Mountain Biking in Arkansas is a rewarding challenge that all outdoor enthusiasts should consider. The densely forested foothills and majestic mountains of the Arkansas Ozarks lend themselves to an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore this treasured region to their heart’s content. Bull Shoals, Arkansas, and the surrounding area offer a myriad of excellent mountain bike trails just waiting to be ripped. In the center of it all, is Gaston’s White River Resort, the perfect basecamp for fishing, canoeing, or mountain biking in Arkansas. To help get you acclimated to what you’ll expect on your Ozarks vacation, we curated a brief guide to some of the best mountain biking in Arkansas near the resort.
Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail
You don’t have to venture far to enjoy mountain biking in Arkansas on this Bull Shoals pathway. Oakridge Mountain provides a multi-use trail that crosses the oak and hickory uplands, bringing you through the trickling creeks and thick meadows that exemplify the Arkansas Ozarks. Comprising plenty of fierce uphill battles, Oakridge Mountain rewards its challengers with long downhills that are sure to get the heart pumping.
Pigeon Creek Park
Just outside of Mountain Home, Arkansas, the Pigeon Creek Trail System is one of the state’s premier mountain bike trails. With a variety of difficulty, this stacked loop is just over 20 miles of quintessential Arkansas scenery along Lake Norfork’s shores. Here you will be met with limestone bluffs, staggering ravines, and aromatic cedar stands. Bring your swimsuit, take a refreshing dip into the lake, or pack a pair of binoculars for low-key nature viewing.
Buffalo River Area Bike Trails
Arguably the most scenic portion of the Arkansas Ozarks, the Buffalo River area, has a remarkable assortment of trails and backroads that make for a good ride. Still, there are some very highly rated trails that we’ll cover here. While many walking trails are exclusive to foot travel, there are several double-track trails allocated for mountain biking.
- Erbie Loop is a 20-mile trail fit for all skill levels and consists of maintained dirt and gravel roads, and one smaller paved section.
- Snowball Loop is great for beginners and covers 19 miles of paved, gravel, and dirt trails that offer picturesque views of Point Peter and other geologic wonders of the Boston Mountains.
- Upper Buffalo Wilderness Loop isn’t complicated, however, it’s 37 miles, and there are a few rugged outcrops and steeper climbs that require a bit of conditioning.
- Woolum Ford-Richland Creek Tour allows riders to choose between a 19-mile point-to-point ride from Richland Creek to Woolum Ford along the Buffalo River or a 40-mile loop. Although this ride is on roads, several long climbs offer fantastic panoramas and adrenaline-fueled descents.
Cabin Rentals in Arkansas: The Perfect Ozarks Vacation
Whether you seek a leisurely ride on paved roads or an exciting backwoods excursion, Gaston’s White River Resort is the ideal place to rest your bones. With a dynamic array of pet-friendly lodging options and on-site dining, Gaston’s has everything you need for an unforgettable Ozarks vacation. For more information on how we can accommodate your next adventures, please visit us online or call 870-431-5202.