Epic Trails to Go Mountain Biking in Ouachita National Forest

Go Mountain Biking on These Epic Trails

There are many different reasons to go Mountain Biking. Mountain Biking is an excellent way to work out while enjoying nature and has several health benefits. Health benefits include improving balance, increasing brain power, and reducing stress.

Another advantage of Mountain Biking is it allows you to explore a broader range of an area faster than if you were to go hiking. Plus, it adds an adventure to your life, which is good for the soul. These are just a few of the many benefits that Mountain Biking has on the body, mind, and soul. So grab your bike and head out to one of the trails below.

1. Little Missouri Trail

Facts:

  • 11.7 Miles 
  • In-and-Out Trail 
  • Dogs Welcome 
  • Open Year Round

Features:

  • Mountain Biking 
  • Cascades 
  • Scenic Views 

Little Missouri Trail is great for Mountain Biking. While biking this trail, you will notice that the path is uneven, with several moderate hills. The moderate hills may make your journey more challenging since you are biking.

However, the trail is excellent for all skill levels, from novice to experienced riders. The course offers great scenic views and cascades, making Mountain Biking this trail well worth it.

Directions to Little Missouri Trail

The directions may differ depending on the city you are coming from, from US-70 West. Turn right onto AR-84 West, turn right onto AR-369 North, and turn left onto NFw106.

2. Lake Ouachita Vista Trail

Facts:

  • 40 Miles 
  • Loop 
  • Open Year Round

Features:

  • Mountain Biking 
  • Wild Flowers

Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is another path you can go Mountain Biking on. The trail loops and is approximately 40 miles in total. The park is open year-round.

The pathway is unsurfaced and will require traveling up and down mountain slopes. While riding your bike along the path, you will experience wildflowers in bloom (seasonal), hardwood, and pine forests. Allowing for a peaceful bike ride in the woods.

Directions to Lake Ouachita Vista Trail

The directions may differ depending on the city you are coming from. You will want to turn right onto AR-227 North Mountain Pine Road and continue straight onto Blakely Dam Road. Turn right to stay on Blakely Dam Road.

3. Earthquake Ridge Trail

Facts:

  • 4.4 Miles 
  • Loop 
  • Open Year Round

Features:

  • Mountain Biking 
  • Forest

Are you looking for a great workout? One that will get your blood pumping. Then look no further; the Earthquake Ridge Trail is perfect for Mountain Biking.

Earthquake Ridge Trail offers steep climbs and rocky terrain that may make this trial difficult for beginners while only moderate for experienced Mountain Bikers. While biking this trail, you can expect to see Dogwoods in bloom (seasonal), interesting rock formations, scenic views, and forest.

Directions to Earthquake Ridge Trail

The directions may differ depending on the city you are coming from. If you come from Hot Springs, Arkansas, you will take AR-298 W to Co Rd 609 in Lons Creek Township. Follow Co Road 2 to CO Rd 89 until you get to Ouachita National Forest.

4. Womble Trail

Facts:

  • 32.4 Miles 
  • In-and-Out Trail 
  • Open Year Round

Features:

  • Mountain Biking 
  • Forest

Womble Trail is one of the longer Mountain Biking paths at Ouachita National Forest, approximately 32.4 miles long. The trail is well-marked and is not heavily trafficked, allowing you to feel that you have the woods all to yourself. 

This is an in-and-out trail, so the further you go onto the pathway, the longer you have to ride to return. Therefore, making it a rugged trail to complete in a day, especially with an elevation of over 3,000 feet.

As a result, you will get an intense workout if you bike the trail all at once. One significant aspect of this trail is you will get to experience scenic views throughout the 32.4 miles you bike, making this intense biking trail worth trying. 

Another considerable part of the trail is that you will come across the Ouachita River, allowing you to stop and go for a swim, making it a fun detour on your Mountain Biking trip.

Directions to Womble Trail

The directions may differ depending on the city you are coming from. If you are coming from Hot Springs, Arkansas, you will take US-270 W and turn left on Mauldin Road/NFD 37-1 until you get to Womble Trail.

5. Little Blakely North Loop

Facts:

  • 5.3 Miles 
  • Loops 
  • Open Year Round

Features:

  • Mountain Biking 
  • Forest 
  • Lake 
  • Rocky 
  • Views

The Little Blakely North Loop is approximately 5.3 miles and loops. Therefore, you can ride joyously without the worry of having to backtrack your steps.

The trail is considered easy for Mountain Bikers, making it perfect for newbies. While biking this trail, you will see a beautiful forest setting with glimpses of Lake Ouachita throughout.

The path does get overgrown in spots and needs to be better marked over. Therefore, you need to download a map or GPS to find your way around the trail. Furthermore, you may not get cell phone service, so make sure you rely on something other than the internet for a GPS source.

Another important note about this trail is that you ought to wear bug spray and plenty of it. The pathway is known to have excessive deer ticks during summertime. Besides those few tidbits, this is an excellent Mountain Biking trail that you should try, especially if you are just starting out.

Directions to Little Blakely North Loop

The directions may differ depending on the city you are coming from. If you are coming from Hot Springs, Arkansas, you will take AR-227 North/Mountain Pine Road and continue onto 3 sisters Spring Road and Little Blakely Trail.

Important Need to Know Before You Go

Treat all water from springs, streams, and lakes before drinking. Wear orange during hunting season.

Complete list of Go Mountain Biking on These Epic Trails

  1. Little Missouri Trail 
  2. Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
  3. Earthquake Ridge Trail 
  4. Womble Trail
  5. Little Blakely North Loop

About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com

Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.

Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.

When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.

Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of any organizations mentioned or affiliated with. The information provided in this blog is accurate and up-to-date to the best of the author’s knowledge, but readers are advised to do their own research and confirm any information before making travel plans or decisions. The author is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by readers while traveling based on the information provided in this blog. Travel at your own risk and always prioritize your safety and well-being. Any reviews or comments written are the subjective opinion of an Amora V Lifestyle member and not Amora V Lifestyle. Amora V Lifestyle performs occasional checks on commentary left by users. It’s worth mentioning that we may also use comments in our articles. By posting a comment, you are giving us permission to use it in our content. Please check out Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for full disclosure. 

 

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