Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, a natural treasure in Northwest Arkansas’s Ozark Mountains, is celebrated for its scenic beauty and challenging trails, drawing hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers alike. Among these trails, the Karst Loop Trail, known for its unique karst formations, winding paths, and sweeping views of Beaver Lake, has long been a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Since its establishment in 2018 as one of Arkansas’s first Monument Trails, the Karst Loop has earned a reputation as a must-ride destination for local mountain bikers eager to showcase the area’s attractions.
The combination of the original trail system, the Hidden Diversity Trail opened in 2006 and the newer Monument Trail system has garnered the Hobbs State Park trails as being in the top 10 favorites among mountain bikers for the last 4 years. (2024 rankings) The Karst Loop Trail was also the first Monument Trail to include a trailside camping area.
This year, however, severe weather caused extensive damage to sections of the trail, prompting park officials to close it temporarily for repairs. Rogue Trails, the company responsible for the original construction of the Monument Trails at Hobbs and sections at Devil’s Den and Pinnacle Mountain State Parks, is currently working under contract to restore the Karst Loop.
Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, reassured visitors of the trail’s forthcoming reopening: “Karst Loop will be the first Monument Trail in the park to open back up; it is currently being cleared and we estimate it opening in February.”
The park’s other notable trails, including Tunnel Connector, Sawtooth, Timberjack, Return Trail, and Wolf Den Loop, are also undergoing the bid process for clearing and repair, with an anticipated reopening in late spring 2025. These trails offer varied experiences, from leisurely hikes to intense rides, reinforcing Hobbs State Park’s status as a premier destination for outdoor recreation in Northwest Arkansas.
We’ll see you in February 2025.
