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5 EPIC Trails Local Favorites Ride Centers
CYCLING HUB OF THE SOUTHBRAND GUIDELINES
Arkansas
MountainBikingg u i d e
Arkansas
MountainBikingg u i d e
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism 1 Capitol Mall • Little Rock, AR 72201Arkansas.com/Bicycling
It’s all about
the ride
Welcome: It’s all about the ride ....... 1
Map ................................................................................................2-3 The Imba Impact ....................................................4-5 EPIC TRAILS
Ouachita National Recreation Trail ..............................................6-7 Womble Trail ...................................................................................8-9LOViT ............................................................................................ 10-11Syllamo ....................................................................................... 12-13Upper Buffalo .............................................................................14-15
Ride Centers ................................................................ 16-17 LOCAL FAVORITESNorthwest Arkansas Intro ......................18
Hidden Diversity ...............................................................................19Lake Leatherwood .......................................................................... 20Mount Kessler .................................................................................. 21Slaughter Pen ............................................................................ 22-23Blowing Springs/Back 40 ....................................................... 24-25The Railyard ..................................................................................... 26Lake Atalanta ................................................................................... 27Fossil Flats ....................................................................................... 28Coler Preserve ................................................................................. 29Ben Geren ........................................................................................ 30Ouita Coal Company ....................................................................... 31
Base Camp: Northwest .................................... 32Southwest Arkansas Intro ..................... 33
Earthquake Ridge ........................................................................... 34Cedar Glades ................................................................................... 35Iron Mountain ............................................................................ 36-37Fern Hollow ...................................................................................... 38
Central Arkansas Intro ............................... 39Enders Fault ..................................................................................... 40Camp Robinson Trails ..................................................................... 41Boyle Park ........................................................................................ 42Burns Park ....................................................................................... 43
Base Camp: Central ............................................... 44Delta Intro .......................................................................... 45
Cane Creek Lake Trail .................................................................... 46Village Creek .................................................................................... 47Craighead Forest ............................................................................. 48
Additional Resources .............................. 49Unique Lodging ................................................. 50-51Calendar of Events ............................... 52-53
Contents
Slaughter Pen
1
It’s all about
the rideWith its moderate four-season climate, variety of terrain, number of trails and natural beauty at every turn, Arkansas has everything you could want in a mountain biking destination. People are not only noticing this, but officially recognizing it. Arkansas features five Epic Rides, as designated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), which places us tied with Colorado for second in the country behind California with seven. In addition to these impressive trails, IMBA distinguishes the cities of Bentonville, Fayetteville and Hot Springs as Ride Centers for their world-class facilities and high standards of hospitality. Northwest Arkansas has been designated the first-ever Regional Ride Center by IMBA.
It’s not a race, but The Natural State is well positioned as a leader in the field. We’re serious about cycling, just like you. Here in these pages and at Arkansas.com/bicycling, we’ve compiled our list of local favorites with help from MTBProject.com, IMBA and mountain biking enthusiasts. These are rides you’ll come back to time and time again, because they deliver a different experience with the same familiar reward – the rush, the thrill, the exhilaration, the exhaustion, the feeling of accomplishment – with views you can’t find anywhere else.
Mulberry
Illin
ois S. Fork
ArcheysFork
Fork Little RedRiver
Little RedRiver
Des Arc
Bayou
Whi
te
White
Strawberry
River
Rive
r
River
Black
Black
River
BayouCypress
South
Myatt
Fork
Spring
Eleven Point
Current
Rive
r
River
River
Cr.
Bayou
Meto
Meto
BayouCache Ca
che
Cache
Rive
r
Rive
r
Rive
r
DeVi
ew
Bayo
u
Middle
Little Red River
Cadro
n Cr.
Cr.
Big Pine
y
Bay
ou
River
BullShoalsLake Bull
ShoalsLake
NorforkLake
BeaverLake
SugarloafLake
Poteau River
Blue MountainLake
Nimrod Lake
Petit
FourcheS. Fourche
Caddo
River
Terre
Little
Missouri
LaFave River
River
LaFave
North
Alum
Middle Fork
ForkFork
ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS
RIVER
RIVER
ARKANSAS
MISSISSIPPI
MIS
SISS
IPPI
RIVE
R
RIVER
Jean River
Crooked Cr.
Osage
Lee Cr.
Cr.
Kin
gs
Eagl
e
White
MiddleW
. For
k
Fork River
Cree
k
Riv
er
Creek
Osage
Buffalo
Buffalo
River
River
HorseheadLake
Lake Fort Smith
LakeDardanelle
OvercupLake
Lake Maumelle
HarrisBrakeLake
Bearskin Lake
Clear Lake
Old Riv.Lake
LakeConway
BrewerLake
Greers Ferry Lake
LakeCharles
Lake Ashbaugh
LakeOuachita
DeGray Lake
Lake Hamilton
LakeGreeson
GillhamLake
LakeWilhelmina
Cossatot
Red
Red
Dorc
heat
Bodcau
Cr.
Bayo
u
Can
ey
River
Two
Mor
o
L. Aigie
Saline
White
Big
Francis
St. F
ranc
is
L’An
guill
e
Rive
r
St. F
ranc
is
Righ
t
Hand
Chut
e
Rive
r
River
Creek
Saline
Bayou
Bayou Bayou
Little LaGrue
LaGrue
Bayou
Wabbaseka
River
River
River
Bayou
Bay
ou
Cut-off
Riv
er
Boeuf
Mac
on
Bay
ou
Bay
ou
Cr.
Creek
OuachitaRiver
MissouriTerre
Rouge
Little
Cr.
Cr.
Creek
Sulphur
River
River
River
River
Little
River
LakeHinkle
Millwood Lake
Lake Erling
Lake Columbia
White OakLake
LakeJack Lee
LakeGeorgiaPacific
Lake Monticello
SevenDevilsSwamp
Lake Beulah
Lake Lee
Grand Lake
FlagLake
PeckerwoodLake
MudLake
LakePoinsett
HorseshoeLake
BearCr. Lake
Lake Chicot
MaconLake
Champagnolle
Bar
thol
omew
Bartholomew
Myatt
Lake Beulah
Lake Lee
Grand Lake
40
49
540
49
40
40
30
30
30
30
40
40
40
55
55
530
530
530
440630
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
62
64
64
64
62
62
62 62
626267
67
67
67
64 64
6361
63
63
63
67
62
71
71
71
71
71
70
70
70
71
71
82
79
67
67
67
63
63
63
63
79
79
79
79
79
79
70
70
49
49
49
49
49
49
82
82
82
82
65
65
65
65
65
65
6571
412412
412
412412 412
371
371
371
371
165
165
165
165
425
425
278
167
167
167
167
167
167
167
167
278
278278278
278
278
270
270
270
270
270 270
278
425
63
67167
Gillett
Jerome
tit10
10
10
10
10
26
2626
26
278
371
27
27
5
5
5
5
5
Lree
27
430
Bella Vista
BentonvilleRogersLowell
Cave Springs
Gentry
Tontitown
Lincoln
Mountainburg
Greenwood
Hackett Booneville
Altus
Ozark
ParisSubiaco
Centerville
Dardanelle
Pottsville
WiederkehrVillage
PrairieGrove
West Fork
Winslow
Pea Ridge Beaver
BerryvilleGarfield
Huntsville
SpringdaleSiloam Springs
Fayetteville
Alma
Van BurenFort Smith
Clarksville
Russellville
Morrilton Conway
Little Rock
Bryant
Arkadelphia
MalvernSheridan
Prescott
Hope
Nashville
Dierks
Wickes
Mena
De Queen
Ashdown
Texarkana
Magnolia
McGehee
Stuttgart
Jonesboro
Walnut Ridge
DeValls Bluff
Brinkley
Marianna
Helena-West Helena
Forrest City
Blytheville
West Memphis
Lake Village
Tillar
Dumas
Pine Bluff
Hampton
Warren
Monticello
Hamburg
Crossett
El Dorado
Camden
Junction City
Murfreesboro
North Little Rock
Benton
Hot Springs
Glenwood
Jasper
Harrison
Eureka Springs
Clinton
Osceola
JacksonvilleCabot
Searcy
Mountain Home
Mammoth Spring
Ash Flat
Cherokee Village
BatesvilleMountain View
Newport
Paragould
RectorPocahontas
Piggott
Bald KnobWynne
Boxley
Ponca
Bull Shoals
Lakeview
Cotter
Gilbert
Leslie
Marshall
Flippin
YellvilleCalico Rock
Norfork
Jacksonport
Hardy
Gamaliel
Salem
Heber Springs
Fairfield BayShirley
Dalton
Powhatan
MaynardSt. Francis
Corning
Mulberry
Oppelo
Perryville
RoyalBauxite
Mountain Pine
Jessieville
Ola
KirbyDaisy
Mount Ida
Pine Ridge
Waldron
Norman
Okolona
Bismarck
Greenbrier
Dover
Pelsor
Magazine
Mansfield
Charleston
Altheimer
Bradley
Columbus
ForemanWashington
Emerson
Fordyce
Jersey
McNeil Smackover
Arkansas City
Rohwer
Star City
Wilmot
Des Arc
Hazen
Augusta
McCrory
England
Keo
Scott
Lonoke
Mayflower
Barton
St. Charles
Eudora
Dyess WilsonLepanto
Marked TreeTyronza
Manila
Harrisburg
Turrell
Walcott
Madison
Earle
Pea RidgeSulphur SpringsSulphur Springs
Beaver
Lincoln
West Memphis
Helena-West Helena
Lake Village
1
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
14
13
15
16
1210
17 18
19
20
21
2224
25
11
23
FRONT COVER PHOTO: Iron Mountain • BACK COVER PHOTO: The Railyard
M I S S O U R I
T E X A S
L O U I S I A N A
OK
LA
HO
MA
Mulberry
Illin
ois S. Fork
ArcheysFork
Fork Little RedRiver
Little RedRiver
Des Arc
Bayou
Whi
te
White
Strawberry
River
Rive
r
River
Black
Black
River
BayouCypress
South
Myatt
Fork
Spring
Eleven Point
Current
Rive
r
River
River
Cr.
Bayou
Meto
Meto
BayouCache Ca
che
Cache
Rive
r
Rive
r
Rive
r
DeVi
ew
Bayo
u
Middle
Little Red River
Cadro
n Cr.
Cr.
Big Pine
y
Bay
ou
River
BullShoalsLake Bull
ShoalsLake
NorforkLake
BeaverLake
SugarloafLake
Poteau River
Blue MountainLake
Nimrod Lake
Petit
FourcheS. Fourche
Caddo
River
Terre
Little
Missouri
LaFave River
River
LaFave
North
Alum
Middle Fork
ForkFork
ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS
RIVER
RIVER
ARKANSAS
MISSISSIPPI
MIS
SISS
IPPI
RIVE
R
RIVER
Jean River
Crooked Cr.
Osage
Lee Cr.
Cr.
Kin
gs
Eagl
e
White
MiddleW
. For
k
Fork River
Cree
k
Riv
er
Creek
Osage
Buffalo
Buffalo
River
River
HorseheadLake
Lake Fort Smith
LakeDardanelle
OvercupLake
Lake Maumelle
HarrisBrakeLake
Bearskin Lake
Clear Lake
Old Riv.Lake
LakeConway
BrewerLake
Greers Ferry Lake
LakeCharles
Lake Ashbaugh
LakeOuachita
DeGray Lake
Lake Hamilton
LakeGreeson
GillhamLake
LakeWilhelmina
Cossatot
Red
Red
Dorc
heat
Bodcau
Cr.
Bayo
u
Can
ey
River
Two
Mor
o
L. Aigie
Saline
White
Big
Francis
St. F
ranc
is
L’An
guill
e
Rive
r
St. F
ranc
is
Righ
tHand
Chut
e
Rive
r
River
Creek
Saline
Bayou
Bayou Bayou
Little LaGrue
LaGrue
Bayou
Wabbaseka
River
River
River
Bayou
Bay
ou
Cut-off
Riv
er
Boeuf
Mac
on
Bay
ou
Bay
ou
Cr.
Creek
OuachitaRiver
MissouriTerre
Rouge
Little
Cr.
Cr.
Creek
Sulphur
River
River
River
River
Little
River
LakeHinkle
Millwood Lake
Lake Erling
Lake Columbia
White OakLake
LakeJack Lee
LakeGeorgiaPacific
Lake Monticello
SevenDevilsSwamp
Lake Beulah
Lake Lee
Grand Lake
FlagLake
PeckerwoodLake
MudLake
LakePoinsett
HorseshoeLake
BearCr. Lake
Lake Chicot
MaconLake
Champagnolle
Bar
thol
omew
Bartholomew
Myatt
Lake Beulah
Lake Lee
Grand Lake
40
49
540
49
40
40
30
30
30
30
40
40
40
55
55
530
530
530
440630
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
62
64
64
64
62
62
62 62
626267
67
67
67
64 64
6361
63
63
63
67
62
71
71
71
71
71
70
70
70
71
71
82
79
67
67
67
63
63
63
63
79
79
79
79
79
79
70
70
49
49
49
49
49
49
82
82
82
82
65
65
65
65
65
65
6571
412412
412
412412 412
371
371
371
371
165
165
165
165
425
425
278
167
167
167
167
167
167
167
167
278
278278278
278
278
270
270
270
270
270 270
278
425
63
67167
Gillett
Jerome
tit10
10
10
10
10
26
2626
26
278
371
27
27
5
5
5
5
5
Lree
27
430
Bella Vista
BentonvilleRogersLowell
Cave Springs
Gentry
Tontitown
Lincoln
Mountainburg
Greenwood
Hackett Booneville
Altus
Ozark
ParisSubiaco
Centerville
Dardanelle
Pottsville
WiederkehrVillage
PrairieGrove
West Fork
Winslow
Pea Ridge Beaver
BerryvilleGarfield
Huntsville
SpringdaleSiloam Springs
Fayetteville
Alma
Van BurenFort Smith
Clarksville
Russellville
Morrilton Conway
Little Rock
Bryant
Arkadelphia
MalvernSheridan
Prescott
Hope
Nashville
Dierks
Wickes
Mena
De Queen
Ashdown
Texarkana
Magnolia
McGehee
Stuttgart
Jonesboro
Walnut Ridge
DeValls Bluff
Brinkley
Marianna
Helena-West Helena
Forrest City
Blytheville
West Memphis
Lake Village
Tillar
Dumas
Pine Bluff
Hampton
Warren
Monticello
Hamburg
Crossett
El Dorado
Camden
Junction City
Murfreesboro
North Little Rock
Benton
Hot Springs
Glenwood
Jasper
Harrison
Eureka Springs
Clinton
Osceola
JacksonvilleCabot
Searcy
Mountain Home
Mammoth Spring
Ash Flat
Cherokee Village
BatesvilleMountain View
Newport
Paragould
RectorPocahontas
Piggott
Bald KnobWynne
Boxley
Ponca
Bull Shoals
Lakeview
Cotter
Gilbert
Leslie
Marshall
Flippin
YellvilleCalico Rock
Norfork
Jacksonport
Hardy
Gamaliel
Salem
Heber Springs
Fairfield BayShirley
Dalton
Powhatan
MaynardSt. Francis
Corning
Mulberry
Oppelo
Perryville
RoyalBauxite
Mountain Pine
Jessieville
Ola
KirbyDaisy
Mount Ida
Pine Ridge
Waldron
Norman
Okolona
Bismarck
Greenbrier
Dover
Pelsor
Magazine
Mansfield
Charleston
Altheimer
Bradley
Columbus
ForemanWashington
Emerson
Fordyce
Jersey
McNeil Smackover
Arkansas City
Rohwer
Star City
Wilmot
Des Arc
Hazen
Augusta
McCrory
England
Keo
Scott
Lonoke
Mayflower
Barton
St. Charles
Eudora
Dyess WilsonLepanto
Marked TreeTyronza
Manila
Harrisburg
Turrell
Walcott
Madison
Earle
Pea RidgeSulphur SpringsSulphur Springs
Beaver
Lincoln
West Memphis
Helena-West Helena
Lake Village
3
For a more detailed version of the maps in this guide, go to MTBProject.com.
Arkansas Welcome Center
25
26
27
N
EW
S
T E N N E S S E E
M I S S O U R I
M I S S I S S I P P I
Epic Trails 1. Ouachita National Recreation Trail
2. Womble
3. Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT)
4. Syllamo
5. Upper Buffalo
Local Favorites 6. Hidden Diversity Trail
7. Lake Leatherwood
8. Mount Kessler
9. Slaughter Pen
10. Blowing Springs/Back 40
11. The Railyard (BIKE PARK)
12. Lake Atalanta
13. Fossil Flats
14. Coler Preserve
15. Ben Geren
16. Ouita Coal Company
17. Earthquake Ridge
18. Cedar Glades
19. Iron Mountain
20. Fern Hollow
21. Enders Fault
22. Camp Robinson Trails
23. Boyle Park
24. Burns Park
25. Cane Creek Lake Trail
26. Village Creek
27. Craighead Forest
From Whistler, British Columbia, in 2004 to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in 2014, IMBA’s World Summits garner global attention. Each host community adds its distinct character as industry leaders gather to learn, connect and collaborate. For 2016, that host community was Bentonville, featuring Northwest Arkansas’s iconic cutting-edge trail systems through the Ozarks. Participants reveled in the rugged natural beauty of this area and enjoyed the bustling town square overtaken by mountain biking enthusiasts. While the region’s top-notch trails got their much-deserved day in the sun, the most powerful takeaway from the weekend was what can happen when a community comes together – as demonstrated by Northwest Arkansas. It was a grand stage to show off what’s happening here and what’s to come in this leading mountain biking destination.
The Impact
4
Arkansas is home to five Epic Rides as designated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA): Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Syllamo, Womble and Upper Buffalo. IMBA distinguishes these trails as the most demanding singletrack adventures in natural settings. In addition to these incredible trails, IMBA has also recognized Bentonville, Fayetteville and Hot Springs as Ride Centers for their bicycle-friendly facilities and resources, and commitment to move mountain biking forward in these cycling scenes. Northwest Arkansas is the first-ever Regional Ride Center and was the natural choice for last year’s IMBA World Summit.
E P I C Riding
5
E P I c
Ryan LeechHans ReyDanny McKaskill
“Bentonville offers every convenience for mountain biking enthusiasts at every level. The city is surrounded by miles of trails, and a paved greenway system connects it all together – from bike shops to food and lodging – in a flash. In the adjacent town, Rogers, there is a huge public free-ride facility called The Railyard where you can spend all day hitting jumps and riding the trails.”
Seth Alvo, Founder of Seth’s Bike Hacks
At 223 miles, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the longest hiking trail in Arkansas. The western terminus is in Talimena State Park in Oklahoma, and it travels east, all the way to Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The 108-mile stretch between Highway 88 (the Talimena National Scenic Byway) and Scenic Highway 7 north of Hot Springs is open to mountain biking, making it the longest mountain bike trail in the state. The most-traveled part of the trail by mountain bikers is a section in Montgomery County used as part of the Ouachita Challenge Mountain Bike Race each spring.
The trail features camping shelters spaced approximately every 10 miles. This ride presents a true adventure trip with beautiful views, stream crossings and rugged terrain. Expect to do some hike-a-biking if you decide to take on this trail.
7
OuachitaNational Recreation Trail
E P I C T R A I L
“After conquering some very challenging technical sections, you’re rewarded with fun
descents and beautiful vistas atop each hill. you’re riding in a beautiful wilderness where you’re not likely to encounter anyone other
than wildlife.”
Brent Whittington — Owner and CEO, Moots Cycles
1
Featuring 37 miles of singletrack winding through the Ouachita National Forest, the Womble connects to the Epic Ouachita National Recreation Trail at the northern point of McGill Mountain. Hallmarks of the ride are scenic high-mountain views atop difficult climbs. Beginners may wish to plan an out-and-back on sections of this trail, while expert riders could opt for a shuttle to complete the journey in one direction, as this can be an all-day ride for most. One of the original IMBA Epics, it delivers an experience that lives up to that status.
nearby trails
• EAGLE ROCK LOOP
• OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL
WOmbleE P I C T R A I L
9
“The woodsy singletrack of the
Womble soothes my soul, clears my head and reminds
me of how great Arkansas is.”
James Gaston, Local Cyclist
2
nearby trails
• CHARLTON LAKE LOOP
• WOMBLE
• CEDAR GLADES
LOViTE P I C T R A I L
11
Bathhouse row, Hot Springs
“The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail satisfies my need for swooping, fast, rolling terrain, technical
climbs and descents, and beautiful overlooks.
This epic trail has it all!”
Addie Teo, Local Cyclist
3 Starting from one of Arkansas’s popular destinations, Hot Springs, this IMBA Epic ride starts from the Little Blakey Dam and ends at Shangri-La Resort passing several resorts along the southside of Lake Ouachita. An expertly made trail, it offers a good amount of climbing and incredible scenic vistas through flowy singletrack. The climbs of the Vista Trail come with a reward – some of the best down-hills in Arkansas. Afterwards, plan on refueling with the many dining options in Hot Springs or even book a spa experience with a massage. The Vista Trail is for all levels of riders. Beginners might want to stick to the section on the western end near Shangri-La Resort.
The Syllamo, comprised of more than 50 miles of singletrack located outside Mountain View in the Sylamore Ranger district of the St. Francis-Ozark National Forest, is one of the most beautiful and technically challenging trail systems in the region. It consists of five loops of varied levels, including Bad Branch, which is a 15-mile section of smooth, fast singletrack. On the other side of the mountain is the White River Bluff Loop, roughly four miles long, which will test even the most advanced riders out there with lots of big rocks and grand views of the White River valley. Once finished with your ride, head to downtown Mountain View and hear locals play bluegrass and folk music around the court square.
nearby trails
• OAK RIDGE TRAIL
(Bull Shoals-White River State Park)
• PIGEON CREEK
SyllamoE P I C T R A I L
12
4
“For me, the Syllamo is one of the best rides
in Arkansas. Big loops of technical single-
track leading to beautiful overlooks
make this a go-to system for serious
mountain bikers.”
Herman Owens, Trail Specialist for Arkansas IMBA Epics
13
Upper Buffalo mountain bike trails include a wide variety of incredible Ozark Forest riding, native plant species and wildlife. This IMBA Epic ride earns its status from the total riding experience. Formally named the Buffalo Headwaters Trail System, this system is a combination of old school, hand-cut singletrack, newly built machine flow/downhill sections and lots of creek crossings with steep climbs and awesome descents, all covering about 40 miles of mostly intermediate to advanced action. Bomb down the 3.5-mile Fire Tower Loop and connect over to Azalea Falls Trail, one of the best in Arkansas. Due to this remote area, bring plenty of water and snacks, and ideally a friend to ride with you.
Cave Mountain Road and Knuckles Creek Road provide trailhead kiosks and information to visitors. Primitive camping is available on Forest Service lands. Upper Buffalo has the feel of a wilderness area but offers maps and markers at each intersection, helping riders navigate the lush forest. Prepare to get wet with many creek crossings, some of which offer swimming opportunities on hot days.
15
“The Upper Buffalo has all the components for a next-level experience:
gnarly descents, grindy climbs and the kind of remoteness that requires you
to support yourself and your bike in all situations. I’ve suffered through those
hills, but I’ve never left the Headwaters wishing I’d stayed closer to home.”
Tandie Bailey, Northwest Arkansas Dirt Divas
nearby trail
• LAKE FORT SMITH
(Lake Fort Smith State Park)
Image courtesy of Arkansas Wild/
Novo Studio
16
Ride CentersInternational Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
Bentonville • Fayetteville • Hot Springs
Crystal Bridges Museum of AMerican Art, Bentonville
• 40 miles of trails within city limits, 20 of which are
natural surface
• Much of the singletrack links to various urban trails
• Access to bike stations, repair tools, shower facilities and Wi-Fi hot spots
• Highlights: Slaughter Pen and Blowing Springs/Back 40 (see pages 22-25) and 22 miles of trails at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (see page 19)
• More than 50 miles of riding with multiple trail
systems in the heart of downtown
• Bike shops, restaurants and a botanical garden are accessible along the trail system
• Highlights: Mount Kessler and Mount Sequoyah (see page 21)
• Gateway to more than 250 miles of mountain bike
trails in the area
• Highlights: Three IMBA Epics: 108 miles of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail (see pages 6-7), the Womble (see pages 8-9) and the LOViT (see pages 10-11).
• Home to a national park, historic Bathhouse Row, spas, hotels, restaurants and galleries in the rolling Ouachita Mountains
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You likely have a bucket list of places to ride. The International Mountain Bicycling Association has a few to add to your list – 37 to be exact – of gold, silver and bronze levels. IMBA Ride Centers are not only locations with some of the best trails in the world, these are ride-worthy destinations with first-class mountain biking facilities and amenities. Arkansas proudly claims three of them: Bentonville (silver), Fayetteville (bronze) and Hot Springs (bronze). Located less than 30 miles apart, Bentonville and Fayetteville now comprise the Northwest Arkansas Regional Ride Center, the first and only region-wide IMBA hub.
Bentonville
Fayetteville
Hot Springs
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Northwest Arkansas is fast becoming the nation’s premier mountain biking destination.
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains are hundreds of miles of classic singletrack, with new
trails added all the time. A claim to fame of the region is Slaughter Pen near Bentonville,
a technical 20-mile ride along rocky hillsides. Another crown jewel is the 35-mile Upper
Buffalo Headwaters, one of the IMBA Epics. IMBA also recognizes two Ride Centers in
the region – one in Bentonville and one in Fayetteville. With great restaurants, hotels and
bike shops in the area, it’s a place that really gets it when it comes to supporting the local
cycling scene.
NorthwestLocal Favorites
Buffalo National River Area
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H i d d e n D i v e r s i t yHobbs State Park-COnservation Area
nearby trail
• LAKE ATALANTA
• SLAUGHTER PEN
Fast and hilly riding awaits mountain bikers at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. About 22 miles of singletrack are open to cyclists on the Little Clifty, War Eagle,
Bashore and Dutton Hollow loops. The dirt is smooth and fast with stout climbs and sharp turns to keep riders entertained. Trails loop through a lush pine forest just east
of Beaver Lake and a quick drive from downtown Rogers. The trails also drain well and are ready to ride shortly after a rain. Parking is available on Piney and Townsend Ridge
roads off Highway 12. The annual Battle for Townsend Ridge mountain bike race in early summer starts and ends at the Townsend Ridge trailhead.
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L a k e l e at h e r w o o dEureka Springs
• HIDDEN DIVERSITY TRAIL
Lake Leatherwood City Park has more than 25 miles of multi-use trails and is the home of the Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival for good reason. Cross country and
downhill riding are the stars here with rocky ledges, steep slopes, extended grades, creek crossings and varied terrain, making it challenging to all riders. Trailheads in the campground and day-use area take mountain bikers around the lake or up the surrounding hills. The Twin Knobs Trail and the Beacham Trail are by far the most
technical; Miners Rock and Overlook Trail have challenging climbs and long, fast downhills. The park has
swimming, bathrooms and bathhouses, and cabins are available for rent or stay in Eureka
Springs, a Victorian-era mountain town with excellent restaurants, hotels and B&Bs.
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nearby trail
The Mount Kessler mountain bike trails are some of the toughest and most scenic in the state. Nine miles of rocky singletrack loop around this urban mountain in Fayetteville. The karst landscape makes for challenging riding and world-class bragging rights. Views from atop Mount Kessler are spectacular year-round with fall boasting that particular wow factor you can only get in the Boston Mountains. Visitors should park at the Mount Kessler Trailhead at 2600 West Judge Cummings Road in Fayetteville off of Highway 265. A 1.3-mile connector trail winds from the trailhead to the singletrack on the mountain. A regional park is now open at the base of the mountain.
m o u n t k e s s l e rFayetteville
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nearby trails
• MOUNT SEQUOYAH
• LAKE FAYETTEVILLE
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nearby trail
Visitors to Slaughter Pen trails in Bentonville enjoy a truly unique mountain biking experience. The 40-plus miles of singletrack flow
alongside the paved Razorback Regional Greenway and by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where the path is dotted with public art.
The Slaughter Pen system includes trails ranging in difficulty from beginners (on the All-American and Seed Tick Shuffle trails) to expert
(on Scott’s Alley and Medusa trails), with connector trails taking riders between the various hubs of the system. The trail is the home of the annual
Slaughter Pen Jam, a mountain bike race and festival held each fall.
Visitors can park at Compton Gardens in downtown Bentonville or at the Bentonville Bark Park on North Walton Boulevard to access the trail.
An online map is available at Bike Bentonville.com.
S l a u g h t e r P e nBentonville
nearby trail
• BLOWING SPRINGS/BACK 40
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Back 40
Ba
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Blowing SPrings
BLOWING SPRINGS lies in the southern part of Bella Vista. Caves, waterfalls, springs and cliff riding are a few of the features of Blowing Springs. The whole loop nets about six miles of natural surface trails and connects easily to Slaughter Pen for more mileage. One of the highlights is a 30-foot bridge that drops from a rock shelf to connect to the trail below that winds around to Blowing Springs Cave. This is a good place to get off the bike, enjoy a snack or packed lunch in the picnic area, and walk up to the cave to feel a naturally cool breeze. The trail system includes a total of eight bridges and 15 benches. Given the terrain, some of the trails are inherently more challenging; however, the trail was built with safety and sustainability in mind. Parking is located just off Blowing Springs Road before you get to the RV park.
The BACK 40 is not only a testament to the world-class riding in the Ozarks but also to the direction mountain biking is heading in Arkansas – forward-thinking and fast. The Back 40 is the first of a multi-phase project that plans for a total of 150 miles of natural-surface trail through the city of Bella Vista’s 45 square miles. The construction of the trail system is by NWA Trailblazers and has been fully funded by a $3 million grant to that organization from the Walton Family Foundation. These 40 miles will make you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but they are actually right in the thick of the top riding in the region, a short distance from Slaughter Pen via the Greenway and from Blowing Springs. Parking at Lake Ann places you at the epicenter of the trail system. Your ride will end with a fantastic downhill back to the car from any direction. Be sure to try your luck on the hand-cut rock ledge on Grayson’s Canyon. The lion’s loop has old lion statues – see if you can find them!
Bentonville • Bella Vista
• SLAUGHTER PEN
B low i n g S p r i n gs / Bac k 4 0
nearby trail
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With its world-class dirt jumps, wood ramps and railroad cars, The Railyard was a major addition to Northwest Arkansas in
2015. The bike park’s downtown Rogers location allows ease of use and quick
access to the eateries and watering holes around town. Ride the beginner line if
you’re just learning, or hit the pro line for 20-foot gaps. Take a break in the balcony
overlooking the park, and watch your friends have a go. For more action, head
down to the XC trails around Lake Atalanta.
Rogers
t h e
Railyard
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L a k e Ata l a n taROgers
nearby trails
• HIDDEN DIVERSITY TRAIL
(Hobbs State Park)
• LINCOLN LAKE
A newcomer to the Northwest Arkansas mountain biking scene, Lake Atalanta is fast
becoming a regional favorite for its scenic singletrack. Loop around the lake or hit spur
trails populated with swooping bridges, steep short climbs and gravity cavities. The trail system also includes THE RAILYARD and
connects to downtown Rogers.
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F o s s i l F l at sDevil’s Den State Park, West Fork
nearby trails
• BOSTON MOUNTAIN TRAIL
(Lake Fort Smith
State Park)
• LINCOLN LAKE
Fossil Flats offers a great taste of Ozark Mountain biking. Home to the oldest mountain biking festival in the state, the trail includes both machine- and hand-built trail. Starting
in the tent area of the campground and going clockwise, the trail winds through hardwood forests and karst topography up the Lee Creek Valley before eventually
crossing the creek and heading up Racers Hill. A fast-flowing downhill brings riders to narrow singletrack hovering above the creek. Be ready for the “gravity
cavity,” a quick, heart-pounding experience before another creek crossing back into the campground to finish the six-mile loop.
The park offers camping, cabins, miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, a seasonal pool and restaurant, all in a beautiful mountain setting.
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Devil’s Den STate Park, West Fork
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Recently opened Coler is built on land designated as a mountain bike preserve. Although you might think you are in the backcountry of the Ozarks while riding Coler, the trails are actually located about two miles west of downtown Bentonville. The trails feature multiple flowy jump lines, challenging technical rocky sections and several huge gap jumps. Phase 1 culminates at the spectacular “Hub” near the top of the mountain, a 20-foot-tall steel-and-wood structure that guides riders to the start of three downhill runs. From there, you can choose which trail to take and the level of difficulty. If you are an expert level downhill or enduro rider, try Cease and Desist. It features the “Hammer” — a double black alternate line featuring a 12-foot drop into a valley setting you up for 10-foot step-up jumps and two more large drops. If you love rocky technical trail, then try out Rock Solid – a super technical trail with, you guessed it, rocky goodness. Coler is now the state’s most challenging enduro-style jump trail system. You can easily ride from downtown Bentonville to the trail head by heading west on NW 12th to Punkin Hollow Road. Then take a left onto Peach Orchard Road, and the trailhead is just on the left.
C o l e r P r e s e r v eBentonville
nearby trails
• BOSTON MOUNTAIN TRAIL
(Lake Fort Smith State Park)
• HIDDEN DIVERSITY TRAIL
(Hobbs State Park)
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With more than 20 miles of old-style singletrack, Ben Geren MTB Trail offers paths that challenge all skill levels. The flat sections of Beaver Dam and Wild Hog Tracks make great training routes for beginners and also warm-up for the challenging climbs of Hobo Hill. The short, steep descents on Roller Coaster and Gravity Fed satisfy every adrenaline seeker’s need for speed. Also included are miles of winding, twisting, undulating paths through dense woods and rock gardens to satisfy all styles in between. The most accessible of three trailheads is located at Ben Geren Park’s disc golf course parking lot.
Fort Smith
nearby trails
• LAKE FORT SMITH
(Lake Fort Smith State Park)
• SPRING HILL
“Unexpected Project” Mural, Fort Smith
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B e n G e r e n
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nearby trails
O u i ta C o a l C o m pa n yRussellville
nearby trails
• BENCH TRAIL
(Mount Nebo State Park)
• OLD POST TRAILS
Rolling hills along the north side of Lake Dardanelle are the main feature of this easily accessible trail just off of I-40 at exit 78. About 100 feet north of the paved Wildlife Observation Trail is the Ouita Coal Company Trail named for a local mining company in the area during the late 1800s. The trail is a lollipop shape and includes beautiful
views of the Illinois Bayou section of Lake Dardanelle. Riders will enjoy riding through thick cedar forests and catching the breezes off the water. Scenic Highway 7 is
just one exit away with access to Russellville hotels, or try camping at nearby Lake Dardanelle State Park.
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After ripping through the Ozark backcountry, ride into town and find plenty to see and do and great places to stay in the Bicycle-Friendly Communities of Bentonville and Fayetteville, both designated as International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Ride Centers (see pages 16-17), as well as cities like Springdale, Rogers and Eureka Springs, which hosts the Fat Tire Festival in July at Lake Leatherwood City Park. Fill up on food and fun on your rest day at local restaurants, shops, music venues, museums and a minor league ballpark.
A must-see stop in the region is Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, which offers free admission and an “art ride” on the grounds. The new Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville will get your wheels turning with imaginative exhibits geared toward learners of all ages. If you can’t get enough of the outdoors, unwind with music and a cold beer at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion in Rogers, which welcomes a variety of national acts.
Bikes and brews pair well on the Fayetteville Ale Trail. Start at the Fayetteville Visitors Center on the Square, pick up a passport and ride responsibly to participating breweries in Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale and Bentonville. While in Fayetteville, cruise down Dickson Street for live music and a taste of the nightlife.
N o r t h w e s tBase Camp
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Historic Downtown, Eureka Springs
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Black Apple Crossing CIder House, Springdale
N o r t h w e s t
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Tucked away in the Ouachita Mountain foothills are some of Arkansas’s best trails,
including three IMBA Epic rides, the 224-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail being the
longest with 110 miles open to mountain bikers. Elevations range from 600 to 2,600 feet
as the trail follows rugged ridgelines. Spur trails connect to various recreation areas and
resorts for overnight stays. The region also boasts five lakes – Catherine, DeGray, Greeson,
Hamilton and Ouachita – with great riding, camping and lodging along each one. Designated
as an IMBA Ride Center, Hot Springs is a beloved vacation spot for dining, lodging, spas
and attractions.
SouthwestLocal Favorites
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Hot Springs
E a r t h q u a k e R i d g e
nearby trails
• FOURCHE MOUNTAIN
• WOLF PEN GAP
• OUACHITA TRAIL
One of the older trails in the state, Earthquake Ridge offers riders easy rolling hills, steep climbs and rocky
terrain. Trailheads are located at the Forest Service Information Center on
Scenic Highway 88/Talimena National Scenic Byway, just up the hill from downtown Mena. Public restrooms
are located at the Information Center, which also provides maps and other
resources. Generally, the trails to the east of the parking lot are easier,
while those that follow the highway up the mountain are more technical
and strenuous. The Rich Mountain Trail connects Earthquake Ridge to
the IMBA Epic Ouachita National Recreation Trail.
Mena
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Queen Wilhelmina STate Park Lodge
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E a r t h q u a k e R i d g e
Located just a few short miles from Historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs, Cedar
Glades Park is home to one of the most diverse mountain bike rides in the Ouachita
Mountains. There are approximately 13 miles of trail over varying terrain with fun
descents, short climbs, several bridges and water crossings. Like many of the trails in
the region, the surface is a combination of dirt, roots and rocks/gravel. The park
encompasses 432 acres of beautiful cedar forests and has been the site of many
mountain bike races, off-road duathlons and triathlons. Other amenities in the park include
a challenging 18-hole disc golf course, radio-control (R/C) flying field, playground,
pavilions, bike wash and restroom.
C e d a r G l a d e sHot Springs
nearby trails
• LITTLE BLAKELY
• LOVIT
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Arkadelphia
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I r o n M o u n ta i n
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Some of the best-groomed mountain bike trails can be found at Iron Mountain on the south shore of DeGray Lake just outside of Arkadelphia. With more than 24 miles to cover, you would be hard pressed to find better riding anywhere in the state. Fairly smooth with a few short technical sections thrown in, these are some of the best flow trails in the state of Arkansas. The orange and blue loops are wide-open and meander along the hillsides on the shores of DeGray Lake. The green and yellow routes on the south side of Skyline Drive add some exhilarating descents that are well worth the somewhat strenuous climbs to get up top. Iron Mountain is home to the 2017 and 2018 Marathon Mountain Bike Nationals.
Starting near the tent sites of this timberlands park, the Fern Hollow Trail takes riders through rolling pine forest along the shores of White Oak Lake. This nine-mile trail is a great beginner ride or a fast sprint for the more experienced rider. The only obstacles on the trail are a few roots and rocks.
The park is in a remote area of southwest Arkansas, so plan to stay awhile. A modern campground, small marina, boat rentals and a park store make this a great family trip.
• IRON MOUNTAIN
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F e r n H o l l o wWhite Oak Lake State Park, Bluff City
nearby trail
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The well-maintained multi-use trails in downtown Little Rock, North Little Rock and
surrounding cities are a source of pride in the Central Arkansas community. Highlights in the
Little Rock metro include the Arkansas River Trail, which extends to Pinnacle Mountain State
Park, and the trail systems at Boyle Park and Allsopp Park, plus Camp Robinson and Burns
Park on the North Little Rock side. Venture to Conway for tight, twisty singletrack at Cadron
Settlement Park. Take the scenic route and travel through Perryville for a hill-climber’s dream
of a ride around Lake Sylvia, the site of the Slobberknocker Mountain Bike Race in May. 39
CentralLocal Favorites
Junction Bridge, Little Rock
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This piece of heaven was built specifically for mountain biking with two distinct sections. The north side offers a slightly more technical area with tight turns, quick punchy climbs and
a couple of rocky areas. The south portion has one big hill before getting into fast, rolling terrains. The recommended route is clockwise, giving riders a fast 3/4-mile downhill near the
end of the nine-mile trail that will put a smile on your face.
Trailhead parking is available near the campground. The park also offers a seasonal swim beach and
snack bar, plus miles of hiking trails in the Ozark foothills. The trail is named for an active
fault line that runs under the park.
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• CADRON SETTLEMENT
• OUITA COAL COMPANY
nearby trails
E n d e r s F a u ltWoolly Hollow State Park, Greenbrier
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Originally built by the Central Arkansas Recreational Pedalers (C.A.R.P.), the mountain bike trails at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock are considered the crown jewel of the region for containing some of the best and most varied rides in the Little Rock metro. With more than 40 miles to explore from beginner to advanced sections, it’s difficult to do the same route twice. Names like Can O’Corn, Buddha, Port-a-Potty and Dead Elvis reveal the uniqueness of the area. Getting access to Camp Robinson does take a little effort, as it requires the purchase of an annual or three-day sportsman’s pass. Call 501-212-4103 to confirm Visitor Center hours. This is clearly one of those cases where the rides are more than worth the price of admission.
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• BURNS PARK
• JACKFORK
nearby trails
C a m p R o b i n s o n T r a i l sNorth Little Rock
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Boyle Park in Little Rock was one of the original parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and many of the original structures are still present today. The newly updated portion on the northwest side of the park is fairly flat, flowy and perfect for beginners. The east side from the Boyle Park entrance to Archwood Drive is strenuous, with some good climbs and technical sections, and is aimed at intermediate to advanced riders. The South Nature Trail starts with a good climb but then levels out with a wide, fast, slightly downhill section. Once you drop down to the pavement, the route continues on the other side of Boyle Park Road with a short loop that has a slight change in elevation. The variety of terrain found here means riders can mix it up for different challenges.
The park also has a playground, pavilions and paved multi-use trails.
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• ALLSOPP PARK
• WILDCAT MOUNTAIN
nearby trails
B o y l e Pa r kLittle Rock
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The multi-use trails at Burns Park in North Little Rock were among the early trail systems open to mountain biking in Central Arkansas. Accessible from the Arkansas River Trail and several bike/pedestrian bridges, 14 miles of trails can be easily reached from downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. The trails are shared with hikers, runners and equestrians.
The trails feature challenging rock gardens, stout climbs and fast rocky downhills with several loop options. If you like challenging climbing and some of the best views in the city, head half a mile east on the river trail to the Emerald Park climb; it will test both your skill and strength. If you are looking for a more leisurely ride, head west to Pfeifer Loop at the base of the Big Dam Bridge for some beginner-friendly dirt. When you’re done riding, there are plenty of craft breweries and local restaurants just off the river trail in town.
• CAMP ROBINSON
• JACKFORK
nearby trails
B U R N S PA R KNorth Little Rock
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The Bicycle-Friendly Communities of Little Rock and North Little Rock are the places to stay on your tour of Central Arkansas. Here, the Arkansas River Trail is a common connector to many area trails – Jackfork, Rabbit Ridge, Pfeifer, Burns Park and Emerald Park – to name a few. Camp Robinson and Allsopp Park are both within a mile of the River Trail, which also connects to downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock with short rides to bike-friendly hotels and local restaurants and breweries, such as Diamond Bear in North Little Rock and Little Rock’s Vino’s, Lost 40, Blue Canoe and Stone’s Throw, where they will take a dollar off of your pint if you arrive on velo. Along your ride, discover attractions, including the Clinton Presidential Center, Arkansas Arts Center and Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock and the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum and Dickey-Stephens Park, home of the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball team, in North Little Rock.
C e n t r a lBase Camp
Clinton Presidential Center & Park, Little Rock
Lost Forty Brewing, Little Rock
Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock
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C e n t r a l
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The topographical divisions of the Arkansas Delta make for two different riding experiences.
The Upper Delta features gentle sloping hills, while the Lower Delta is flatter than any other
region in the state. Cane Creek State Park in Star City offers great riding on 16 miles of
singletrack on the Cane Creek Lake Trail. Also in southeast Arkansas is Delta Heritage Trail
State Park in Helena-West Helena, a rails-to-trails conversion along a former Union Pacific
Railroad. While in the Delta, make time for food and fun in a place that’s famous for the
blues and BBQ. You can’t go wrong with James Beard Award-winning Jones’ BBQ Diner in
Marianna or Craig’s in DeValls Bluff.
Mississippi River State Park, Marianna
DeltaLocal Favorites
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Fifteen miles of timberland trails that traverse rolling hills and span more than 50 bridges have become a major draw of this park. Three of the bridges are large suspension bridges that offer a new experience to first-time visitors. A shelter is available for those who wish to spend the night deep in the woods. The park also offers camping, RV rental, fishing and a kayaking trail that takes visitors past eagle roosts and beaver lodges.
C a n e C r e e k L a k e T r a i lCane Creek State Park, Star City
Cane Creek State Park
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Located on Crowley’s Ridge 15 miles north of Interstate 40, Village Creek State Park offers more than 30 miles of hiking,
equestrian and mountain biking trails. Challenging creek crossings and steep,
short hills will test your skills. The trails are well marked with signs at each intersection.
Many of these trails are wide and open, perfect for the beginner mountain biker.
Besides camping, the park offers tennis courts, a top-rated golf course, cabins,
two small lakes with boat rentals, a public beach and visitor center/gift shop.
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V i l l ag e c r e e kVillage creek State Park, Wynne
Situated on Crowley’s Ridge, Craighead Forest Park offers unique outdoor recreation for a park in the middle of the Arkansas Delta – rolling hills with steep, technical drops, plus miles of cross country riding around a beautiful lake just minutes from Jonesboro. Lots of fast bermed turns, small bridges and short climbs can be found throughout the trail system. The park has plenty of camping and day-use opportunities for the whole family. Take a break from your ride with some disc golf, fishing or hiking. The park has also been home to cyclocross and XTERRA events.
C R A I G H E A D F O R E S TJONESBORO
Jonesboro
• LAKE BONO
• VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK
nearby trails
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NORTHWEST Adventure Mountain Outfitters,
Eureka SpringsThe Bicycle Outfitter, HarrisonThe Bike Route, FayettevilleCarr’s Chain Reaction, RussellvilleChampion Cycling & Fitness,
Fort SmithDogwood Junction Bike & Trike
Shop, Siloam SpringsGPP Cycling, Rogers, Bella Vista and
Fayetteville
The Handlebar, FayettevilleHighroller Cyclery, Fayetteville,
RogersLewis and Clark Outfitters,
Rogers, SpringdaleMojo Cycling, BentonvilleMountain Home Bicycle Company,
Mountain Home Phat Tire Bike Shop, Bentonville,
Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale
CENTRALAngry Dave’s, North Little RockArkansas Cycling and Fitness, Little Rock and SherwoodThe Bike Lane, SearcyChainwheel, Little RockThe Community Bicyclist, Little RockJ&P Bike Shop, SherwoodNLR Bicycles, North Little RockThe Ride, ConwaySpokes/Giant, Little Rock
SOUTHWESTBerridge Bikes, TexarkanaParkside Cycle, Hot SpringsSpa City Cycling, Hot Springs
NORTHEASTGearhead Cycle House, Jonesboro
mtbproject.com
Special thanks to MTBProject, IMBA and OZ TRAILS for providing route information, maps and images and to local cyclists for sharing their experiences on these trails.
imba.com oztrailsnwa.com
Arkansas Master Naturalists Borderline OORC
Carroll County OORC Central Arkansas Off-Road Group
Central Arkansas Recreational PeddlersCentral Arkansas Trail Alliance
Friends of Arkansas Singletrack Friends of Ouachita TrailFriends of the Syllamo Trail
Frontier OORC LOViT Trail Dogs
Northeast Arkansas Trail OrganizationOzark Off Road Cyclists
River Valley OORCWomble Trail Watch
ResourcesAdditional
Bike Shops
Contributors
organizations
Contact local bike shops for information on rental and shuttle service.
Shangri-La Resort, Mount Ida
Mountain Harbor Resort, Mount Ida
The Hive at 21C Museum Hotel, Bentonville In Arkansas, there are many bike-friendly
lodging options for your mountain biking vacation. From historic hotels to state park cabins, campsites and yurts to lakeside resorts with shuttle service, book your stay at a place that suits your style and supports your ride. Before you head this way, check in with regional travel associations, CVBs and welcome centers in the area for additional resources, and be sure to “like” trail Facebook pages for suggestions and tips from local riders and visitors who have conquered the ride and have shared their stories.
Go to Arkansas.com for more information.
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Yurt at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Bismarck
January • Buffalo Headwaters Challenge, Red Star
FEBRUARY • Lake Ouachita Vista Trail MTB Marathon, Joplin
March• Syllamo’s Revenge, Mountain View • Ouachita Challenge, Oden
April• Double Barrel Poker Ride, Bentonville • Ride like a mountain man, Heber Springs
May• iron mountain man, Arkadelphia*• the ugly gnome, Greenbrier (Woolly Hollow State Park)
June• Timberlands, Star City (Cane Creek State Park)• Battle for Townsend’s Ridge, Rogers (Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area)
July• Fat Tire Festival, Eureka Springs• Rogers Cycling Festival, Rogers
SeptembER• Northwest Arkansas Mountain Bike Festival, West Fork (Devil’s Den State Park)
October• Slaughter Pen Jam, Bentonville• River Valley Rumble, Fort Smith
November• Attila the Hun, Hot Springs
*USAC National Championship Race 2017 & 2018
EventsCalendar of
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Held annually in the fall, SLAUGHTER PEN JAM in Bentonville is the largest XC event in Arkansas, with 300 racers and more than 2,000 spectators over the three-day festival. Friday’s events kick off the festival with BMX stunt shows and live music. On Saturday, “The Pen” – Slaughter Pen Hollow Park – is open to vendors with food, bike obstacle courses, kids’ areas, giveaways, contests, archery biathlon and other live entertainment. On Sunday, it’s race day. Juniors, Cat 3, 2 and 1 men and women compete in the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series Race. To register or learn more, visit SlaughterPenJam.com.