North Central Arkansas’s Ozark Mountains offer an array of mountain biking experiences for riders of all skill levels. Below are four standout trails in this region – each with its own character, level of challenge, and nearby amenities to make your ride memorable. Whether you’re seeking a gentle scenic ride or a heart-pumping adventure, these trails provide an inviting taste of Arkansas’s natural beauty and mountain biking fun.
Enders Fault at Woolly Hollow State Park
- Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for confident beginners and intermediate riders)
- Distance: ~9 miles total (two interconnected loop trails)
- Riding Experience: Rolling singletrack through oak-hickory forest, featuring a few rocky sections, creek crossings, and short climbs. The trail splits into North and South loops – the North Loop offers twisty paths and stream crossings, while the South Loop includes a steady climb followed by a fast, flowing descent. Riders can tackle one or both loops for a customizable ride. Beginners can ride at a comfortable pace (caution on downhill speeds), and experienced riders will enjoy the flow when taken at speed.
- Nearby Amenities: Located within Woolly Hollow State Park (near Greenbrier, AR), the trailhead is by the park campground. The state park offers a lakeside swim beach (open in summer), picnic areas, restrooms with showers, a snack bar, and campsites. It’s easy to plan a full day here – ride in the morning, cool off with a swim in Lake Bennett, and camp under the stars at night.
Enders Fault Trail is a gem for those looking to mix fun riding with a state park outing. The clearly marked loops let you choose your adventure. For a moderate challenge, start with the North Loop’s winding hills and dry creek beds, then test your legs on the South Loop’s hill climb. The reward is a thrilling downhill run back toward the lake. The trail is well-maintained and not overly technical, making it friendly for newer riders while still engaging seasoned bikers. After the ride, Woolly Hollow’s facilities and natural spring-fed lake make it easy to relax and recharge before your next Ozark ride.
Clifton Reserve (Bluffton Preserve)
- Difficulty: Ranges from Easy to Advanced (trail network with green, blue, and black segments)
- Distance: ~5+ miles of trails (multiple connected loops and spurs)
- Riding Experience: A scenic singletrack network along the Archey Fork of the Little Red River. Trails were professionally built to blend into the natural landscape. Expect a mix of smooth, beginner-friendly paths and more technical sections for experienced riders. Gentle routes wind through dense woods and wildflower meadows, while advanced offshoots include steep climbs, rock features, and fast descents. The preserve’s trails are generally short but can be combined for a longer ride, offering beautiful river overlooks and a feeling of seclusion deep in the Ozarks.
- Nearby Amenities: Bluffton Preserve is a 970-acre Nature Conservancy property near Clinton, AR, with a backcountry feel. On-site amenities are minimal – there are no restrooms or water, so come prepared. However, primitive camping is allowed in designated areas (riverside sites and a couple of hilltop spots) for those who want an overnight wilderness experience. The nearby town of Clinton (just a few miles away) has restaurants, grocery stores, and lodging. The preserve also offers opportunities for fishing or paddling in the river, making it a versatile outdoor destination.
The Bluffton Preserve (sometimes referred to locally as Clifton Reserve) is a hidden treasure for mountain bikers who love nature. The trails here meander through a peaceful forest, occasionally skirting bluffs and clear streams. Novice riders can enjoy the easy green trails that provide a smooth ride and great scenery, while seasoned bikers will be challenged by the black-diamond loops with punchy climbs and rock gardens. It’s a fantastic place to improve your skills, as you can loop back and try sections again. Because it’s a relatively new and lesser-known trail system, you might have the woods all to yourself. Just remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out whatever you pack in, to keep this Ozark gem pristine. After a day on these trails, a short drive into Clinton for a hot meal or a comfy bed is a welcome option if you’re not camping under the stars.
Marshall Airport (Bobcat Trail)
- Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate (mostly green trails with one blue flow trail)
- Distance: ~2 miles currently (with ongoing expansion to add more mileage)
- Riding Experience: A unique “fly-in, ride-out” trail system built adjacent to the small Buffalo River Regional Airport in Marshall, AR. The Bobcat Trail is a compact network of purpose-built singletrack. It features a gentle cross-country loop for beginners, a mellow climbing trail to an upper ridge, and a fun blue-rated downhill flow trail coming back down. The terrain is mostly smooth and forested, making it beginner-friendly, but the flow trail’s berms and small jumps add excitement for more experienced riders. Riders can do multiple laps and even catch air on the jump line in the flow section. The novelty of starting a bike ride next to an active runway and the surrounding Ozark scenery make this trail system truly special.
- Nearby Amenities: The trailhead is essentially at the Marshall airport, just off Highway 65. While there’s no formal trail center, the airport has a pilot lounge (with basic facilities) and has recently opened an area for camping at the airfield if you want to stay overnight. The town of Marshall is very close by, offering a few local eateries, small shops, and modest lodging options. Additionally, the Buffalo National River and its recreational opportunities are a short drive north of Marshall, you could easily pair a ride at Bobcat Trail with a float or hike in the Buffalo River area for a full day of adventure.
Marshall’s Bobcat Trail proves that great mountain biking can come in small packages. It’s the first trail of its kind in this county, and it was built with both the community and adventurous travelers in mind. If you’re a newer rider or have kids, the easy loop is a confidence-building ride. If you’re more experienced, you’ll still grin ear-to-ear carving through the flow trail’s banked turns and little tabletop jumps. It’s also an ideal pit stop for those traveling through the Ozarks, being right off the highway means you can stretch your legs with a quick ride. And if you happen to be a pilot or have a friend with a plane, the “fly-in” concept is a fun twist! While amenities are few, the friendly town and the draw of the nearby Buffalo River make the trip to Marshall worthwhile for mountain bikers looking for something different.
Bull Shoals–White River State Park
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (loop trail with two direction options and additional moderate trails)
- Distance: Approximately 10 miles of trails (original 3-mile loop plus newly expanded sections, with future plans up to ~14 miles)
- Riding Experience: A scenic woodland trail system nestled in a state park known for its waterways. The core trail, called the Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail, forms a loop through rolling hills above the White River. It’s a multi-use singletrack that winds under oak and pine canopy, featuring a bit of everything: gradual climbs, a few taxing uphill segments, smooth downhill runs, creek crossings, and open views of the river valley. Uniquely, the main loop offers two experiences in one: riding it clockwise (blue blazes) gives a tougher workout with steep uphill sections (more challenging for intermediate riders), whereas going counter-clockwise (green blazes) spreads out the climbs and feels easier, suitable for novices. Recent expansions have added more mileage and alternate routes, including additional intermediate-friendly trails that spur off the main loop for those wanting a longer ride. Wildlife sightings are common – keep an eye out for deer or wild turkeys along the path, and there are overlooks where you can catch glimpses of Bull Shoals Lake or the White River.
- Nearby Amenities: Bull Shoals–White River State Park is well-equipped for visitors. The park has two campgrounds along the river, clean restrooms and shower facilities, picnic areas, and drinking water. After biking, you can take advantage of world-class trout fishing in the White River or enjoy boating on Bull Shoals Lake. The park’s visitor center offers information on these activities and has a gift shop. If you prefer not to camp, the towns of Lakeview and Bull Shoals are just minutes away and offer additional lodging, dining, and grocery options. This makes it easy to plan a full weekend of biking and outdoor recreation in the area.
Long famous for fishing, Bull Shoals–White River State Park has recently made a name for itself in mountain biking. The Oakridge trail network provides a perfect complement to a day on the water. Mountain bikers of different skill levels can share the same trail by simply choosing their direction of travel. If you’re up for a challenge, pedal the loop in the harder direction and conquer the steep climb for a great workout. If you want a relaxed cruise with family, reverse it for a smoother ride. The new trail additions extend the adventure, allowing for more exploring and less repetition. Tucked in the forest and stretching toward the lakeshore bluffs, these trails give you a wonderful sense of the Ozarks’ terrain. And when you’re done, few things beat resting your legs at a campsite by the river or grabbing a hearty meal in town while swapping stories of the day’s ride. Bull Shoals–White River State Park truly offers the best of both worlds – thrilling bike trails and the calming beauty of mountain rivers and lakes.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
