The trail systems have been narrowed down, the votes have been counted, and the competition is heating up. The Elite Eight round of the 2026 Arkansas Mountain Bike March Madness bracket is officially underway, and riders across the Natural State now have the chance to help decide which trail systems advance to the coveted Final Four.
Voting opened this morning and will remain open through midnight on March 18, giving mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts a few days to rally behind their favorite places to ride.
This round features eight standout trail systems from across Arkansas, each representing a different region of the state. From Monument Trails in the Ozarks and River Valley to a defending champion in Hot Springs and a rising star in north-central Arkansas, the matchups highlight just how diverse and impressive Arkansas mountain biking has become.
Northwest Arkansas Region
Hobbs State Park vs. Devil’s Den State Park
Two of Arkansas’s premier Monument Trails go head-to-head in this regional showdown.
Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area features the Monument Trails at Hobbs, a modern flow and technical trail system overlooking Beaver Lake. With a mix of challenging climbs, flowing descents, and scenic overlooks, it has quickly become a favorite among riders visiting Northwest Arkansas.
Devil’s Den State Park, located in the Boston Mountains, also boasts a Monument Trails system that blends modern trail design with classic Ozark terrain. The rocky ridges, tight turns, and elevation changes make it one of the most iconic riding experiences in the state.
Both systems offer high-quality trail design and scenic backdrops. Now it is up to voters to decide which one advances.
Central Arkansas & River Valley Region
Pinnacle Mountain State Park vs. Mount Nebo State Park
Another Monument Trails matchup takes center stage in this region.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park, just outside Little Rock, has become a must-ride destination thanks to its Monument Trails system. Riders can experience flowing lines, technical features, and spectacular views of the Arkansas River Valley while riding just minutes from the state’s largest metro area.
Facing off against Pinnacle is Mount Nebo State Park, home to one of Arkansas’s most dramatic riding locations. The Monument Trails at Mount Nebo feature mountain top riding, big views, and technical terrain that keeps riders coming back for more.
Two legendary state parks, two Monument Trail systems, and only one can move on.
Southwest Arkansas Region
Northwoods Trails vs. Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
This matchup pits the defending champion against one of Arkansas’s most storied backcountry trail systems.
Northwoods Trails in Hot Springs captured the title in last year’s bracket and remains one of the state’s most popular mountain bike destinations. Built as a purpose-driven mountain bike system, Northwoods offers miles of flow trails, jumps, technical lines, and connectivity right into downtown Hot Springs.
But the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) is no easy opponent. The only IMBA Epic Trail remaining in the competition, LOViT offers rugged backcountry riding along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita. With long miles of remote singletrack, lake views, and challenging terrain, it represents a very different kind of Arkansas riding experience.
Will the reigning champion continue its run, or will the state’s legendary Epic trail take the win?
Delta / North Central Region
Woolly Hollow State Park vs. Lakewoods Trail System
The final matchup showcases two trail systems that have earned strong followings among Arkansas riders.
Woolly Hollow State Park, located near Greenbrier, is known for its fast, flowing singletrack and fun technical features surrounding Lake Bennett. The Trails at Woolly Hollow have elevated the park into a must-ride destination for riders from central Arkansas and beyond.
Taking on Woolly Hollow is the Lakewoods Trail System, a relative newcomer that has quickly captured attention. With scenic riding and thoughtfully designed trails, Lakewoods has already proven it can compete with some of the state’s more established systems.
The question now is whether the upstart can continue its run or if Woolly Hollow will ride its momentum into the Final Four.
Cast Your Vote
The Elite Eight round is officially open, and every vote counts.
Mountain bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across Arkansas are encouraged to support their favorite trails and help determine which systems move on to the Final Four.
Voting will remain open until midnight on March 18, so there is still time to rally your riding friends and represent your region.
The race to crown Arkansas’s favorite mountain bike trail system of 2026 is getting serious.
For bracket updates, round reminders, and graphics throughout the tournament, follow Arkansas Outside on social media and check ArkansasOutside.com.
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