The Square 2 Square Bike Ride is set to return to Northwest Arkansas with a downtown Bentonville finish on October 3, marking its first run along this route since 2023. The annual event will once again send riders pedaling 30 miles along the Razorback Greenway from Fayetteville to Bentonville, weaving through several key towns along the way.
The ride kicks off at the Upper Ramble on 251 N. West Avenue in Fayetteville between 7 and 8:30 a.m., where cyclists will gather before setting off northward on the Razorback Greenway. Along the route, pit stops are planned at popular local spots including Lake Fayetteville, downtown Springdale, Lowell, and Rogers. Each stop offers riders a chance to rest and refuel before continuing their journey through the region’s growing bike infrastructure.
The final stretch brings participants into downtown Bentonville, concluding at Dave Peel Park. From there, the city of Bentonville is inviting riders to celebrate with a communal meal downtown—a tradition that highlights the camaraderie and community spirit the event is known for. The gathering also provides a chance to enjoy the familiar hustle around the Bentonville Square, an area that has experienced steady growth with new businesses and events while still honoring longtime local favorites.
Bentonville Parks & Recreation and Fayetteville Parks & Recreation jointly host the ride, underscoring their commitment to promoting active lifestyles and connecting communities through the region’s extensive trail system. The Razorback Greenway has become a vital corridor not only for cyclists but also for walkers and runners, linking multiple cities across Benton County and illustrating the region’s growing emphasis on outdoor recreation.
The Square 2 Square Bike Ride last finished with a downtown Bentonville endpoint in 2023 before taking a brief pause and route change in 2024. The event’s return to this finish line reflects renewed enthusiasm for fully utilizing the 36-mile trail that stretches from Fayetteville to Bella Vista. Riders taking part in the ride this year will cover the portion from Fayetteville to Bentonville, centering the experience on two of the county’s most active communities for cycling and outdoor events.
Alongside the ride itself, the event offers a tangible economic boost to the downtown areas it passes through as participants stop for meals, supplies, or quick breaks. Local shops and restaurants in Springdale, Lowell, and Rogers often see an uptick in visitors on ride day, showcasing how the event helps highlight the smaller downtowns throughout Benton County on par with the more well-known Bentonville and Fayetteville Squares.
This fall’s ride arrives as Northwest Arkansas continues to expand its network of trails and bike lanes. Bentonville, in particular, has gained attention for its bike-friendly streets and ongoing investments in trail connectivity. Dave Peel Park, the ride’s finish line, is a central hub for many community events and outdoor activities, reflecting Bentonville’s evolving identity as a destination for active recreation.
For cyclists, the Square 2 Square route offers a mixture of urban and natural scenery, from the vibrant energy near the Fayetteville Square and the Upper Ramble to the quieter stretches through wooded areas and neighborhood parks. Catching riders at stops in towns like Lowell and Springdale also introduces a chance to experience those communities’ unique local vibes, which can be overlooked despite their proximity to the bigger cities.
Returning after three years, the Square 2 Square Bike Ride brings together riders from across Northwest Arkansas and beyond. It provides an accessible way for community members to engage with the region’s trail system while celebrating local culture and support for outdoor life. Plus, it’s a welcome reminder of the deep connections between Bentonville and Fayetteville — two cities that have reshaped Northwest Arkansas’s identity in recent decades.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
