Northwoods Trails in Hot Springs will soon grow larger and more versatile thanks to a generous $350,000 grant from The Oaklawn Foundation. The funding will support significant trail expansion, new water recreation access, and infrastructure improvements that will enhance the experience for mountain bikers, hikers, paddlers, and visitors exploring the 2,000 acre property.
The announcement was made on December 5 by Visit Hot Springs along with representatives from The Oaklawn Foundation.
Traci Berry, trails coordinator for Visit Hot Springs, said, “We are beyond grateful and excited … what it will allow us to accomplish within an already amazing amenity for our community and visitors.” She added, “We are stoked for the community ownership this has the potential of creating.”
Briana Moore, chair of The Oaklawn Foundation, shared, “The Oaklawn Foundation is proud to support the Northwoods Trail Expansion, an investment that strengthens our community’s access to outdoor recreation and promotes healthy living for young and old, improving the quality of life for the residents of Garland County.”
City Manager Bill Burrough praised the continued investment in the project and said, “The addition of these projects … will continue the amazing progress we have made in opening this beautiful Hot Springs resource for … recreation for our residents and the visitors who find still one more reason to make Hot Springs their choice for vacation.”
New Trail Mileage Around Sanderson Lake
A large portion of the grant will go toward trail construction around Sanderson Lake, the final lake on the property that has not yet received substantial trail development. According to Berry, the expansion will include two miles of green trail along the west side of the lake and four miles of blue trail built along the northeast and east sides.
The work will also include the construction of 550 feet of UTV accessible corridor for staff and emergency response. This wider route will double as a 2.5 mile multi use double track loop that will be open to the public.
Another major component of the project is the creation of a new connector known as the Ragnarok connector. It will feature a 65 foot bridge crossing the creek below Bethel Dam and link the lower portion of the existing Ragnarok trail to Bearcat Pass. The connector will also include 650 feet of new trail that allows a bi directional climb out of Ragnarok for both foot and bike traffic.
Lakes Opening for Non Motorized Water Recreation
For the first time, the upper two lakes on the Northwoods property will be opened to non motorized water recreation. Visitors will be able to access these lakes by kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard. The project includes designated launch points, rock step entry zones, and a 500 foot portage trail that creates a connection between the lakes.
To support these new activities, Visit Hot Springs will install a kayak rental kiosk, offering visitors a convenient way to explore the water without having to bring their own equipment. This development will add a brand new dimension to the recreation options already available in the Northwoods.
Berry said, “This will give our outdoor recreationists another way to experience the beauty of the Northwoods. An experience that will take a bit of work, but will be well worth the reward.”
Improved Signage and Infrastructure
The funding will also support a full redesign and reprint of trail signage across the Northwoods system. Updated maps, directional signs, and new water trail signage will help visitors better navigate the growing network of trails and lakes.
Visit Hot Springs has contracted with Arkansas based Affordable Trail Solutions to complete the trail construction. This busy trail builder is responsible for the new trails in Marshall, Arkansas, and several trail systems in central Arkansas including Blue Mountain, Boyle Park, and Allsopp Park. The work will be carried out through a hybrid approach that blends professional trail builders with staff and volunteer labor, allowing the project to stretch the value of the grant further.
A Trail System That Keeps Growing
With this expansion, the Waterworks section of the Northwoods Trails is expected to grow from 22.5 miles to nearly 30 miles. When connected to the trail network at neighboring Cedar Glades Park, the combined system will soon offer roughly 40 miles of varied singletrack and multi use trail within minutes of downtown Hot Springs.
Northwoods Trails has become one of Arkansas top mountain biking destinations. The system offers something for every skill level, from smooth beginner friendly routes to advanced downhill lines like the popular Lucky 13 trail. Favorites such as Blue Jay, Dragon Slayer, and Ragnarok draw riders who enjoy both flow and technical challenge. The trail system is also well used by hikers, runners, and families looking for outdoor adventure in a peaceful setting close to town.
The Waterworks Trailhead serves as the main access point and features a bike wash station, maintenance stand, restrooms, scenic views of Bethel Lake, and access to both hand built and machine built trails. Other trailheads include Pullman Avenue, Cedar Glades Park, and Bull Bayou.
In 2025, Northwoods was voted the top mountain bike trail system in Arkansas by the readers of ArkansasOutside.com, reflecting its continued growth and popularity among locals and visitors.
A Win for Outdoor Recreation in Hot Springs
The Oaklawn Foundation’s investment helps expand a trail network that is already a key piece of Hot Springs outdoor recreation economy. Once complete, visitors will enjoy more trail options, better connectivity, and the ability to experience the Northwoods by water as well as by trail.
For both seasoned mountain bikers and newcomers looking for a scenic paddle, the future of Northwoods Trails promises more adventure and improved access for all.
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!
