Arkansas Gravel – The Why and How of the Fall Gravel Season

Gravel cycling has experienced a notable rise in popularity in recent years, driven by several key factors.

One major appeal is the sense of adventure and exploration it offers. Gravel cycling allows riders to venture off traditional roads, exploring remote, lesser-known routes, and connecting with nature in a way that road cycling often cannot provide.

Another significant factor is the versatility of gravel bikes. Designed to handle a range of terrains, from smooth pavement to rugged gravel trails, these bikes cater to cyclists who crave variety in their rides and enjoy discovering diverse landscapes. I often use my gravel bike as a commuter and urban warrior as it’s well adapted for city streets and alleyways.

The sport has also cultivated a strong community aspect. Enthusiasts of gravel cycling share a passion for exploration, creating a supportive social environment that attracts cyclists of all skill levels.

The health benefits are another draw. Gravel cycling offers an excellent cardiovascular workout, with the changing terrain providing both physical challenges and opportunities for riders to improve their overall fitness.

Finally, gravel cycling is accessible to a wide range of riders. With the right equipment and preparation, cyclists of various experience levels can participate and enjoy the sport’s unique thrills.

As more people embrace gravel cycling, the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

The Arkansas Connection

The Rural Recreational Roads program in northwest Arkansas has been a boon for outdoor enthusiasts and local communities. This initiative aims to develop and maintain a network of scenic and recreational routes that showcase the region’s natural beauty. The program has resulted in the creation of well-maintained gravel roads, providing opportunities for biking, and other outdoor activities. By promoting responsible tourism and supporting local businesses, the Rural Recreational Roads program has contributed to the economic vitality and quality of life in northwest Arkansas.

The Ozark Grinder Trail is a renowned gravel cycling route in Searcy County, Arkansas. This challenging almost 200-mile trail winds through the scenic Ozark Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas, challenging climbs, and opportunities to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. The Grinder attracts cyclists from around the world who seek a unique and adventurous riding experience. With its mix of rolling hills, technical sections, and stunning natural beauty, the Ozark Grinder is a must-do for gravel cycling enthusiasts.

The Arkansas High Country Route (ARHCR) is a 1,200-mile mixed-surface cycling route through the hills and valleys of one of the country’s top cycling destinations. Created by the Adventure Cycling Association, it offers cyclists a mix of gravel and pavement roads through the Ozark and Ouachita mountains.

Arkansas is a great place for exploring on gravel roads. Being a “rural state,” Arkansas has many gravel roads to offer. The Ouachita and Ozark mountains have steep climbs and amazing scenic views. The vast national forest land allows for long rides on low-traffic forest roads, providing a remote riding experience. In the Arkansas Delta, riders can enjoy gravel riding through farmland, with options to ride along river levees and farm roads, passing fields of corn, rice, and soy. The surprise elevation on Crowley’s Ridge and the St. Francis National Forest adds an extra element of excitement to the ride.

As temperatures and humidity drop, Arkansas becomes an ideal destination for gravel riding in the fall months. An additional benefit is that you don’t have to ride alone in Arkansas. With the cooler weather come numerous gravel ride events.

Gravel Events Through the End of the Year

September and October

• September 28 – Evening Shade, AR – Evening Shade’s Tour de Burt – A Burt Reynolds themed gravel ride as part of the Evening Shade Fall Festival.
• October 5-14 – Russellville, AR – Arkansas High Country Race – Be ready to race for up to 1000+ miles through the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains.
• October 5 – Paragould, AR – Pedal the Ridge – Featuring 66 Mile, 42 Mile, and 23 Mile options in the Crowley’s Ridge area of northeast Arkansas.
• October 5 – Magnolia, AR – Pedals for Compassion-Gravel Grinder – A charity gravel ride through the timberlands of south Arkansas.
• October 12 – Helena, AR – Tour da Delta – A gravel ride on the Mississippi River levee and in the Saint Francis National Forest. Enjoy the King Biscuit Blues Festival while you’re there.
• October 13-19 – Bentonville, AR – Life Time Big Sugar Classic – Bring your gravel bike and your mountain bike for this incredible weeklong event.
• October 13 – Sheridan, AR – Joe Weber Arky 100 – This 52-year-old event now includes a 50-mile gravel option through the south Arkansas timberlands.
• October 19 – Witts Springs, AR – Pedestal Rock Road Ride & Lick Fork Gravel Grind – The Lick Fork Gravel Grind features 16-mile, 30-mile, 50-mile, and Metric Century options.
• October 26 – Fayetteville, AR – Chinkapin Hollow Gravel Grinder – 4 gravel ride distances of 24, 42, 63, and 109 miles through the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas.

November and December

• November 1-3 – Jasper, AR – Newton County Mentality – Billed as a “Gravel Stage Farce” over 3 days in the north-central Arkansas Ozarks.
• November 8 – Birdeye, AR – Birdeye | Night Owl – You’ll ride at sunset and ride through the night, they’ll see you for breakfast.
• November 9-10 – Birdeye, AR – Birdeye Gravel – A weekend filled with gravel rides through the Arkansas Delta and Crowley’s Ridge accentuated with music and food.
• November 16 – Ozark, AR – High in the Ozarks – Be ready, there is no plush on this ride. It will be elevation and beauty all day.
• December 21 – Little Rock, AR – CXMas in Little Rock – Okay, this isn’t really gravel but the bikes are similar and even if you aren’t ready to race, cyclocross is still one of the best spectator races in all of cycling.

Expect more events to pop up throughout the season. We’ll add them to this article and our calendar of events.

(Lead photo from Horseshoe Canyon Ranch near Jasper, Arkansas. All photos taken by the author)