Arkansas mountain bikers have plenty to celebrate as development on the Southlake Trail System, west of Pinnacle Mountain State Park, nears the finish line. Mitchell Allen of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation got us caught up on the latest trail progress, the new Highway 300 crossing, upcoming expansions, and the broader horizon of Arkansas trail building.
Nestled in the eastern pinnacles of the Ouachita Mountains, the Southlake Trail System will unite with the Monument Trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Rattlesnake Ridge, and the Blue Mountain Trails to deliver over 50 miles of continuous singletrack all within the greater Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area. Best of all, this massive network sits entirely within a manageable bike ride from downtown Little Rock, with seamless access via the Arkansas River Trail.
Southlake Trails: Built for Riders Who Love the Journey
Riders expecting a gravity-fed bike park may be surprised by the Southlake Trails. This is not a downhill trail system. Instead, the network embraces a more traditional style of mountain biking, combining old school cross-country riding with modern, flowing trail design.
Rather than steep descents and technical jump lines, the trails follow the natural contours of the landscape with long stretches of rolling terrain that reward rhythm and momentum. Climbs are gradual, descents are smooth, and the experience is less about racing to the bottom than enjoying the ride itself.
The trail builders intentionally kept switchbacks to a minimum, with only a handful found on the Cliffbrake and Drip Torch section where the terrain demands them. Elsewhere, riders will experience miles of undulating hills that weave through hardwood forests before emerging with sweeping views of Lake Maumelle.
As the trail approaches the shoreline, the scenery becomes one of its defining features. On many days, riders will be greeted by a refreshing breeze coming off the lake, offering welcome relief during Arkansas’s warmer months. Combined with the flowing singletrack and scenic overlooks, the Southlake Trails deliver a ride that rewards endurance, encourages exploration, and showcases the natural beauty of the Maumelle Pinnacles rather than simply testing downhill skills.
Highway 300 Crossing Solution
One of the most heavily discussed elements of the project was how riders would safely navigate Highway 300. Originally, a pedestrian tunnel was evaluated, but estimated costs made it impractical. (For comparison, a similar tunnel at Hobbs State Park cost roughly $650,000 to $700,000 under ideal terrain.)
Instead, a much more practical and cost-effective surface crossing has been developed:
- Location: Near the Region 2 office entrance at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, at the crest of the hill on Highway 300 between Pinnacle Valley Road and Barrett Road, chosen specifically for its optimal sight lines.
- Traffic Calming: ARDOT has agreed to lower the speed limit to 45 mph through this section (with the reduced limit already implemented past the soccer fields).
- Crosswalk Technology: A push-button activation system will trigger flashing caution lights. Riders will be required to stop and yield to traffic before crossing safely. According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, yellow flashing lights require traffic to slow down and pay attention.
This crossing connects directly into the new Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center, tying the trail system seamlessly to park amenities.
Trail Progress and October Grand Opening
Construction is wrapping up fast, with trail builder Affordable Trail Solutions reporting only a little over a mile and a half remaining along the lake.
- Naming and Mapping: All trails have officially been named, and a final map is below. Allen is actively working to get the system added to Trailforks and MTB Project so riders can navigate before permanent signage goes in. Signage on the new trails is expected to be complete prior to the opening in October.
- Grand Opening: State parks officials are targeting an October grand opening, likely during the last two weeks of the month, centered around the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center.
- Riding Now: The trails are intentionally kept open during construction, so rider traffic can naturally help bed in the tread, except in areas marked as closed during the initial construction phase.
Designing the Blue Mountain System
Designed with exceptionally consistent grades, mostly targeting a smooth 5% grade where terrain permitted, the trails flow naturally without the need for artificial twists just to stay within boundaries.
- Current Connectivity: Riders can currently access the new trails via the Blue Mountain Trailhead on Highway 10 via Luna Moth or Tarantula Hawk trails. Riders can also access the new trails via Rattlesnake Ridge on Barrett Road using Canebrake or Diamondback trails. If originating from the park visitor center, remember that the crossing at Highway 300 is not yet complete and is at the rider’s risk. Until the Southlake Trail is completed, any ride/hike from the visitor center will be an out-and-back with no connectivity to other trails. Allen asked that users respect the trail closure signs as construction continues.
- The North Slope Connector: A new connector starting near the state park visitor center will travel around the north side of the mountain to link with the Coachwhip Trail in the Monument Trail System. Much of this is already built, between the East Summit Trailhead and the westernmost part of Coachwhip. Riders are reminded that the Base Trail/Ouachita National Recreation Trail in this area is NOT open to mountain biking.
- Full Loops: Once the final lakeside connection wraps up this month, riders will be able to string together continuous loops across the entire system.
Big Picture: Ouachita Trail, Mena, and Beyond
Beyond Pinnacle Mountain, Allen shared updates on several major initiatives across the state:
- Mena Bike Park: Construction is officially underway with an anticipated spring or early summer 2028 opening. The lift line has been cleared, lift components are on the way, and local infrastructure improvements are ramping up to support the future destination.
- Future Trail and Recreation Projects: According to Allen, “As transformative projects like the Monument Trails, via ferrata at Petit Jean, the Delta Heritage Trail, and the Maumelle Pinnacles trail system near completion, the Natural State Initiative and Arkansas State Parks are evaluating future priorities. Possibilities could include trail and climbing infrastructure at Blanchard Springs, Mount Magazine, Mississippi River State Park, or any other of the 53 Arkansas State Parks.”
With the Southlake Trails debuting this October and massive projects on the horizon, Arkansas continues to cement its status as a premier hub for mountain biking and outdoor adventure.
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!
