The 2026 Arkansas Mountain Bike March Madness Championship Is Set
The bracket has spoken. The upsets have shaken things up, the rivalries have played out, and after weeks of voting, we’re down to the final showdown.
Two trail systems remain. And they could not be more different.
Your championship matchup:
Northwoods Trails (Hot Springs) vs. Mount Nebo State Park
Take a second and let that sink in.
A purpose-built mountain bike playground in the Ouachitas goes head-to-head with a Monument Trail perched high above the Arkansas River Valley. The defending champ faces a surging underdog. Smooth flow versus leg-burning climbs. Experience versus momentum.
Northwoods Trails: The Reigning Powerhouse
Northwoods isn’t just back, it’s back to defend its title.
Built specifically for mountain biking, this Hot Springs system has it all. Flow trails, jump lines, tech sections, and a riding culture that pulses through the whole town. It is fast, fun, and dialed in.
And when it mattered, Northwoods delivered. It took down the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail in the Elite Eight, knocking out Arkansas’s last IMBA Epic along the way.
This is a team that knows how to win. No panic. No hesitation. Just confidence.
Mount Nebo: The Climb of a Contender
Mount Nebo has been on a tear.
After knocking off Pinnacle Mountain, it rolled straight through Devil’s Den to punch its ticket to the finals. Not squeaked by, rolled through.
Perched high above the River Valley, Nebo brings big elevation, sweeping views, and trails that demand everything you’ve got. Climbs that test you. Descents that reward you. Moments that stick with you.
This is not a lucky run. Nebo earned every inch of this.
One Vote. One Champion.
That’s it. It all comes down to this.
Two incredible trail systems. One final decision.
Head to the bracket and cast your vote. Then jump into the comments and make your case. Tell us about the ride that hooked you. The descent that rattled your legs. The view that made you stop and take it all in.
Voting is open now. Don’t sit this one out.
Voting closes at midnight, March 31.
Arkansas mountain biking is having a moment, and it shows. The riders, the builders, the volunteers, the communities, they’ve all helped create something special across this state.
No matter who wins, that’s the real story.
But still…
Who takes the crown? 👇
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!
