Riders go airborne on the Northwoods Trails in Hot Springs. – Devyn Davis photo courtesy Visit Hot Springs
For the fifth time in the last six years, Hot Springs Northwoods Trails System has been named the top mountain bike trail in Arkansas by the readers of Arkansas Outside.
“We have taken first place every year except one that Arkansas Outside has had this survey,” said Visit Hot Springs Trails Coordinator Traci Berry. “I’m so proud of our trails and the role they play in making Hot Springs the top tourism destination in Arkansas.
“Our crew does a really remarkable job of maintaining our wonderful network of trails, along with the help of TACO — Trail Advocacy Coalition of the Ouachitas — our local IMBA chapter, which provides great riding for mountain bikers of every skill level. With so many amazing trail systems in our state, we are honored by this recognition.”
With more than 30 miles of crisscrossing trails, the Northwoods Trails System is also popular with hikers, trail runners, and nature lovers, while the nearby Cedar Glades Park offers fun activities for the whole family.
Designed and built by The International Mountain Bicycling Association, the Northwoods Trails’ purpose-built trails include single-track, multi-track, flow trails, and jump lines, which include the Lucky 13 black diamond section, which is packed with fun features to help riders defy gravity.
The trails are marked accordingly to include their degree of difficulty: Green for beginners, blue for intermediate, and black for advanced riders. Nearly all the trails are open to hikers and trail runners.
Northwoods – Cedar Glades also hosts a wide variety of events, including music and arts festivals, disc golf tournaments, RC aircraft fly-ins and demos, the Ouachita Highland Games & Mountain Market, and multiple mountain biking events. It’s home to the annual Güdrun MTB festival, the Northwoods Enduro, the Wildcat Bike Marathon, and regularly scheduled group rides.
Over three days each November, the Güdrun MTB festival features multiple races, exhibits, a skills showcase, and tons of camaraderie and riding. The event culminates with the time-honored Attila the Hun XC, an Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series race.
Weather permitting, the Northwoods Trail System is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
“The Northwoods Trails crew does an incredible job at making sure the trails are in tip-top shape for expert and beginner riders alike,” Visit Hot Springs Marketing Director Bill Solleder said. “It’s no wonder Northwoods is No. 1.”
For more information, call Traci Berry at 501-620-5096.
