Mountain Bike Trails in NW Arkansas
Thinking about mountain biking in NW Arkansas? The Northwest region is a wonderful place to ride. Fayetteville and Bentonville provide both urban and rustic trails for riders, and Hobbs State Management Area in Rogers has some excellent single track trails that are not heavily used. New trails have been recently developed in Bella Vista and in Lincoln. Eureka Springs has two city parks and lots of in-city rides that make biking challenging and fun.
Here's a list of some of the trails that will make an Arkansas mountain biking vacation memorable.
Bike Trails, Bentonville, AR
Bentonville continues to grow, and mountain bike trails have flourished. Currently, you can ride roughly 20 miles of paved urban trails through Memorial Park, Lake Bella Vista, and Park Springs Park. Seven linear pedestrian pathways and bikeways follow city streets as well.
For a more rustic ride, head to Slaughter Pen Mountain Multi-use Trail -- 14 miles of single track located on the mountainside just north of NW A St. and east of N. Walton Blvd. Designed for mountain bikes, the trails also attract runners and hikers. Riders of all levels are accommodated on various loops of the trail. Special features for advanced riders include log rides, drops, jump and a freeride section with tabletop jumps, bermed turns, and a wall ride.
Bike Trails, Bella Vista, AR
Five miles north of Slaughter Pen, 7-mile single track Blowing Springs Trail is new and already getting rave reviews. Of intermediate difficulty, the trail has a natural surface and passes through deep woodlands, over bluffs, and across eight bridges while traveling past springs, caverns and natural wildlife habitat. Located on Blowing Springs Rd.
Bike Trails, Rogers, AR
Hobbs State Conservation Management Area has four singletrack trail loops of varying difficulty (easy to moderate) over 20 rideable miles. Trail surfaces are hard-packed, with some sections of loose gravel, and all the trails are in the forest. Watch for hikers and horses. 20201 WE. Hwy 12. 479-789-5000.
Pea Ridge Battlefield Trail is an easy family or beginner ride. Six miles long, the paved, multi-use trail winds through Pea Ridge Battlefield Park. It's very peaceful, and you may spot wildlife along the way. US. 62 East, Pea Ridge, AR. 479-451-8122 Click here for more info.
Bike Trails, Fayetteville,AR
You'll see plenty of riders biking the more than seven miles of continuous trails traversing the heart of the city. The trails are wide, paved, and lined with handsome trees. Much of Scull Creek and Mud Creek Trails follow their namesakes. A short section of trail moves into the N. Front St. bike lanes.
At the north end of town, Lake Fayetteville has a very popular and busy multi-use track. The 5.5 mile hardpacked trail has views of the lake for more than half its length, and there's a paved extension that crosses the spillway. The trail is highly scenic and easy, with only a few rocky sections to cross. Expect joggers and walkers on the trail. 113 W. Mountain. 479-44-3471
Roughly 25 minutes to the south of Fayetteville, you'll find Devil's Den State Park. Fossil Flats Trailhead has several loops with varying degrees of difficulty. Some areas are easy enough for youngsters to ride, others provide big, strenuous climbs, and a fast-paced single track. The loops range from 3-5 miles. The other trail system, the Holt Rd. Trailhead has great views, creek crossings, dirt roads, a single track and several big climbs and descents. It's moderate to strenuous, and divided into three loops ranging from three to fifteen miles. You'll need a backwoods permit, so stop at the park visitor center to obtain one. 11333 W. AR 74, West Fork. 479-761-3325 More info, click here.
Bike Trails, Eureka Springs
The hills around Eureka Springs are fun to ride: a good workout going up and a thrill coming down. There are bike trails all around town but no identified trailheads or maps; it's suggested you contact a local guide for specifics. (see below)
Lake Leatherwood City Park (5 miles west of downtown Eureka Springs on Hwy. 62) has more than 20 miles of mapped and marked single track trails. The trails are restricted to hikers and bikers, with no horses or motorized vehicles permitted.
Black Bass Lake Park has a 1 1/2 mile trail and is within city limits. It's a beautiful setting for a short ride any time of year, although you can extend the ride by cycling there from your lodging.
Your best bet for trail information, maps, guides, bike and equipment sales and rentals, as well as local bike stories, is Adventure Mountain Outfitters, 151 Spring St. 479-253-0900.
For the competitive rider or the race fan, the annual Fat Tire Festival in July, and the June XTERRA Offroad Triathlon can provide biking excitement and the pleasure of a stay in Eureka Springs.
Bike Trails, Lincoln, AR
Another up-and-coming mountain bike trail is the 400-acre city park in Lincoln, roughly 30 miles from Fayetteville. Eagle View Loop is now complete, with two loops near Eagle View Overlook that offer an exciting ride along the edge of the bluff. Piney Loop is a four-mile single loop through the pine forest, featuring slalom-type trails and bog bridges. Both trails have easy places and technical places, and are open to hikers. You can kayak on the lake and find places on the bluffs to rock climb. On West Ave. 479-824-3321
