Get Ready for Adventure: Mountain Biking Trails in Arkansas

Cycling adventure through a forest trail.
It’s time to suit up, grab your mountain bike, and hit the trails! Arkansas is full of beautiful landscapes that provide the perfect settings for some great mountain biking trails. Here are our picks for some of the best in the state.
Womble Trail, AR
This 35.5-mile trail in the Ouachita National Forest is one of the most popular mountain biking trails in Arkansas. The Womble Trail is considered to be the best of all of the trails in the Ouachita National Forest. The International Mountain Biking Association lists this trail as an “Epic Ride.”
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, AR
You’ll LOVE this trail that runs along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita! The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is so popular that many know it simply by LOViT. Because this trail is situated along popular hunting grounds, all riders should wear bright colored clothing.
Blowing Springs Trail, AR
The Blowing Springs Trail features cliff riding, caves, waterfalls, and more! Open year round, this trail ranges from fast and flowing to rocky and technical.
Cedar Glades Trail, AR
You’ll need your climbing legs for this great trail in Hot Springs. The 10-mile Cedar Glades Trail is one fast ride with several climbs.
Thunder Chicken Trail, AR
Thunder Chicken is one of the newer trails in the region. This trail features jumps, flows, drops, and wall rides.
Ben Geren Park Trail, AR
This 17.9-mile trail is part of the fabulous Ben Geren Mountain Bike Trail System. The largest hill on this trail is Hobo Hill. Riders need to be aware that this hill has a lot of foot traffic, so beware of hikers!
Rabbit Ridge Trail, AR
Rabbit Ridge Trail is perfect for kids! This 0.65-mile trail in Little Rock is designed for beginner off-road bicyclists.
Syllamo Trails, AR
This great trail system has many loops worth riding, including the White River Bluff Loop, the Scrappy Mountain Loop, and the Bad Branch Loop.
Slaughter Pen Trail, AR
This 18-mile trail in Bentonville is great for riders of most skill levels. Some of the harder sections on this trail have easy alternative routes.
Key Insights at a Glance
- The Womble Trail in Ouachita National Forest spans 35.5 miles and is considered one of the state's top trails—the IMBA recognizes it as an “Epic Ride."
- Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) runs along the scenic southern shore of Lake Ouachita and is a popular ride. Bright clothing is advised due to nearby hunting areas.
- Blowing Springs Trail offers a diverse ride with cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and flowing and technical terrain open year-round.
- Cedar Glades Trail in Hot Springs is a fast-paced 10-mile loop with several climbs, ideal for riders who enjoy a challenge.
- Thunder Chicken Trail is a newer trail designed with fun in mind. It features jumps, wall rides, drops, and smooth-flow sections.
- Ben Geren Park Trail offers nearly 18 miles of riding, including the notable Hobo Hill. It's a shared-use trail, so riders should watch for foot traffic.
- Rabbit Ridge Trail in Little Rock is a short 0.65-mile loop built for beginners and kids, perfect for new off-road cyclists.
- The Syllamo Trails system includes several loops, such as Scrappy Mountain and White River Bluff, which provide options for longer rides and varied skill levels.
- The Slaughter Pen Trail in Bentonville stretches 18 miles and caters to a range of riders. The more difficult sections offer easier alternate paths.