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Mountain Bike Trails

ALONG FOR THE EPIC RIDE

ARKANSAS RANKS AMONG THE TOP STATES nationally with five Epic mountain biking rides. Three of those trails are right here in the Ouachita Mountains. The “Epic” distinction from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) denotes a true backcountry experience. IMBA Epics are bucket list rides – technically 
and physically challenging, beautiful to behold and worthy of celebration. Hot Springs is a great place to celebrate post-ride – and IMBA agrees. It recognizes the Spa City as a Ride Center for its amenities and resources available to mountain bikers. 

NORTHWOODS TRAIL SYSTEM:

Distance: 26 Miles

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced

Northwood Trailheads:

  • Waterwoorks, 300 Pineland Drive
  • Pullman, 800 Pullman Avenue
  • Cedar Glades, 461 Wildcat Road
  • Bull Bayou, 1124 Cedar Glade Road

Experience 26 miles of world class mountain bike trains just five minutes from downtown Hot Springs. The Northwoods system includes Green, Blue and Black single track, multi-track, flow trails, jump lines and the Lucky 13 expert section. The Cedar Glades trailhead includes a bike skills park. Northwoods is home to the annual Gudrun MTB Festival each November. Bikers, hikers and trail runners are all welcome.

IRON MOUNTAIN TRAIL:

DeGray Lake/Caddo Valley: 21.5 Miles

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Beginner to intermediate.
  • fast draining trail build to IMBA standards.
  • Five loops with lots of switchback and occasional rocky areas of moderate difficulty.

LAKE OUACHITA VISTA TRAIL (LOVIT) (IMBA EPIC RIDE):

Southern shore of Lake Ouachita: 45 Miles

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Intermediate.
  • 13 trailheads.
  • Excellent ridge riding with steep, sustained and strenuous climbing.

OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL (IMBA EPIC RIDE):

North of Hot Springs near Mena: 108 Miles

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Intermediate to advanced.
  • Rugged and remote with some hike-and-bike required.
  • Most areas are not for novices.
  • Expect some of the biggest climbs of your life!

WOMBLE TRAIL (IMBA EPIC RIDE):

Near Mount Ida, west of Hot Springs: 37 Miles

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Intermediate.
  • 1,600 feet of elevation.
  • Segments of the trail follow along bluffs overlooking the Ouachita River. User extreme caution here. Steep drop-offs require focus and skill.

BEAR CREEK CYCLE TRAIL:

Lake Greeson: 31 Miles

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Beginner to advanced.
  • Trail follows the shoreline with panoramic views of Lake Greeson and the Ouachita Mountain range.
  • Main trailhead is located at Daisy State Park and trail ends at Laurel Creek Recreation Area.

ARKANSAS HIGH COUNTRY ROUTE:

Arkansas: 1,171.8 Miles

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Beginner to advanced.
  • Uses two singletrack trails (the entire Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOVIT), and the southern portion of the Womble Trail) certified by the International Mountain Bycycling Association as "EPIC".
  • The Route is 50/50 gravel and pavement.