Northwest Arkansas in December

Fall is peak season for good reason. September through November brings perfect mountain biking weather and those famous Ozark autumn colors. But you'll pay peak prices and fight crowds at Crystal Bridges. Spring comes early here - April and May offer wildflower blooms and comfortable temperatures without summer's humidity. This is prime time for hiking the Buffalo National River area. Summer gets hot and sticky, typical for Arkansas. But the mountain elevation helps, and it's festival season. The Bentonville Film Festival in May draws Hollywood names you wouldn't expect to see in Arkansas. Winter is quiet and cold, but if you don't mind bundled-up hiking, you'll have the trails mostly to yourself. Crystal Bridges is particularly beautiful with snow on the surrounding forest. Avoid Razorback football weekends unless you're here for the game. Hotel prices triple and everything gets crowded.