The state of Arkansas boasts an ever-growing system of trails for outdoor enthusiasts. To determine the most popular trail systems, we conducted a survey among our readers asking them to select their top three picks from a long list of options. With over 1000 miles of mountain bike trails, including 5 International Mountain Bicycling Association Epic Trails, 4 Arkansas State Park Monument Trails, and numerous trails falling under the OZ Trail banner, it is no easy feat to decide on a favorite. Thanks to our amazing readers, we’ve got a fantastic list below which was created from over 500 votes. We’d love to hear your thoughts on their choices. What do you think?
We’d also like to remind you that this list:
- is not scientific.
- is not based on the number of people riding the trail.
- is not our favorites list.
- is not a list of all the trails in the state.
- is not broken out by trail types (cross country, enduro, flow, downhill, etc.)
This is a list of amazing places to go for a ride within the state. If you’ve ridden any of them, let us know in the comments below. We’ve included links to Trailforks and MTBProject maps where possible. We’ve also added some Pro Tips for those who are planning a trip and want to make the most of it. At the end of the article, you’ll find a map showing the location of all the top 15 places to ride in the state. The map also features an arrow next to the top 10 systems, indicating if they’ve moved up, down, or stayed the same on the list from last year. ⇑-moved up, (N)-new to list, ⇔-stayed the same, and ⇓-moved down.
Honorable Mentions go to these trail systems which came in 11-15 place:
- Lake Leatherwood – Eureka Springs ⇓ – TrailForks|MTBProject
- Rattlesnake Ridge/Blue Mountain (N) – TrailForks|MTBProject
- Centennial Park – Fayetteville ⇔ – TrailForks|MTBProject
- Lake Ouachita Vista Trail ⇓ – TrailForks|MTBProject
- Womble Trail – Mount Ida ⇑ – TrailForks|MTBProject
Your Top 10 Mountain Bike Trail Systems in Arkansas for 2024
(#10) 3.3% of the vote – Back 40/Little Sugar/Blowing Springs ⇓ – TrailForks|MTBProject
The vast trail system of nearly 100 miles is located in Bella Vista, which was once a retirement community between Bentonville and the Missouri state line. The trails offer loads of cross-country trails interspersed with jump and flow parks. These trails utilize POA space between ridgetop homes and flow below and above bluff lines, providing a thrilling experience for hikers and bikers alike.
Pro Tip – Enjoy a cold brew at the Gear Garden in Blowing Springs. It’s right at the trailhead.
(#9) 4.3% of the vote – Pinnacle Mountain State Park ⇔ – TrailForks|MTBProject
The trail system near Little Rock is highly popular due to its incredible flowy trails and heart-pumping elevation changes. It is one of the four Monument Trail systems in the state, built with a focus on sustainability and care for the surrounding environment.
Pro Tip – The new park visitor center on Highway 300 offers Loblolly ice cream on weekends in the cooler months and daily in the Summer. It can be accessed via mountain bike trails, hiking trails, or by car.
(#7 tie) 4.6% of the vote – Devil’s Den State Park ⇓ – TrailForks|MTBProject
Explore Another Monument Trail, a trail system renowned for its exceptional rock formations that must be seen to be believed. The trail offers bike-in campsites, full-service campgrounds, historic cabins with all amenities, and modern camper cabins for a comfortable stay. Ride along the winding paths under the bluff lines, behind the cascading waterfalls, and on the stone-paved pathways for an unforgettable experience.
Pro Tip – If the cabins or campgrounds are full, opt for nearby Lake Fort Smith State Park which also has a beautiful mountain bike trail system.
(#7 tie) 4.6% of the vote – Mount Kessler ⇑ – TrailForks|MTBProject
Nestled on the southwest edge of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Mount Kessler boasts challenging and scenic mountain biking trails that attract riders from all over. Encompassing roughly 17 miles of trails, the area offers a variety of difficulty levels, with options for both beginners and experienced riders. The trails wind through rocky singletrack, past bluffs, and woodlands, providing riders with breathtaking views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains.
Pro Tip – Use the Fayetteville Traverse Trail System to ride to other mountain bike trail systems, the Razorback Regional Greenway, and downtown Fayetteville.
(#6) 5.0% of the vote – Iron Mountain ⇓ – TrailForks|MTBProject
If Arkansas were to have a sixth Epic trail, in my opinion, it would be Iron Mountain. The trail spans over 30 miles on the south side of Lake DeGray and offers a stunning view of the lake along with great flow and rocky sections. The trail has been home to several mountain bike races, Xterras, and the Degray Lake Triathlon. It’s a favorite of riders from Texas and Louisiana.
Pro Tip – Stay at the nearby DeGray Lake Resort State Park, you can spend the night in a lodge on an island with a full-service restaurant and bar overlooking the lake.
(#5) 5.6% of the vote – Coler Bike Preserve ⇔ – TrailForks|MTBProject
Have you ever heard of a Bike Preserve? If you’re looking for the perfect place to ride, Coler should be on your list. It has everything from big jump lines to flowy fun, classic cross-country trails, and even a dual slalom course for settling friendly arguments. Visitors can park their vehicles on the park’s perimeter and access the central coffee shop, pub, and taco stand on foot or by bike. Additionally, there are several campsites available for reservation.
Pro Tip – You can ride from the town square to the trails and return for a wonderful dining experience at any of the many restaurants.
(#4) 6.7% of the vote – Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area ⇔ – TrailForks|MTBProject
Hobbs is the first of the Monument Trail Systems and has gained a reputation for being rideable even shortly after wet weather. The Monument Trails are a set of four trail systems located in Arkansas State Parks. These trails have been professionally built to be some of the best trails anywhere and have been designed to incorporate the unique “feel” of the park. Hobbs has had excellent mountain bike trails since 2005 and is the venue for the Battle for Townsend Ridge Mountain Bike Race.
Pro Tip – Bring a lunch and stop lakeside along the Karst Loop Trail or better yet, book one of the bike-in campsites in the Summer and cool off in the lake.
(#3) 7.5% of the vote – Slaughter Pen/Handcut Hollow ⇔ – TrailForks|MTBProject
The first mountain biking system in Bentonville is constantly expanding and enhancing. Handcut Hollow was established in recent years to provide cyclists with a more conventional experience, and the brand-new Castle runs are some of the finest flow/jump lines in Arkansas. All of these trails can be reached from the town square, where tourists can find a range of food options and bike shops.
Pro Tip – Start your ride in the town square so you’ll finish surrounded by great restaurants and shops.
(#2) 11.0% of the vote – Mount Nebo State Park ⇔ – TrailForks|MTBProject
The Mount Nebo Monument Trail System is the fourth on the list of recommended trails, and for good reason. It offers a range of experiences suitable for riders of different skill levels. For beginners, the Three C’s Trail is a good warm-up, while the Millers Goat Trail offers more speed, rocky sections, and better flow. For those looking for a challenge, there are the big downhills, the remote Chickalah Loop, and the gnarly Lizard Tail. This trail system is so impressive that it is used as the opener for the Big Mountain Enduro Series in the Spring.
Pro Tip – All of the Arkansas State Parks have a passport program, pick one up at the visitor center and start knocking them out.
(#1) 14.1% of the vote – Northwoods/Cedar Glades ⇔ – TrailForks|MTBProject
The Cedar Glades trails, with its old-school charm, combined with the modern Northwoods Trails, make this system an ideal destination for every kind of rider. Every year, new trails and events are introduced, making it a constantly evolving space. Be it jump lines, cross country, or technical turns, this place offers a variety of options. Additionally, it has a dedicated management team that ensures its upkeep is always top-notch.
Pro Tip – For a post-ride brew and meal, check out the only brewery in a national park, Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs National Park.
Summary – While the trail systems under the OZ umbrella certainly did well, note that all of the Monument Trail Systems made it into the top 10 again and 3 of the IMBA Epic Trail Systems made it into the top 15. Also, all of the major trail systems in the Ouachita Mountains made the top 15. While these represent the favorites among our readers, the perfect trail for you may not even make this list so do your homework, check out the trail conditions Facebook groups, and go have fun.
