Southeast - Visiting Arkansas, Hows the riding?

I'll be visiting Eureka Springs for Porchselouzza in a few weeks. I wanted to bring my bike and was wondering about MTB trails or scenic riding. Where are they located and will a mid-level hardtail be enough or the trails/paths offered. Thanks for any tips.

If it helps I ride a 09 Cannondale F4

Gari

Been ages since I've been up there, but I remember Eureka Springs being a whole mess of hills with winding narrow roads. It should be a bit colder up there than what it is here, too.

I live less than 20 miles from Eureka, but don't bike that area much. Not sure about off-road trails in the area.
Scenic. How many miles you looking to ride? Like hills? You could drive out west of town on hwy 62 to hwy 187 and do a loop across Beaver Dam. All paved. Hwy 62 west of Eureka is very hilly. Less hilly would be to ride out 23 south. Hwy 23 north is more hilly, out towards Holiday Island (very hilly). I ride a lot of the dirt roads about 10 miles east of Eureka, near Berryville.
I did a ride this past Sunday, from my area down to the Buffalo River. Here's a like to lots of photos of the trip:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/4448

5kdad,

The problem I'm up against is I only have room for one bike:bang:. I'm traveling up with some friends (whom are not cyclists) and the space for two bikes is not feasible. I'm trying to gauge whether to take my MTB or Road bike. As far as riding distance, I'm game for up to 30 miles at a time, I just started riding about four months ago and that's about my limit with getting off and letting the blood back into my legs. I really don't care if the route has hills or not....the hills would mean a better workout. I just bought my MTB and I would rather ride it...if the opportunity were to present itself. However, if there's not any off-road trails/path systems then I may need to bring my road bike.

Thanks for your input...

Gari

take the MTB. you're going to need the triple, especially on pavement.

it's a fun town just to tool around and explore.

dunno about the road riding, but a bit of driving puts you in Ozark NF and there are some awesome trails - google it up.

I guess I should mention my "road bike" is Trek FX hybrid. It's a triple that I've upgraded a few things.

Sorry I missed this thread earlier.

Okay, great riding in the Eureka Springs Area. Eureka Springs hosts the annual Fat Tire Festival (http://www.fattirefestival.com/) in July. Here are some place starting with the closest.


Lake Leatherwood (http://www.cityofeurekasprings.org/leatherwood.html) - This is the closest to ES. It's a city park that has about 15 miles of hiking and biking trails. I haven't ridden it but I understand that they have hosted several cycling events.
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/hobbsstateparkconservationarea/) - The Hidden Diversity Multi-Use Trail (http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/images/pdfs/HiddenDiversityTrail.pdf) is excellent riding and very close to ES. Beautiful singletrack.
Slaughter Pen Hollow Trails (http://www.slaughterpen.com/home.html) - This is a rather new trail system that I have not been on yet but I understand it has a little something for everyone. It is a mountain bike "park" that includes a freeride area and short XC trails.
Devil's Den State Park (http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/devilsden/) - A little farther from ES (maybe an hour) but excellent trail system. The assistant park superintendent is an avid mountain biker. Several races a year are held here including the State Mountain Bike Championships.


Arkansas has some of the best mountain biking in the central part of the country and as the leaves drop it gets even better for me (It's all about the view). If you have any other questions about mountain biking in Arkansas let me know. Also if you have a question about anything else to do in Arkansas, I'm you man. I am an avid mountain and road cyclist who happens to work for the Parks and Tourism department.

5kdad,

The problem I'm up against is I only have room for one bike:bang:. I'm traveling up with some friends (whom are not cyclists) and the space for two bikes is not feasible. I'm trying to gauge whether to take my MTB or Road bike. As far as riding distance, I'm game for up to 30 miles at a time, I just started riding about four months ago and that's about my limit with getting off and letting the blood back into my legs. I really don't care if the route has hills or not....the hills would mean a better workout. I just bought my MTB and I would rather ride it...if the opportunity were to present itself. However, if there's not any off-road trails/path systems then I may need to bring my road bike.

Thanks for your input...

Gari

I was in Eureka Springs two years ago the week after the fat tire festival. I rode 51 miles in 3 days on some of the best singletrack I have ever ridden. I stayed at the Tall Pines Inn and the owner, Robert, an avid MTB'er told me about all of the best trails. Look him up and he will turn you on to some great riding. It is well worth the trip and some of the most fun to be had in AR...