Arkansas has some great places to ride thanks to the Ozarks, the Ouachita Mountains, and the beautiful Buffalo River. There’s even some great places to ride along the Mississippi River as well. Hopefully you can find a trail here that will fit your skill level.
Huckleberry Mountain Horse is a 40-mile loop near Paris, Arkansas. It is a great ride with some really fast descents, but always be on the lookout for other riders. This trail can get a little crowded as it is also shared with hikers and equestrians as well. There are campsites nearby if you simply cant get enough. Make sure you get a good map of the area because not all trails and logging roads in the area are well-marked.
The Twin Turtles trail near Fayetteville is the perfect spot for the intermediate rider. This 7-mile trail is well cared for and smooth and you can work up quite a speed. There are 4 or 5 ramps for added fun. There are also some exposed rocks and roots to watch out for. Wear some goggles or glasses, because there are a lot of bugs in the area.
If you like to get down and dirty, then White River Refuge in Clarendon is the trail for you! Logging roads have been turned into 10 miles of ATV trails. After a good rain, there is mud and sand to turn any trail into a challenge. The trails aren’t too crowded and are well-marked. Watch out for snakes in this area (cottonmouth and rattlesnakes in particular).
Lake Leatherwood near Eureka Springs, Arkansas has over 20 miles of fun for every biker, beginner or advanced. There are over 10 trails designated advanced so be ready to have some hard core fun. There are plenty of good switchbacks and rapid descents. You will want to hit these trails when they are dry because the mud can get to be a bit too much. Also, you never know what snake is waiting for you just inches below a muddy surface. The scenery will keep you coming back and the beauty is worth all of those tough uphill climbs.
Little Rock, Arkansas has the Camp Joseph Robinson Trails. You need a CARP membership to ride hear because the trails are on a military base but it is worth the ten bucks. The membership is good for a year and the riding is absolutely excellent. These trails are groomed and well maintained, but watch out for the rocky climbs and fast downhills.
If you think you have been through Heaven and Hell, you haven’t seen a thing until you go to Crystal Springs. This is where hardcore bikers go for some of the best riding in the country. You need to pack hiking boots, plenty of water and your free spirit for these trails. Heaven and Hell are tough riding with lots of rocky climbs but a dip in one of the local watering holes will feel like a just reward after conquering these trails.
You probably don’t know that Arkansas has fifty two state parks and three national forests. These area provide ample opportunity for bikers of all skill levels. Even if you never thought you would ever go the Arkansas, I recommend checking it out. You will not be disappointed.