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.

Near Fayetville you will find the Twin Turtles Trail. This trail is excellent for intermediate riders. It is only seven miles but they are all well groomed so you can get up to your maximum speed. Riders have taken the trouble to build a few ramps and these really add to the fun factor. Like most trails in the south, you should wear some goggles or glasses because there are lots of bugs.

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, 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.

The Camp Joseph Robinson Trails near Little Rock, Arkansas are on a military base and do require that you purchase a 10 dollar membership. The membership is good for a year and worth it just for a weekend. Military personnel get free memberships. These trails are groomed and well maintained so they work for beginners but intermediate riders will enjoy the roots, bumps and 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.

With 52 state parks and 3 national forests, Arkansas is a bikers dream. Out of only 40 bike trails in the United States, Arkansas is home to two of them! Youll be certain to enjoy your ride here!

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