6 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Arkansas
Since adopting its “Natural State” nickname in the 1980s, Arkansas has worked hard to let outdoor adventurers across the United States know just how much there is to see and do there. And it worked. In 2022 alone, more than 48 million tourists visited Arkansas to experience the state’s natural splendor. And yes, quite a few of them were cyclists, whether casual rail trail riders or die-hard mountain bikers.
From the spectacular mountain terrain of the Ozarks to its being home to the South’s largest National Forest, along with countless scenic rural roads, Arkansas offers bike enthusiasts no end of excuses to want to visit. Find out more with this list of the six most bike-friendly towns in Arkansas.
Bella Vista
It’s for good reason that the town of Bella Vista tops most people’s recommendations for the best place to enjoy a two-wheeled adventure in Arkansas. In fact, the highest accolades come from PeopleForBikes, a national non-profit organization that advocates for cycling (and cyclists) and who recently named Bella Visita one of the country’s 20 best bicycling destinations. In addition to the town’s commitment to cycling infrastructure, cyclists flock here for its award-winning trail systems, including the Back 40 Trail and the Blowing Springs Park Trail, both of which offer miles of scenic routes suitable for all skill levels.
The Back 40 Trail in particular is a must-ride for those who enjoy a thrilling challenge. Highlights include over 40 miles of mountain biking terrain through the Ozark forests with winding paths and thrilling descents. Prefer a more casual ride? Blowing Springs Park offers a trail system that connects to nearby towns, much of it level, ensuring accessibility for cyclists of all skill levels. Cycling clubs such as the Bella Vista Bike Club and Bella Vista Cyclists do their part to promote safe and fun riding and host regular rides, events, and social gatherings. Annual cycling events, including the Life Time Big Sugar Classic, attract riders from across the country each October, with the fall colors adding to the spectacle.
Hot Springs
Head an hour west of Little Rock and cyclists will find plenty of fun things to do in Hot Springs. A blend of urban biking and scenic trails, Hot Springs is a favored destination for both road and mountain bikers, with the latter in particular well catered to. If that sounds like you head to the Northwoods Trail system. One of the premier mountain biking destinations in the state, Northwoods features over 30 miles of trails through the Ouachita Mountains with varying difficulty levels that cater to both beginners and advanced riders in need of a challenge.
Prefer a gentler pace? The trails of Garvan Woodland Gardens offer a more relaxed cycling experience with paths winding through beautiful botanical gardens and along four-plus miles of lakefront. Cycling clubs like the Hot Springs Bicycle Association not only provide a strong sense of community, but they also host regular group rides, races, and social events and always welcome new members. The town’s commitment to cycling is reflected in its well-maintained bike lanes and paths that make it easy to explore its urban areas, while local businesses like the Hot Springs Cycle Shop cater to the needs of riders, offering rentals, repairs, and gear for those looking to hit the trails.
Mountain View
While Mountain View’s status for its folk music heritage is well-established, its reputation among cyclists looking for scenic and challenging rides is certainly on the ascent. Much of that is thanks to nearby the Syllamo Bike Trail, a great destination for mountain bikers for its over 50 miles of rugged terrain in the midst of the Ozark National Forest. The trail’s diverse landscape includes steep climbs, technical descents, and scenic overlooks, providing a thrilling experience for seasoned riders. Those seeking a more relaxed ride should head to the Sylamore Creek area with its gentler paths through the forest that are perfect for beginners and casual cyclists.
Mountain View’s cycling community is certainly growing, with the annual Syllamo’s Revenge Mountain Bike Challenge attracting competitive riders from around the country, adding to the town’s reputation as a cycling destination. Local businesses like Gravity BrewWorks provide great aprés trail fun after a day of riding.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a popular tourist hotspot not just for its Victorian-era architecture and artsy vibe, but also for reputation as a cycling destination. Located only a one-hour scenic drive from Branson, MO, the town offers a variety of trails for different skill levels, with Lake Leatherwood City Park being one of the best. Encompassing over 1600 acres of natural beauty, Leatherwood boasts over 20 miles of mountain biking trails that weave their way through the dense forests and around the lake with plenty of challenging features like jumps, drops, and technical turns.
For road cyclists, the town’s winding streets and surrounding highways offer scenic routes through the Ozark Mountains. Eureka Springs also does a good job of supporting its thriving cycling culture, with the Ozark Off-Road Cyclists club, in particular, worth checking out for their organized group rides and trail maintenance events. The Fat Tire Festival, held each July, celebrates mountain biking with races, group rides, and social events that draw cyclists from all over the region, while local businesses such as Adventure Mountain Outfitters cater to cyclists and their needs, providing rentals and gear for visitors and locals alike.
Russellville
Set in an idyllic location between the Arkansas River and the Ozark Mountains, Russellville is another prime destination for cyclists in Arkansas. The town is home to the Bona Dea Trail, a paved scenic trail system that winds through 186 acres of wetlands and forests. Broken down into bite-size sections, it’s easy to tackle the six miles of trails at a leisurely pace, stopping to catch sight of wildlife or take a picture of the scenery.
Cyclists interested in more challenging routes can explore nearby Mount Nebo State Park. Here, the Mount Nebo Bike Trail offers steep climbs and thrilling descents with stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley. Russellville has a well-established cycling community, with organizations such as the Ozark Off-Road Cyclists hosting regular group rides and fun events like the Tour de Pumpkin, a fall ride offering 17- and 30-mile routes. The town’s cycling infrastructure includes designated bike lanes and paths, ensuring safe routes for both casual and serious riders
El Dorado
Located in southern Arkansas near the border with Louisiana, El Dorado is an up-and-coming destination for cyclists. Known for its rich oil history and revitalized downtown, the town has recently made strides in becoming more bike-friendly with its newly developed bike lanes, making it easier for cyclists to explore. Safe routes exist to top attractions like the South Arkansas Arboretum with its beautiful gardens and paved paths, while the Murphy Arts District venue is also easily accessible on two wheels.
Prefer to hit the trails? The Ouachita foothills and surrounding local countryside are a delight to explore by bike and include a number of safe and scenic routes.
The Final Word
Arkansas' scenic landscape, from the Ozark Mountains to the Ouachita Range, is an ideal backdrop for cyclists seeking both adventure and relaxation. Towns like Bella Vista and Hot Springs have (literally) paved the way for the state’s growing cycling culture with well-developed trails and plenty of community support. Whether you're an experienced mountain biker or prefer leisurely rides along scenic routes, these six bike-friendly towns in Arkansas provide plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the “Natural State” in all its splendor… on two wheels.
