no backtracking, or one can break it up and ride individual loops or just a 4-mile ride around the lake.” -source
Lincoln Lake Fishing
Lincoln Lake is known for its populations of bass, crappie, catfish, and perch.
This lake is stocked by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and there are plenty of fish to go around!
Note: You will need a fishing license to fish this lake. All Arkansas fishing rules apply.
Also, a lot of folks like to fish at night for catfish in Lincoln Lake. If you want to do that, you’ll need to stop by city hall for a sticker that will let the police know why you’re out there at night.
It is important to remember that there are no gas motors allowed on the lake. So bring your oars and leave your motor at home. Besides, they just take away from the serenity of the lake anyway.
Lincoln Lake Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing is a favorite activity on Lincoln Lake. This is largely due to the beautiful scenery and the fact that the big boys can’t bring their speed boats out here.
This will ensure that the water is always calm for you to glide across the top .
Can you camp at Lincoln Lake?
That’s a big no. There is no camping allowed at Lincoln Lake. That includes primitive camping. So leave your tents at home.
If you’re the camping type, you’ll love this: BEST Camping in Arkansas
Location
You’ll find Lincoln Lake here:
36.003693 -94.419937
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