We rented bikes from the marina. The mom seems like she can't do more than one thing at a time. We had to wait like 20 minutes after paying for the bikes before actually receiving the bikes. The son, who seems to truly run the place, was great. Friendly, professional, and obviously knows his bikes. We rented for 2 hours so we could take a leisurely ride around the lake. WOW, I'm glad we did, because I'm way more out of shape that I thought. I needed to take several breaks, especially on the steep parts. But it was still fun! Beautiful area, well kept paths. If we lived in the area, it would 100% be a regular place for us to go. They also offer boat rentals, which I'm sure are fun, too!

My husband and I walked the lake on a breezy winter day and it is still a beautiful place even in the winter. It’s over 5 miles around and a has a great walking/ running and biking trail all around it. I use it to train as well and have had many encounters with deer and blue birds. It has enough hills to add a little challenge. One of my go to places .

We had a great hike and the park is beautiful. It has disk golf, boating and fishing, as well. I’d give it a 5, if the maps were clear. We had to ask a local to tell us where the off road nature trail was, because the map boards are unclear. The map by the entrance where we parked shows all the parking and entrances, but no “You are here” icon or arrow. So, we walked along the paved trail, until we had passed another map board and decided we better ask. I’m an Army officer and I can read a map. Trails could be much, much better marked, as well. I’m sorry to even complain, because the visit was great.

I've rode on this trail a handful of times while visiting the area. Biking clockwise is a bit easier for those just starting out. There is a waterfall and several bridges to cross. There are scooter and bike rentals nearby of needed. It is a scenic and enjoyable ride.

Veteran's Park / Lake Fayetteville is our go-to family spot on a beautiful day! We typically park and unload our bikes at the parking lot by the sand volleyball courts off of Zion Road. We ride west for a minute and then north down the trail toward the bridge. Our teens and tweens like to stop on the big bridge and climb down under it looking for lizards in the rocks on the north side and watching the ducks on the south side. We then ride toward the lake... and ride alongside it... always beautiful and sparkling! Sometimes, the kids will want to veer off to the northwest side and play at the baseball fields. Sometimes, we'll veer northeast and check out the ducks and fish at the boatdock. Continuing from the dock, we ride northeast until the kids are tired and then loop back. There is a little "bike obstacle course" in that area of the park... and a great frisbee golf course. If we are there around lunch, we'll hit the food trucks that are just northwest of the baseball fields. GREAT chicken pad thai at the chinese truck and amazing authentic tamales at the mexican truck. Amazing way to spend a day in Fayetteville! Lake Fayetteville is such a treasure!

My family of 4, 2 children ages 7 & 10, frequent the lake. There is a paved multi-use trail all the way around the lake, approx 5.5 miles. Restroom are generally clean. Weekends on the trail can get crowded. Veterans Park is on the south side of the lake. There are 2 pavilions, restrooms, sand volleyball courts, and a playground. On the west side of the lake by the dam are softball fields, restrooms, and a playground. The north side of the lake has a disk golf area and swing sets. The Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks are located on the east side of the lake.

We walked the 5+ mile loop partly using the rugged trail by the lake and then the paved trail. Very serene and pleasant scenery. If you are planning on going to botanical gardens make sure and go in entrance. We walked behind it and thought it. Was closed. Lots of benches along the way to rest or people watch.

They don't have a playground for kids, which is great, because I don't want to be around kids, and even if they did have a playground, the park is huge and easy to get away on your own. The disc golf course is great and maintained well. The bike/running track around the lake is great. They should put in one more bathroom and water fountain in the back of disc golf area. It's freaking hot outside, man!

Lake Fayetteville has really come a long way over the years. I frequently ride the mountain bike single track loop, which is about 7.25 miles or so. It's a great track, but has a couple of spots that just don't dry out. Also, it can get crowded here at times, and there is no "right" direction, meaning if you're flying around clockwise or counterclockwise, expect to meet traffic coming straight at you. This can be a safety hazard in some areas of the track where visibility is low, so keep that in mind. You will also encounter runners with ear buds on that can't hear you coming. The paved area is really nice as well, and will get more crowded than the single track with people walking, jogging, cycling, walking their dogs, etc. The lake also has pretty decent fishing. Bank fisherman are found fishing from the docks on the North side near where you check in or along the dam. There is a boat ramp for boat anglers, keeping in mind this is a no-wake lake, making this a really nice kayak fishing lake. You can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, or even white bass. Be aware though, that there is a fee if you want to fish, so you have to check in at the office and sign in. I think it's around $7 for the day. Also, this is a city owned lake, and has operating hours, so you have to be out of the lake before they lock it up, which is usually around sunset. Because of this rule, there is no night fishing here. Lake Fayetteville also has a frisbee golf course on the North side. I know very little about it, but didn't see it mentioned elsewhere. On the South side are a couple of beach volleyball courts that can be reserved as well. I've played on these a few times, and they are really nice courts. Next to those, you have nice bathroom facilities, and grills & picnic tables.

We paddled around most of the perimeter. Very pleasant wooded shores make it completely non-obvious that you're in the middle of the city, maybe just a little traffic noise. A very nice amenity for the locals. Only electric and paddle craft allowed on the water, and no swimming. We saw lots of little fish and some big ones in the snags. Turtles and birds too. We put in at the NW corner near the rental shop. We're visiting from out of town and the staff there courteously explained the permitting restrictions on the lake. It would be nice for the paddling dock to run out a little further beyond the weeds.