Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Arkansas

By Patricia Williams

The Ozark Mountains, Ouachita Mountains and the Buffalo River all make for excellent bike riding opportunities in Arkansas. That doesn't even mention the trails along the Mississippi River. There are trails for all skill levels and riders.

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 Trails near Fayetville, Arkansas are perfect for beginner and intermediate bikers. They are well groomed, with ramps that will get you some air. The trails are only 7 miles but you can ride them all day, it never feels repetitive. This place can, however, get really buggy, especially in the summer. Bring your glasses and goggles and have a great time.

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 arent too crowded and are well-marked. Watch out for snakes in this area (cottonmouth and rattlesnakes in particular).

Lake Leatherwood near Eureka Springs has 20 miles of trails with 11 different trails for experienced riders. Expect some very steep ascents with challenging downhill sections full of switchbacks, roots, steps, and rocks. These trails can get very treacherous when wet, so avoid muddy areas. You never know what might be underneath! There is a variety of terrain and some fantastic scenery to keep your attention.

The Camp Joseph Robinson trails are located near Little Rock, Arkansas. Since they are found on a military facility, you do have to pay to have a C.A.R.P. membership in order to ride. Its only $10 for a year and totally worth it just to get a chance to ride here! (Military personnel get in free.) There are a variety of trails for riders of all experience levels. However, advanced riders will be quite impressed with the rocky climbs and sickeningly fast downhill slopes. The trails are well-maintained and well worth your time!

For the biker who just cant get enough, theres Heaven and Hell, near Crystal Springs. I think the name says it all! This 9-mile trail requires a great deal of stamina. There are extremely long climbs and you have to be cautious on the downhill sections because of all the rocks. You will want to bring hiking boots and GOBS of water (this area can get pretty hot in the summer)! Watch out for copperheads in this area as well. Your reward after conquering this one is to take a dip in a great little swimming hole down Crystal Springs Road. There is camping available there as well.

These are just a few of the trails offered in Arkansas' fifty two State Parks and three National forests. Some of the best biking in the country, for all skill levels, can be found in Arkansas. If you live in the south or the mid-west is worth the drive to get to the above places. They will provide riding you will remember forever. - 16887

About the Author:

No comments: