Arkansas riders, it is time to tune your suspension, settle your debates, and get ready to cast your votes. The Annual March Mountain Bike Madness bracket is back on Monday, March 2. This year, we streamlined the field to include the most popular and most beloved trail systems in each region of the state, making every matchup a heavyweight battle.
As always, the bracket celebrates the full depth of Arkansas riding culture. From rocky Ozark descents to loamy Ouachita singletrack, from state parks to purpose-built bike parks, the month is packed with trail pride and friendly rivalry.
Below is the official 2026 regional breakdown and the voting schedule.
Northwest Arkansas Region
Northwest Arkansas remains the powerhouse of the mountain bike scene in the state. The region combines world class purpose built singletrack, rugged Ozark terrain, and some of the most recognized trail systems in the country. Riders will see fast flow sections, big rock gardens, gravity fed features, and quiet backcountry stretches. It is no surprise that many bracket favorites come from this corner of the state.
- Slaughter Pen
- Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
- Little Sugar and Back 40
- Hobbs State Park
- Centennial Park
- Devils Den State Park
- Lake Leatherwood and the Great Passion Play
- Upper Buffalo Headwaters
Central Arkansas and Arkansas River Valley Region
This region blends foundational trail systems with some of the most scenic riding in Arkansas. Monument Trails at Pinnacle Mountain and Mount Nebo offer world class trail design surrounded by classic natural features. Riders will find technical ridge riding, historic singletrack, fast loops close to the metro area, and a passionate community of trail stewards. The mix of styles, difficulty levels, and landscapes makes this region one of the most diverse in the bracket.
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- Mount Nebo State Park
- Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain
- Burns Park
- Camp Robinson
- Old Post Trails
- Ben Geren Regional Park
- Red Lick Mountain Bike Trails
South and Western Arkansas Region
The southern and western part of the state combines deep forest riding, lakeside loops, and legendary long distance adventures. Northwoods and Iron Mountain highlight the growing trail investment in this part of Arkansas. The Womble and the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail continue to stand as two of the most iconic routes in the state. Riders who appreciate remote stretches, fast rolling terrain, and the signature feel of the Ouachita Mountains will find plenty of contenders here.
- Northwoods Trails
- Iron Mountain Trails
- Womble Trail
- Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
- Earthquake Ridge
- Mena Lake
- Ouachita National Recreation Trail
- De Queen Lake Trails
East and Northeast Arkansas Region
This region brings a unique combination of terrain types and trail styles. While it does not have the elevation of the Ozarks or Ouachitas, riders will find flowing hardwood forest singletrack, rolling hills, lakeside loops, and rugged outcroppings. Craighead Forest and Syllamo anchor the region with well known trail systems. The rest of the field highlights how much variety riders can find outside the western half of the state. From Delta views to ridge trails and everything between, this region tends to surprise newcomers every year.
- Craighead Forest Park
- Syllamo Trails
- Village Creek State Park
- Woolly Hollow State Park
- Bull Shoals State Park
- Lakewoods Trail System
- Cane Creek State Park
- Bluffton Preserve
Voting Schedule
To keep things fair and fun all month long, each round has a set voting window.
- Round 1
March 2 to March 7 - Round of 16
March 8 to March 13 - Quarterfinals
March 14 to March 18 - Final Four
March 19 to March 25 - Final
March 26 to March 31
We will post reminders, graphics, and bracket updates throughout the tournament on ArkansasOutside.com and social media. With this year’s tighter field, every match will be tougher and every vote will count. Each voter will be allowed one (1) vote per round.
Get ready to cheer for your home trails and maybe discover a few new favorites along the way. Think about your vote this weekend. If you need a little inspiration, here is last year’s bracket winners. Let the March Mountain Bike Madness begin.
(We know that there will be some disappointment in some local trail systems not being included in the brackets. Make your argument for their addition next year in the comments below.)
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!
