HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Ark. — Cyclists looking for one of the most demanding challenges in Arkansas mountain biking can now register for the 2025 Ouachita Triple Crown, a 178-mile race linking three of the state’s premier trails. The race will be held November 7–9 as part of the seventh annual Gudrun Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival in Hot Springs.
The Triple Crown begins and ends at the Northwoods Cedar Glades Trailhead, sending riders on a massive loop that circles Lake Ouachita. The course connects three International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Epic Trails the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), the Womble, and the Ouachita National Recreation Trail linked by gravel roads through the rugged Ouachita Mountains.
“This will be the second year that Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trails will host the grueling event,” said Traci Berry, trails coordinator for Visit Hot Springs. “Last year the Triple Crown took place in frigid torrential rainy conditions that saw only two riders complete the event. Arkansan Walker Jones won, completing the course in 29 hours and 28 minutes.”
Berry said the event lives up to its name.
“The Ouachita Triple Crown race is literally EPIC,” she said. “It’s EPIC because it connects three International Mountain Biking Association Epic Trails around the scenic and rugged terrain surrounding Lake Ouachita. It’s remote, technical and just tough as all get out. It takes a certain kind of crazy to step up to the challenge. Not to mention, working with race director Chuck Campbell and Johnny Brazil, of sponsoring Jackalope Cycling, is always a good time.”
Participants can choose to ride the course clockwise or counterclockwise. Race categories include separate divisions for men and women, as well as multi-speed and single-speed bikes. Registration is available at BikeReg.com.
Campbell said the race is a perfect fit for the festival’s high-energy atmosphere.
“I’m always looking for an excuse to go to Hot Springs, and mountain biking is a great excuse,” Campbell said. “Hot Springs knows how to throw down a mountain bike party, and we are stoked to join in with Gudrun.”
Brazil, of Jackalope Cycling, agreed.
“We are ecstatic to party on with our Jackalope extended family in Hot Springs at the Gudrun Festival,” he said. “Continuing to host a race of nearly 200 miles of literal IMBA epicness in cahoots with the cycling debauchery of Gudrun Festival just makes sense.
“The Ouachita Triple Crown connects three of Arkansas’ most raw single-track trail systems to create a race course that houses the ultimate bragging rights for anyone that is able to conquer it. If you think you are tough enough to tackle it we sure will cheer you on, but you’ve been warned. Check out the did-not-finish stats of previous years if you don’t believe me. I’m on there.”
A Route Built for Endurance
The Triple Crown route was first mapped in 2019 by Kenny Williams, who wanted to connect the three IMBA Epic Trails into a single bikepacking adventure. When linked, the Ouachita Trail, the Womble, and LOViT form a complete loop around Lake Ouachita. The IMBA Epic designation is reserved for the best of the best in trail riding, and Arkansas has more Epic Trails than any other state.
The terrain of the Ouachita Mountains features rocky ridges, narrow valleys cooled by springs, and sweeping views. Riders face remote, technical conditions that test endurance, navigation skills, and mental grit.
Festival Atmosphere
The Gudrun Mountain Bike Festival has become a marquee event on the Arkansas cycling calendar. Held each November on the Northwoods Trails, it draws hundreds of riders of all abilities for a long weekend of racing, group rides, and social events.
Northwoods, voted the No. 1 trail system in Arkansas by readers of Arkansas Outside, offers a mix of flowy singletrack, technical descents, and scenic views.
This year’s festival runs November 7–9, with late registration beginning October 11 at midnight. Berry said the first 400 participants will receive race swag.
In addition to the Triple Crown, the festival lineup includes the popular Slow Roll bike ride through downtown Hot Springs, downhill enduro races, dual slalom races, a Strider race for young riders, time trial events, and the finale of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series — the Attila the Hun cross-country race.
The 2024 festival drew 630 participants from nine states.
“It’s hard to believe that we are in our seventh year of the festival,” Berry said. “It feels like just yesterday we were opening the trails to the public. Now we get to share the trail love on a daily basis and with one big celebration every November.
“The trails are a huge asset for our community and getting to share them with folks of all ages, riding styles and ability levels from several states each year is the icing on the cake. We have people who have participated every year, making it like a reunion of sorts. We hope we see many old friends and make even more new ones.”
Hot Springs as a Cycling Destination
Hosting the Triple Crown is part of Hot Springs’ growing reputation as a mountain biking hub. The city has invested heavily in the Northwoods Trails system, which offers more than 30 miles of riding just minutes from downtown. The addition of the Triple Crown to the festival lineup brings a level of ultra-endurance racing rarely seen in the region.
The event also highlights Arkansas’ prominence in the mountain biking world. With more IMBA Epic Trails than any other state, Arkansas has become a bucket-list destination for riders nationwide. The Triple Crown showcases three of its most celebrated trails in a single, massive loop.
Registration and Information
Cyclists can register for the Triple Crown at https://www.bikereg.com/ouachita-triple-crown. More information about the Gudrun Festival is available at https://www.hotsprings.org/events/gudrun-northwoods-mountain-bike-festival/. Details on the Northwoods Trail System can be found at https://www.northwoodstrails.org/.
Lead photo: Randy Windle rides the Triple Crown route. — Kai Caddy Photo Courtesy Visit Hot Springs.
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!
