Hot Springs’ flagship mountain bike celebration is getting a fresh fall feel in 2026. The Gudrun Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival will move from November to October 23 through 25 and will become an official stop on the Arkansas Enduro Series through a new partnership with Ozark Foundation.
Now entering its eighth year, the Gudrun festival has grown from a grassroots gathering into one of the South’s most anticipated mountain bike weekends. The new October dates are expected to bring cooler temperatures, better trail conditions, and fewer conflicts with hunting season, making the event more accessible for riders, volunteers, and spectators.
A major change for 2026 is the addition of the Gudrun Enduro as part of the Arkansas Enduro Series. Ozark Foundation, a nonprofit known for producing premier outdoor events across the state, will oversee the enduro portion of the festival. The move places Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trails alongside some of Arkansas’ most respected enduro venues and introduces the trail system to a broader field of competitive riders.
The festival weekend will continue to blend competition with community-focused events. Longtime favorites like the Slow Roll through downtown Hot Springs and the Attila the Hun cross-country race will remain on the schedule, along with endurance challenges such as the Ouachita Triple Crown. That 180-mile ride links three IMBA Epic Trail systems around Lake Ouachita, offering one of the most demanding mountain bike routes in the region.
Organizers say the event regularly attracts riders from across the country and beyond, drawn by the technical trails, supportive riding culture, and the unique setting of Hot Springs and the Ouachita Mountains. With the festival’s expanded reach and its new place on the Arkansas Enduro Series calendar, Gudrun Northwoods is poised to continue its growth as a cornerstone of Arkansas mountain biking.
