Autumn is the peak season for Northwest Arkansas — the Ozark hardwood forests turn gold and red from mid-October through mid-November, and the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad's fall foliage excursions sell out weeks in advance. The trails are at their most spectacular, the weather is crisp and clear, and accommodation fills up on weekends.
Spring (April to May) is the second-best season: the hills go green quickly after late winter, wildflowers are extensive, and the crowds are smaller. Summer is hot and humid — temperatures regularly exceed 35°C — but the lake and river access is excellent. Winter is mild by Ozark standards, occasionally cold and grey, and the crowds disappear entirely.