There may not be a better time to ride gravel in Arkansas than the fall.
As the summer heat begins to fade, Arkansas transforms into one of the premier gravel cycling destinations in America. Hardwood forests trade deep green for brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. Morning rides often begin with cool temperatures and a light layer of fog hanging over the valleys before giving way to crisp blue skies. Across the state, gravel cyclists have their pick of everything from mountain climbs that test even the strongest riders to endless Delta roads where the challenge becomes pacing, wind, and endurance.
Few states offer the variety Arkansas does.
In the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, riders climb steep gravel roads through national forests, descend into remote hollows, and cross clear streams on roads that have changed little over the decades. Head east into the Arkansas Delta and the terrain transforms completely. The hills disappear, replaced by expansive farmland, levee roads, and quiet county gravel stretching toward the horizon.
Whether you’re chasing a podium, finishing your first gravel century, or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend ride, Arkansas has an event that fits your style. If one of these rides is on your calendar, now is also the time to begin preparing. Building endurance, dialing in your bike, and spending time on gravel today will make those cool fall miles much more enjoyable.
Here’s a month-by-month look at some of the biggest gravel events coming up this fall.
September: The Gravel Season Begins
99 Miles of Bad Road
September 12 | Hardy
If you’re looking for one of the toughest gravel races in Arkansas, this is it.
Starting in Hardy, 99 Miles of Bad Road lives up to its name. Nearly 80 percent of the course is unpaved, featuring everything from chunky gravel and clay roads to creek crossings, concrete bridges, mud, and broken pavement. Riders tackle relentless rolling terrain that often delivers more climbing than expected, with 49, 99, and an ultra-endurance 199-mile option available.
October: Peak Gravel Season
October may be the finest month for cycling in Arkansas. Cool mornings, colorful forests, and comfortable afternoon temperatures make it the busiest month of the gravel calendar.
Arkansas High Country Race
October 3
Arkansas’s premier bikepacking race returns with one of the most demanding endurance challenges in the country.
The Arkansas High Country Race follows portions of the Arkansas High Country Route through the Ozarks and Ouachitas, requiring riders to navigate hundreds of miles of remote gravel roads, mountain climbs, forest roads, and rugged terrain. This is a self-supported adventure where strategy and resilience matter just as much as fitness.
Arkansas Graveler
October 6 to 10
Although not a race, the Arkansas Graveler has quickly become one of the state’s signature cycling events.
The multi-day ride brings cyclists from around the world to experience Arkansas’s backroads, mountain communities, small towns, and incredible hospitality. Riders travel across diverse landscapes while enjoying supported routes, local food, and the unique culture that makes Arkansas gravel riding so memorable.
Tour da Delta
October 10 | Helena-West Helena
Not every great gravel ride requires climbing mountains.
Tour da Delta showcases a completely different side of Arkansas. Instead of steep climbs and winding mountain roads, riders roll through the agricultural heart of the Arkansas Delta on quiet gravel roads bordered by cotton, rice, soybean, and corn fields. Long straightaways, open skies, levee roads, and ever-changing winds create a unique challenge where pacing and endurance often matter more than climbing ability.
Joe Weber Arky 100
October 11 | Sheridan
One of Arkansas’s longest-running cycling traditions continues this fall.
The Joe Weber Arky 100 offers multiple paved routes while also including a mixed-surface gravel option. It’s an excellent choice for riders who want to experience gravel without committing to an all-day gravel ride. The event supports numerous cycling organizations throughout Arkansas and remains one of the state’s most popular fall rides.
Big Sugar Classic
October 17 | Bentonville
Northwest Arkansas has become one of the country’s premier gravel destinations, and the Big Sugar Classic is one reason why.
The event draws elite professionals and recreational riders alike to tackle the rugged gravel roads surrounding Bentonville. Expect steep climbs, fast descents, rough roads, and an electric atmosphere fueled by one of the nation’s fastest-growing cycling communities.
Pedestal Rock Road Ride & Lick Fork Gravel Grind
October 17| Witt Springs
Set in the beautiful Ozark Mountains near Witts Springs, this event offers something for everyone.
Road cyclists can choose from several paved routes while gravel riders can tackle increasingly challenging courses through the surrounding mountains. The longer gravel routes venture deep into the Ozark National Forest, where steep climbs are rewarded with incredible scenery and spectacular fall color.
The community atmosphere, excellent support, and stunning scenery make this one of Arkansas’s favorite autumn cycling events.
Late Fall Adventures
Birdeye 500
October 31 to November 7 |Birdeye
If you’re looking for one of Arkansas’s ultimate endurance challenges, the Birdeye 500 delivers.
Designed for experienced bikepackers, this self-supported adventure covers hundreds of miles across Arkansas backroads, testing navigation, pacing, bike setup, and determination while showcasing some of the state’s most remote and scenic gravel roads.
Birdeye
November 7 | Birdeye
For cyclists wanting to experience bikepacking without taking on the 500-mile challenge, Birdeye offers an unforgettable adventure through some of Arkansas’s most scenic gravel roads and remote landscapes.
Chinkapin Hollow Gravel Grinder
November 7 | Fayetteville
For riders who appreciate challenging gravel routes paired with small-town hospitality, Chinkapin Hollow delivers a memorable day in the saddle. The event showcases rural Arkansas roads while offering distances suitable for a wide range of abilities.
Ride the Ravine for Hydrocephalus
November 14 | Arkadelphia
This community-focused ride offers both road and gravel options while supporting hydrocephalus awareness and research.
Whether riders choose pavement or gravel, they’ll enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and the satisfaction of supporting an important cause.
Start Training Today
Many of Arkansas’s biggest gravel events are only weeks away, making now the perfect time to begin preparing.
Gravel riding demands more than fitness. Riders need endurance, climbing strength, bike handling skills, and the ability to spend long hours in the saddle. The best training also depends on where you’ll be riding.
Planning to tackle the steep climbs of the Ozarks or Ouachitas at events like 99 Miles of Bad Road, the Big Sugar Classic, or the Arkansas High Country Race? Focus on long climbs, sustained efforts, and back-to-back rides that build both fitness and confidence.
Heading east for Tour da Delta? The Delta’s flatter terrain can be deceptively difficult. Long stretches of gravel, constant pedaling, and unpredictable winds reward riders who have developed a strong aerobic engine through extended endurance rides.
If you’re taking on a multi-day event like the Arkansas Graveler or an ultra-distance challenge like the Birdeye 500, consistency is the key. Ride several days in a row, practice your nutrition strategy, test your hydration system, and make sure your bike is comfortable for hours at a time.
Now is also the time to fine tune your equipment. Experiment with tire pressure, make sure your drivetrain is in good condition, test your repair kit, and dial in your bike fit before the event arrives. Small adjustments made now can make a huge difference on a long day of gravel.
Why Arkansas Gravel Is Different
Many states have great gravel roads.
Few have Arkansas’s diversity.
In a single season, riders can climb steep forest roads in the Boston Mountains, weave through the Ouachita National Forest, pedal rolling hills around Hardy, cruise through the pine-covered backroads of central Arkansas, and finish the year on the endless agricultural roads of the Delta.
Every region offers a completely different riding experience.
That diversity is one reason Arkansas continues attracting riders from across the country. It’s possible to spend an entire season here without riding the same type of gravel twice.
As cooler weather arrives and the leaves begin to change, the state’s gravel calendar offers opportunities for every cyclist, from first-time gravel riders to elite endurance racers.
Whether your goal is a leisurely supported ride, a challenging century, a multi-day adventure, or a race against the clock, Arkansas has a gravel event waiting for you.
The first cool mornings of late summer are already beginning to appear. Before long, registration lists will fill, the forests will turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and riders from across the country will once again discover why Arkansas has become one of America’s premier gravel cycling destinations.
So air up the tires, put some miles in your legs, and start training today. Fall gravel season in The Natural State is almost here.de options, or both road and gravel courses. Riders can choose events that match their experience level, whether they are tackling their first gravel ride or attempting a thousand-mile bikepacking race.
The growing popularity of gravel cycling has also strengthened connections between local communities and outdoor recreation. Small towns across Arkansas have embraced these events, welcoming riders with local restaurants, breweries, lodging, and enthusiastic volunteers. For many communities, these rides have become important economic drivers while introducing visitors to places they might otherwise never experience.
A Bucket List Season
From the relentless climbs of the Ozarks and Ouachitas to the quiet farm roads of the Delta, Arkansas offers an unmatched variety of gravel riding within a single state.
This fall’s calendar reflects that diversity. Riders can race, tour, bikepack, or simply spend a weekend exploring quiet backroads beneath colorful autumn leaves.
If you’ve been thinking about entering your first gravel event or returning to a favorite ride, now is the time to start preparing. The cooler temperatures of fall will be here before you know it, and every training ride between now and then is an investment in a stronger, more enjoyable season.
Whether your goal is 25 miles or 1,000, Arkansas has a gravel adventure waiting just down the next dirt road.
(Watch ArkansasOutside.com for more gravel events this season.)
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!
