If you’ve noticed more cyclists kicking up dust on Arkansas’s backroads lately, you’re not alone. Gravel cycling, affectionately called “gravel grinding,” has exploded in popularity across the Natural State and beyond. From massive events drawing hundreds of riders to smaller, more intimate rides, gravel grinding is quickly becoming the heart of the cycling scene.
Nationally, gravel cycling is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the sport. Platforms like Strava report over a 50% year-over-year increase in gravel rides logged, while sales of gravel-specific bikes have surged. Unlike the intensity of road racing, gravel cycling is more approachable, catering to riders of all skill levels with a mix of scenic exploration, challenging terrain, and community camaraderie.
Arkansas is uniquely positioned to ride this wave, with its network of gravel roads weaving through forests, farmland, and mountain foothills. For many, it’s a perfect blend of adventure and accessibility—a chance to explore the state’s natural beauty without the pressures of competitive racing.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a reason to dust off your bike, Arkansas gravel cyclingg offers an exciting way to connect with the outdoors. Ready to join the ride? The gravel is waiting! Below is a list of rides across the state coming up this year.
January 4, 2025 – Ouachita Gravel Grind
The Ouachita Gravel Grind consists of two rides, a 26 miler and a 55 miler through the Ouachita Mountains north of Hot Springs, Arkansas. This ride is FREE!
January 25, 2025 – The Rule of $3.99
This ride costs only $3.99 and starts at Bike Rack Brewing in Bentonville, Arkansas. For less than four dollars, riders get to not only ride gravel but also a mix of road and singletrack. Make sure you bring the best bike to conquer all three.
March 1, 2025 – Randonneuring Gravel Rally of the Ozarks
A unique gravel bike experience for you and your teammate! Completed in teams of two, the Randonneuring Gravel Rally of the Ozarks is a day-long adventure navigating and riding some of the best gravel in north central Arkansas!
April 5, 2025 – Doom
With three routes to choose from named Doom (400 miles), Despair (200 miles), and Dismay (100 miles), this event is no joke. The Doom route has no less than 43,000 feet of elevation gain in the Ozarks. The rides start at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch near Jasper, Arkansas.
April 5, 2025 – Hazel Valley Rally
Both the 45-mile and 64-mile routes offer some of the most beautiful views in the Ozarks. This ride, south of Fayetteville is a timed event and there is an after party. Elevation gain on the routes is 4,200 feet and 7,500 feet, respectively.
April 12, 2025 – Delta Grind
While not quite the elevation issues of the rides in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Delta Grind, hosted out of Helena, Arkansas is equally as scenic. Choose from a variety of routes but make it back in time to fully enjoy a Delta after party.
April 26, 2025 – Cowabunga! Gravel
This is a new one that takes riders through the farmland of North Central Arkansas. Riders have a choice of distances including 17-mile, 30-mile, and 50-mile routes.
April 26, 2025 – Highlands Gravel Classic
Held in Elkins, Arkansas, the Highlands Gravel Classic is the only age-group qualifier in the USA for the Trek UCI Gravel World Series (GWS) as 1 of 2 qualifying events in North America. The GWS will include both new and existing events from around the world as part of the series to qualify competitors to attend the world championships in October.
May 3, 2025 – RBFK Dirty Fondo
A classic farmlands ride near Lonoke, Arkansas. A grand event with excellent aid stations and a perfect after-party at the finish. This is great Arkansas gravel and entry fees go to support Recycle Bikes for Kids in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
May 3-4, 2025 – 4th Annual Gravelfest for MS
Gravelfest for MS is a fun, two-day gravel biking event with routes tailored to all levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. The event supports the Rampy MS Research Foundation, raising funds for cutting-edge multiple sclerosis research at UAMS (Little Rock, AR), Northwestern University (Chicago, IL), and the University of California (San Francisco, CA).
May 17, 2025 – Rule of Three
Come Early and Stay Late! Tuesday 5/13: Bentonville’s legendary TNT group ride leaving from Bentonville Rapha Clubhouse at 5:55 pm, will be a Rule of Three styled (gravel+road+singletrack) 2ish hours of fun followed by food and beers at the pub.
May 29 – June 1, 2025 – The Skirmish
The Skirmish is more than just a cycling event, it’s a celebration of the rugged beauty, rich culture, and tight-knit community of the Delta region. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to gravel cycling, this festival offers something for everyone. The festival was created to embrace all aspects of gravel cycling with one main feature not found in most gravel events; the tale of 2 rides. Riders will first traverse the rolling hills of Crowley’s Ridge, similar to those found in the Ouachita and Ozark Mountain Regions. Crowley’s Ridge is a 200-mile-long ridge that was formed by wind, water, and ice over millions of years. It’s believed to have been an island between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers that was isolated after the rivers changed course. This is Gravel biking in Arkansas. (Read more)
June 3-8, 2025 – Arkansas Graveler
The 2025 Arkansas Graveler routes promise a thrilling gravel cycling experience through the stunning landscapes of Central Arkansas. Ride from Mena, Arkansas to Heber Springs, Arkansas through the Ouachita Mountains into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. With well-marked paths, aid stations, and post-ride festivities, this year’s Graveler guarantees an adventure for cyclists of all skill levels.
September 12-14, 2025 – Newton County Brutality
Big fun is scheduled at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch near Jasper, Arkansas. Three days of playing on singletrack and gravel with a variety of rides, great food, live music, and an entertaining cast of characters.
This is what we have so far for Arkansas gravel cycling in 2025…but there are more and as information becomes available you can find it on the Arkansas Outside Calendar of Events. We’ll see you on the gravel!
