Arkansas mountain bikers, your favorite time of year is back. The Annual March Mountain Bike Madness bracket tournament kicked off on March 2, and voting is open now. Whether you’re a die-hard Northwest Arkansas local or a devoted Ouachita trail advocate, this is your chance to put your trails on top. Share this page with you friends and vote for your favorite trail.
Click here to go straight to voting.
What Is March Mountain Bike Madness?
Think March Madness, but for trail systems. Arkansas Outside pits the state’s most beloved mountain bike trails against each other in a bracket-style tournament throughout the month of March. Each region of the state is represented, and riders vote to advance their favorites through the rounds. It’s part trail celebration, part friendly rivalry, and 100% Arkansas.
This year’s field has been streamlined to include only the most popular and most competitive trail systems, which means every single matchup is a heavyweight bout.
Learn how we set up the brackets here.
The Regional Breakdown
Northwest Arkansas is loaded with bracket favorites, from the world-famous flow of Slaughter Pen and Coler Mountain Bike Preserve to the rugged backcountry of Upper Buffalo Headwaters and the iconic trails at Devil’s Den State Park. This region is stacked.
Central Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley brings a diverse mix of terrain, including Monument Trails destinations like Pinnacle Mountain and Mount Nebo, along with community staples like Burns Park and Red Lick Mountain Bike Trails.
South and Western Arkansas is home to legends. The Womble Trail and the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail are among the most iconic routes in the state, and Northwoods and Iron Mountain represent the growing investment in trail infrastructure in this part of Arkansas.
East and Northeast Arkansas may not have the elevation of the Ozarks or Ouachitas, but it surprises people every year. Craighead Forest Park, Syllamo, and Village Creek State Park headline a region full of variety.
The Voting Schedule
Rounds are open for set windows throughout March, and each voter gets one vote per round. Don’t miss your window!
Round 1: March 2–7
Round of 16: March 8–13
Quarterfinals: March 14–18
Final Four: March 19–25
Final: March 26–31
Why Your Vote Matters
With a tighter field this year, every matchup is closer and every vote carries more weight. Trail communities that show up and vote will make a real difference — upsets are entirely possible, and underdogs can absolutely advance.
This is also a great opportunity to explore trails you haven’t ridden yet. If your favorites are knocked out early, use the bracket as your next riding bucket list.
Head over to Arkansas Outside and cast your vote today. Let the Madness begin.
For bracket updates, round reminders, and graphics throughout the tournament, follow Arkansas Outside on social media and check ArkansasOutside.com.
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!
