Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

After years of planning, construction and anticipation, the Delta Heritage Trail State Park is approaching a major milestone. Arkansas State Parks expects to complete construction on the remaining southern section of the trail in December 2026, with a grand opening celebration tentatively planned for March 2027.

The completion will bring Arkansas closer to realizing a decades-long vision of transforming a former railroad corridor into an approximately 85-mile recreational trail through the Arkansas Delta, connecting communities, preserving regional history and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism.

In response to an inquiry from Arkansas Outside, Arkansas State Parks provided updates on the final construction work, new accommodations at Yancopin, planned trailhead improvements, and future programming.

Final Construction Work Nears Completion

According to Arkansas State Parks, all trail surfacing has been completed on the section connecting Benzal Bridge over the White River to Arkansas City.

Crews are currently installing the final sections of handrail on the historic Benzal Bridge. The remaining major work involves restoring gravel surfaces approaching the bridge that were used by heavy construction equipment. That work is expected to be finished by mid-November.

Once the contractor addresses the remaining punch list items, Arkansas State Parks plans to allow a “soft opening” of the trail, giving visitors access before the official celebration.

Construction at the Yancopin Trailhead will continue through December.

The department is targeting March 2027 for a grand opening celebration, with March 11 and March 18 under consideration. Neither date has been finalized.

Rather than a single ribbon-cutting ceremony, organizers envision a weeklong celebration incorporating events in communities along the trail.

Drew Smith, founder and manager of Delta Magic, is assisting with planning in coordination with local community leaders.

The celebration is expected to recognize not only the completion of a major recreational corridor but also the communities that have supported the project over the years.

New Cabins and Camping at Yancopin

One of the most anticipated additions to the southern portion of the trail is the development of overnight accommodations at Yancopin.

Arkansas State Parks confirmed that the new facilities will be operated directly by the state park system rather than through a private concessionaire.

The accommodations currently include:

• Five camper cabins.
• Five primitive-style campsites with electrical and water hookups.
• A bathhouse serving overnight guests.

Although the campsites are described as primitive, they are large enough to accommodate campers. However, no dump station will be available.

The contractor expects to finish all visitor-facing accommodations by the end of 2026. An official opening date for overnight reservations has not yet been announced.

The new facilities could make Yancopin an important overnight destination for cyclists and other trail users interested in exploring the southern Delta.

The new facilities could make Yancopin an important overnight destination for cyclists and other trail users interested in exploring the southern Delta. For visitors planning multiday trips, the accommodations will provide another option for spending more time along the trail rather than traveling to nearby communities for lodging.

The Delta Heritage Trail also offers a small camping area at the Barton Trailhead, providing another overnight option for visitors exploring the northern portion of the trail. Together, these camping opportunities will make it easier for cyclists and bikepackers to plan extended adventures along the completed route.

More Improvements Planned Along the Trail

While the completion of the southern section represents the largest milestone, Arkansas State Parks is already preparing additional improvements throughout the trail system.

At the Lake View Trailhead, designs are complete for a small expansion that would include a restroom and drinking fountain. No construction schedule has been announced.

The department is also moving forward with a North End Improvements project intended to refresh and modernize several existing trailheads.

Planned improvements include parking lot upgrades, refreshed landscaping, painting of kiosks and gates, and new furnishings such as bicycle racks and lighting.

Another parkwide project will introduce consistent signage and branding across the entire Delta Heritage Trail State Park.

Because trail segments were constructed over many years, signs and visitor information currently reflect different periods of development. The new project will create a more unified visitor experience through updated wayfinding signs, points of interest and interpretive exhibits at trailhead stations.

Arkansas State Parks expects both projects to cause minimal disruptions to trail users.

No additional camping areas or new trailheads are currently planned beyond the projects already underway.

Guided E-Bike Tours and Expanded Programming

The completion of the trail is also creating opportunities for expanded recreational and educational programming.

Arkansas State Parks is preparing to introduce guided electric bicycle tours as part of its existing schedule of programs, workshops and events.

The tours are expected to launch soon, although specific dates and routes have not been announced.

The park is also working to hire a new park interpreter, a position that will help expand educational programming and introduce visitors to the natural and cultural history of the Arkansas Delta.

Visitors can monitor the Arkansas State Parks online events calendar for upcoming programs.

A Trail That Could Help Transform Delta Communities

Beyond recreation, the Delta Heritage Trail represents an economic development opportunity for communities along its route.

Legislation signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in 2023 and 2025 designated Delta Heritage Trail State Park as one of Arkansas’ four Natural State Opportunity Zone Parks.

The program provides tax incentives and credits for qualifying business development within one mile of designated state parks.

For communities along the Delta Heritage Trail, those incentives could encourage investment in bicycle services, lodging, restaurants, outfitters and other tourism-related businesses.

The opportunity is particularly significant in smaller Delta communities, where new visitor spending could support existing businesses and encourage additional development.

Information about the program is available through the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

Arkansas Graveler Offers a Preview of the Trail’s Potential

In October, participants in the Arkansas Graveler experienced portions of the southern Delta Heritage Trail during the multiday cycling event.

The ride offered cyclists an opportunity to explore the Arkansas Delta, including the stretch between Benzal Bridge and Arkansas City, before the trail’s official completion.

Arkansas State Parks reported enthusiastic feedback following the event.

According to the department, follow-up conversations with the Ozark Foundation, which organizes the Arkansas Graveler, indicated overwhelmingly positive reactions from participants, many of whom expressed interest in returning to ride the completed trail.

The experience provided an early glimpse of what the finished route could mean for bicycle tourism in the region.

Unlike many of Arkansas’ mountain biking destinations, the Delta Heritage Trail offers a relatively flat, accessible route through agricultural landscapes, wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests and historic Delta communities.

Its gentle grades and extended distances make it particularly attractive for recreational cyclists, bikepackers and visitors interested in experiencing a different side of Arkansas.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Arkansas State Parks Superintendent Heather Findley is expected to play a central role in promoting the completed trail.

According to the department, Findley has been actively involved with communities along the corridor and is developing plans to increase awareness and visitation once construction is finished.

The completion of the Delta Heritage Trail will represent more than the opening of another recreational facility.

It marks the culmination of a long-term effort to repurpose a former railroad corridor into a public resource connecting communities across the Arkansas Delta.

For cyclists, hikers, nature enthusiasts and history buffs, the finished trail promises a unique way to experience a region of Arkansas that is often overlooked by outdoor recreation travelers.

For the communities along its route, the hope is that the trail will become an economic engine, bringing new visitors and supporting businesses while preserving the landscape and heritage that make the Delta distinctive.

With the final construction work nearing completion, new overnight accommodations taking shape and a grand opening on the horizon, 2027 could be a defining year for the Delta Heritage Trail State Park.

Arkansas Outside will continue following the project’s progress and will provide updates as official opening dates, accommodation reservations and celebration details become available.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!

The post Delta Heritage Trail Nears Completion, Grand Opening Planned for March 2027 appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. , The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) has reached a significant conservation milestone, surpassing 10,000 acres of permanently protected land across Northwest Arkansas. The achievement comes with the addition of a 62-acre conservation easement in Washington County that helps connect two major areas of protected wildlife habitat.

The newly protected Patterson-Oulette property, located in the Winfrey Valley area near Winslow, features mature hardwood forests, towering sandstone bluffs, rock shelters, natural springs and a waterfall. The property is now permanently protected through a voluntary conservation easement, ensuring its natural character will be preserved for future generations.

The milestone represents years of collaboration between the nonprofit land trust, private landowners and conservation supporters working to protect the natural landscapes that define Northwest Arkansas.

“Reaching 10,000 acres protected is an extraordinary achievement, but what’s equally important is what this milestone represents,” said Marson Nance, CEO of Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. “It represents hundreds of landowners and supporters who have chosen to leave a lasting conservation legacy.”

Connecting the Ozark Landscape

While the addition of 62 acres might seem relatively small compared with the surrounding Ozark National Forest, the location of the Patterson-Oulette property makes it particularly valuable for conservation.

The property creates an important connection between the White Rock Management Area and the Ozark National Forest, helping maintain a continuous corridor of habitat for wildlife. It is also located near another NWALT-protected property along Frog Bayou.

These connections are increasingly important as development and land fragmentation place pressure on natural habitats throughout Northwest Arkansas. Maintaining forested corridors allows wildlife to move between larger protected areas while preserving the ecological health of the surrounding landscape.

The property includes sandstone bluff formations reaching heights of 65 feet, along with rock shelters, springs and a significant waterfall. In addition to providing wildlife habitat, these natural features contribute to the scenic character of the region.

For outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby public lands, protecting these landscapes also helps preserve the forested views and natural surroundings that make the Ozarks a destination for hiking, camping, mountain biking and other outdoor activities.

The conservation easement does not necessarily create new public recreational access, but it does provide permanent protection for a landscape connected to some of the region’s most important public lands.

A Personal Commitment to Conservation

For landowner Joanie Patterson, protecting the property is about more than preserving scenic beauty. It is about ensuring wildlife has a place to thrive.

“Love of nature is in my blood and bones. Birds especially are suffering greatly due to habitat loss, and I’m overjoyed that my 62 acres connects much larger parcels where birds and other wildlife can live undisturbed,” Patterson said.

Patterson and fellow landowner Donald Oulette worked with NWALT to establish the conservation easement, contributing to the organization’s growing network of permanently protected lands.

Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements that restrict certain types of development or land use to protect a property’s conservation values. The land typically remains privately owned, while the easement provides long-term protection regardless of future changes in ownership.

Such agreements can be particularly effective in areas where privately owned properties connect larger blocks of public land.

“We often talk about acreage, but conservation is really about protecting the places that define our region,” Nance said. “The Patterson-Oulette property is a perfect example. It protects wildlife habitat, preserves a beautiful Ozark landscape, and strengthens connections between some of Northwest Arkansas’s most important public lands.”

Protecting Natural Resources in a Growing Region

Northwest Arkansas continues to experience rapid population growth and development, increasing the importance of protecting forests, streams, wetlands and other natural resources.

Since its founding, NWALT has worked with private landowners and community partners to conserve properties that support wildlife habitat, water quality, agricultural lands and scenic landscapes.

Reaching 10,000 acres places the organization among a relatively small group of regional land trusts nationwide. According to NWALT, fewer than 20% of regionally focused land trusts reach that level of protected acreage.

For the outdoor recreation community, land conservation plays an important role in maintaining the natural resources that make Arkansas an attractive destination for outdoor adventures. Healthy forests, clean waterways and connected wildlife habitats are essential parts of the state’s outdoor identity.

Protecting land today also helps ensure that future generations will experience the same natural landscapes that draw people to the Ozarks.

The Next 10,000 Acres

Although reaching the 10,000-acre mark represents a major accomplishment, NWALT leaders say the work is far from finished.

“Ten thousand acres is not a finish line,” Nance said. “It’s a testament to what is possible when landowners, supporters, and communities work together. There are still important places to protect, and we’re committed to ensuring that future generations inherit the natural heritage that makes Northwest Arkansas special.”

The Patterson-Oulette conservation easement demonstrates how individual landowners can contribute to larger regional conservation goals. By protecting a relatively small but strategically located property, the agreement strengthens connections between existing protected lands while preserving a distinctive piece of the Ozark landscape.

As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, partnerships between private landowners and conservation organizations will remain an important tool for balancing development with protection of the region’s natural heritage.

For the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust, 10,000 acres is both a milestone worth celebrating and a foundation for the conservation work still ahead.

About Northwest Arkansas Land Trust

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting the natural heritage of Northwest Arkansas through voluntary land conservation. The organization works with landowners and community partners to preserve wildlife habitat, water quality, agricultural lands, scenic landscapes and other important natural resources.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Northwest Arkansas Land Trust Surpasses 10,000 Acres of Permanently Protected Land appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

I like beer. More specifically, I like good local beer. And when that beer happens to have the Arkansas Outside name on it, well, that’s even better.

Tonight, Friday, Oct. 30, Arkansas Outside Amber returns to the taps at Moody Brews in Little Rock’s Pettaway neighborhood during the brewery’s free Friday Night Jazz. From 6 to 9 p.m., we’ll have live music, good food, great company and a beer with a history that goes back to 2013.

If you’ve been following Arkansas Outside for a while, you might remember how this whole thing started. If not, pull up a chair. It’s a pretty good story.

It All Started With a Facebook Post

Back in August 2013, during one of those Arkansas summers when the only reasonable outdoor activity seemed to be floating in water with a cold beer in hand, I had an idea.

I posted a simple question on the Arkansas Outside Facebook page: “Wouldn’t it be great if there was such a thing as Arkansas Outside Amber?”

I didn’t really expect anything to come of it. But sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them.

My friend Liz Philpot, who was with Keep Arkansas Beautiful at the time, saw the post and decided to do something about it. Without telling me, she contacted a friend of hers named Josiah Moody, who was brewing beer at Vino’s Pizza and Pub in Little Rock.

Josiah was interested. In fact, he was excited about making his first amber beer and thought he could have it ready for the October beer festivals.

Suddenly, my random Facebook thought was becoming an actual beer.

As the release approached, Josiah asked about a label. I reached out to Arkansas Outside contributor and talented artist Aly Signorelli, who created a beautiful hand-drawn design that captured the spirit of Arkansas Outside. She even hid little outdoor-related images among the leaves.

The beer made its public debut at Little Rocktoberfest in October 2013 at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock.

I remember arriving at the festival, finding the Vino’s booth and refusing to sample anything else until I’d tasted Arkansas Outside Amber.

Josiah filled my glass, and I finally got my first taste.

It was worth the wait.

Josiah described the beer this way:

“The initial few sips suggest a smooth, floral hoppiness, followed by a caramel, malt taste balancing out the hops. A perfect follow up to any outdoor activity in The Natural State.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

The beer was inspired by our Arkansas Outside motto: “If you’re not dirty and sweaty, you’re not playing hard enough.”

We eventually celebrated with a party at Vino’s, inviting Arkansas Outside readers, writers and friends to enjoy the new brew. It was one of those evenings that reminded me why I started Arkansas Outside in the first place. It’s all about the community.

A Beer That Followed Its Brewer

Over the next several years, Arkansas Outside Amber went on a bit of an adventure of its own.

Josiah left Vino’s and took the recipe with him to Damgoode Pies in Little Rock’s River Market. Not long afterward, I noticed a beer on the menu called Arkansas Amber.

I ordered one and immediately recognized the taste.

I messaged Josiah to tell him how much it reminded me of Arkansas Outside Amber.

His response? “It should.”

That’s Josiah. A man of few words who lets his beer do most of the talking.

Later, Josiah moved to Bike Rack Brewing in Bentonville, where he introduced a beer called Epic Trail Amber. Once again, I recognized that familiar flavor. Over time, it changed a little, possibly because of the larger production batches, but the connection was unmistakable.

My favorite amber had traveled across the state, changing names along the way, but never completely disappearing.

Bringing Arkansas Outside Amber Home

A few years ago, I learned that Josiah was planning to open his own brewery in Little Rock’s Pettaway neighborhood.

Naturally, I was excited. Not just because Little Rock was getting another local brewery, but because I knew exactly what I wanted to ask him.

I gave him some time to get things moving before finally sending the question.

“Will the AO Amber make a comeback?”

“Sure.”

Again, a man of few words.

After dealing with construction, permits and all the other challenges that come with opening a brewery, Josiah and his wife, Katchiri, opened Moody Brews in 2024.

On June 6 of that year, we celebrated the official return of Arkansas Outside Amber with a release party at the new brewery.

It was good to have the beer back in Little Rock, brewed by the same person who created it more than a decade earlier.

And now, in October 2026, we’re doing it again.

Friday Night Jazz and Arkansas Outside Amber

If you haven’t experienced Friday Night Jazz at Moody Brews, this would be an excellent time to give it a try.

The brewery has turned Friday evenings into something of a neighborhood block party at Pettaway Square. It’s casual, welcoming and free.

This Friday, Dave Williams on saxophone and Trey Williams on bass will join jazz guitarist Steve Huddleston for an evening of live music.

As the night progresses, other talented jazz musicians often wander in with their instruments and join the fun. By the final hour, the music can turn into a full-blown jam session.

It’s a great atmosphere for enjoying a beer, visiting with friends and winding down after a busy week.

Moody Brews will also have its regular menu of sandwiches, flatbreads and salads, along with its award-winning small-batch beers, ciders, sodas and cocktails.

And, of course, Arkansas Outside Amber will be back on tap.

Here’s to the Arkansas Outdoor Community

When I started Arkansas Outside in 2011, my goal was to share the stories of the people, places and events that make outdoor recreation in Arkansas special.

Over the years, I’ve met countless people through mountain biking, trail running, hiking, paddling, climbing and just about every other outdoor pursuit you can imagine.

Some of those friendships have been made on trails, some at races and events, and more than a few over a cold beer afterward.

Arkansas Outside Amber has always represented that side of our outdoor community to me.

What began as a silly thought on a hot August afternoon became a beer that followed its brewer from Little Rock to Bentonville and eventually back home. Along the way, it brought together friends, artists, brewers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Thirteen years later, I’m still grateful to Liz Philpot for making that first connection, Aly Signorelli for creating the original artwork, and especially Josiah Moody for taking a random idea and turning it into something I can actually drink.

I hope you’ll join us Friday evening at Moody Brews. Come enjoy some jazz, visit with old friends, make a few new ones and raise a glass to the Arkansas outdoor community. If you can’t make it tonight, AO Amber will be on tap until the current batch runs out. Visit soon.

After all, there’s nothing quite like a good local beer after a day of playing outside.

And you don’t even have to get dirty and sweaty to enjoy this one.

Event Details: Arkansas Outside Amber Release and Friday Night Jazz

Date: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Moody Brews, 414 E. 21st St., Little Rock, Arkansas

Music: Dave Williams, Trey Williams and Steve Huddleston, with additional jazz musicians expected to join

Admission: Free

Food and drinks: Arkansas Outside Amber, other craft beers, cider, cocktails, sodas, sandwiches, flatbreads and salads

More information: Moody Brews

See you Friday. I’ll be the one drinking the amber. I’ll also be handing out Arkansas Outside stickers.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Arkansas Outside Amber Returns to Moody Brews for a Night of Free Jazz appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

A proposed National Park Service rule could make it easier to expand bicycle access in national parks, potentially opening new mountain biking opportunities in Arkansas.

The National Park Service announced the proposal Sept. 1, 2026, seeking to simplify regulations governing traditional bicycles and electric bicycles on park roads and trails. The changes would give park superintendents greater flexibility to authorize bicycle use while reducing administrative requirements.

For Arkansas, the proposal could affect Hot Springs National Park and Buffalo National River, two popular destinations where bicycle access is currently limited.

The proposal would not automatically open hiking trails to bicycles. Instead, it would streamline the approval process for trails where cycling is considered appropriate.

Public comments are being accepted through Nov. 2, 2026.

What Would Change for Bicycles in National Parks?

Current National Park Service regulations require extensive planning and review before certain trails can be opened to bicycles. Depending on the project, the process can involve environmental assessments, public comment periods and formal rulemaking.

The proposed revisions to 36 CFR 4.30 would reduce some of these bicycle-specific requirements.

Key changes include:

• Simplified trail approvals: Park superintendents could authorize bicycle use on certain existing trails without automatically requiring a separate environmental assessment.
• Reduced administrative requirements: Some mandatory planning documents, written determinations and public notification procedures would be eliminated.
• Expanded e-bike access: Electric bicycles would generally be permitted on park roads and parking areas open to motor vehicles without separate authorization.
• Greater local control: Park superintendents would retain authority to restrict bicycle use to protect visitors, wildlife and natural resources.
• Continued environmental protections: Federal environmental laws would remain in effect, and some trail designations would still require formal rulemaking.

Bicycles would remain prohibited in federally designated wilderness areas.

Mountain Biking Advocates Support the Proposal

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) supports reducing regulatory barriers to responsible bicycle access in national parks.

The organization argues that the existing approval process can make even short trail connections expensive and time-consuming. A relatively small section of trail crossing National Park Service property can sometimes provide a critical connection between larger trail networks.

However, IMBA recommends maintaining sustainable trail design standards and allowing park managers to establish appropriate restrictions on electric bicycles.

The organization supports limiting shared-use recreational trails to Class 1 e-bikes, which provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph.

IMBA emphasizes that the goal is not to open every national park trail to mountain biking, but to make appropriate bicycle connections easier to establish.

How Could the Proposal Affect Hot Springs National Park?

Hot Springs is already one of Arkansas’ leading mountain biking destinations, thanks to the Northwoods Trails and Cedar Glades trail systems.

However, bicycle access within Hot Springs National Park remains limited.

Cyclists can ride paved park roads, including routes over North Mountain and West Mountain. The Pullman Trail is the park’s designated bicycle-accessible trail, while most of the park’s approximately 26 miles of hiking trails remain closed to bicycles.

The Pullman Trail Connection

In 2019, the National Park Service authorized bicycle access on the approximately 0.65-mile Pullman Avenue Trail Connection, linking the national park with the Northwoods trail network.

Despite its short distance, the project required an environmental assessment, public comments, a written determination and federal rulemaking.

The proposed regulations could simplify approval of similar connections in the future.

For Hot Springs, this could mean opportunities to improve bicycle connections between neighborhoods, existing mountain biking trails and national park facilities.

However, many park trails feature steep grades, narrow corridors, historic features and significant pedestrian traffic. Any expanded bicycle access would need to consider trail safety, erosion and preservation of the park’s historic character.

The most immediate benefit for Hot Springs may be improved trail connectivity rather than opening the entire hiking trail system to mountain bikes.

Could Mountain Biking Return to the Discussion at Buffalo National River?

Buffalo National River presents another potential opportunity, particularly because park officials previously considered allowing mountain bikes on existing trails.

Currently, bicycles are prohibited on the park’s hiking trails, although certain administrative roads are open to bicycles and permitted e-bikes.

The 2018 Tyler Bend Mountain Biking Proposal

In 2018, the National Park Service evaluated opening selected trails in the Tyler Bend area to mountain biking.

The proposal sought to improve trail sustainability, expand recreational opportunities and make better use of existing facilities.

However, public comments raised concerns about conflicts between hikers and cyclists, erosion, wildlife disturbance and the loss of quiet hiking experiences.

Of the 73 comments received, many opposed expanding bicycle access.

The Buffalo River Trail and Ozark Highlands Trail were particularly controversial. Park officials determined that excluding those routes would make the remaining proposed mountain biking connections less practical.

Ultimately, the selected alternative did not authorize mountain biking on the Tyler Bend hiking trails.

Could the New Regulations Change That?

The proposed National Park Service rule could make it easier to reconsider bicycle access on appropriate existing trails or develop connections between park roads, campgrounds and recreational facilities.

However, the changes would not automatically reverse the previous Tyler Bend decision.

Public acceptance, environmental protection and visitor safety would remain important considerations.

For Buffalo National River, smaller bicycle connections or carefully selected shared-use routes may offer more practical opportunities than opening extensive sections of existing hiking trails.

Federally designated wilderness areas within the park would remain closed to bicycles.

Pros and Cons of Expanded Bicycle Access in National Parks

The proposal has potential benefits for cyclists and surrounding communities, but it also raises legitimate concerns about protecting national park resources.

Potential Benefits

• More recreation opportunities: Expanded access could provide additional mountain biking and family cycling experiences.
• Better trail connectivity: Short connections could link existing bicycle routes and nearby communities.
• Reduced administrative costs: Simplified approvals could allow more resources to be directed toward trail maintenance and visitor services.
• Economic benefits: Bicycle tourism could generate additional spending at local businesses, particularly in communities such as Hot Springs.
• Alternative transportation: Better bicycle connections could reduce dependence on automobiles for some park visits.

Potential Concerns

• Trail-user conflicts: Bicycles and hikers sharing narrow trails could create safety issues.
• Environmental impacts: Increased trail use could contribute to erosion, vegetation damage and wildlife disturbance.
• Reduced public involvement: Eliminating certain public notification requirements could limit opportunities for community input.
• Maintenance expenses: Expanded bicycle access could require additional trail improvements, signage and enforcement.
• E-bike management: Different e-bike classes could create challenges involving speed, trail compatibility and enforcement.

The suitability of bicycle access would depend on individual trail conditions and park management objectives.

Environmental Reviews Would Still Apply

Although the proposal would reduce bicycle-specific administrative requirements, it would not eliminate federal environmental protections.

Projects with significant potential environmental impacts could still require environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.

Formal rulemaking would also remain necessary for certain trail designations, particularly in locations that have not previously been improved with artificial or processed materials.

This distinction is important for Arkansas, where many national park trails are natural-surface routes through sensitive landscapes.

The proposal would also preserve the prohibition on bicycles within federally designated wilderness areas.

How to Comment on the Proposed National Park Service Bicycle Rule

The National Park Service is accepting public comments through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Nov. 2, 2026.

Comments can be submitted at Regulations.gov by searching for Regulatory Identification Number 1024-AE97.

Arkansas cyclists, hikers and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts can provide feedback on potential trail connections, environmental protections, public involvement and appropriate bicycle access.

Comments addressing specific opportunities or concerns at Hot Springs National Park and Buffalo National River may be particularly useful.

What Happens Next for Bicycle Access in Arkansas?

Arkansas has demonstrated the recreational and economic value of mountain biking through trail development in Hot Springs, Northwest Arkansas and other parts of the state.

However, national parks have a distinct responsibility to protect natural landscapes, cultural resources and visitor experiences.

The proposed National Park Service rule could provide a more practical process for evaluating bicycle access without automatically opening existing hiking trails.

At Hot Springs National Park, improved connections to surrounding mountain biking networks may offer the greatest immediate opportunities. At Buffalo National River, the proposal could encourage renewed discussions about appropriate bicycle routes while addressing concerns raised during previous planning efforts.

The question is not whether every national park trail should be open to bicycles, but whether park managers should have greater flexibility to allow cycling where it makes sense.

For Arkansas, the answer could shape future mountain biking opportunities at two of the state’s most recognizable national park destinations.

Editor’s note: The proposed regulations have not been finalized. Existing bicycle restrictions at Hot Springs National Park and Buffalo National River remain in effect.

The post Proposed National Park Service Rule Could Expand Bicycle Access in Arkansas appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Arkansas is known for its incredible outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking the Ozark Highlands Trail and paddling the Buffalo National River to exploring the swamps of the Delta. But while most outdoor enthusiasts worry about ticks, poison ivy, snakes and the occasional bear, there may be something else lurking in the Natural State.

Something mysterious. Something hairy. Something that probably smells worse than your mountain bike shoes after a muddy ride.

We’re talking about cryptids, creatures whose existence is claimed in folklore and eyewitness accounts but remains unconfirmed by science.

Arkansas has a surprisingly impressive collection of these legendary beasts. Some have terrified generations of residents, others have inspired movies, and at least one has probably been used to embarrass unsuspecting campers.

In celebration of Halloween, Arkansas Outside presents seven of Arkansas’ most notorious cryptids. Whether you’re hiking, camping, paddling or just trying to make it back to the trailhead before dark, keep your eyes open.

And remember, if you see one, take a picture. Preferably something better than the usual blurry photograph of a tree stump.

The Ozark Howler: The Sound of Something You Don’t Want to Meet

Deep in the Ozark Mountains, where the forest grows thick and the nearest cellphone signal is three ridges away, legend tells of a creature known as the Ozark Howler.

Descriptions vary, but most agree that the beast resembles a large, shaggy black cat or wolf, sometimes sporting horns and glowing red eyes. Its most distinctive feature, however, is its terrifying howl, described as a combination of a wolf, an elk and a person screaming.

In other words, the exact sound you want to hear while camping alone.

Stories of the Howler have circulated throughout the Ozarks, although its origins are difficult to pin down. Some accounts connect the creature to older regional folklore, while others appear to be modern additions to the legend.

Skeptics suggest the mysterious calls could come from ordinary wildlife, including bobcats, coyotes or other animals whose nighttime vocalizations can be surprisingly unsettling.

Of course, that’s exactly what the Howler would want you to believe.

Outdoor survival tip: If you hear a bloodcurdling scream while camping in the Ozarks, remain calm. It’s probably a bobcat. If the bobcat has horns and glowing red eyes, reconsider your campsite selection.

The White River Monster: Arkansas’ Answer to the Loch Ness Monster

Forget Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster. Arkansas has its own aquatic celebrity, and ours has a wildlife refuge.

The White River Monster, affectionately known as “Whitey,” is said to inhabit the waters near Newport in Jackson County.

Reports of a strange creature in the White River date back to the early 20th century, with the legend gaining national attention in 1937 and again during the 1970s.

Witnesses have described a massive aquatic animal with gray skin, a broad back and an unusual appearance. Some accounts suggest the creature was as large as a railroad boxcar, which raises serious questions about what people were drinking along the river.

In 1973, the Arkansas General Assembly established the White River Monster Refuge near Newport, making it unlawful to molest, kill, trample or harm the creature within the designated area.

That’s right. Arkansas gave legal protection to a monster that nobody has conclusively proven exists.

Some researchers have suggested that sightings may have involved a large fish, an elephant seal or another unusual aquatic visitor.

We prefer to think Whitey is simply an Arkansas native who values privacy.

Outdoor survival tip: When paddling the White River, watch for submerged logs, changing currents and unusually large objects that appear to be breathing. If you spot Whitey, maintain a respectful distance. He’s practically a protected celebrity.

The Arkansas Gowrow: The Original Ozark Nightmare

Long before Bigfoot became a household name, Arkansas had the Gowrow.

The creature gained attention in an 1897 newspaper account describing a terrifying beast reportedly discovered in the Ozarks.

According to the tale, the Gowrow was a monstrous animal with enormous tusks, horns, a powerful tail and a body resembling a bizarre combination of prehistoric reptile and angry livestock.

The beast supposedly took its name from the distinctive “gow-row” sound it made.

The original story claimed that a hunting party tracked and killed the creature after it terrorized local residents and livestock. Like many sensational newspaper stories of the era, however, the account was almost certainly a tall tale rather than a legitimate zoological discovery.

No verified Gowrow skeleton has ever surfaced, and modern scientists have stubbornly refused to add the creature to Arkansas’ official wildlife inventory.

Still, the Gowrow remains one of the state’s more entertaining contributions to American monster folklore.

Outdoor survival tip: If you encounter an animal with tusks, horns, claws and a massive tail, don’t waste time identifying it with your wildlife app. Just leave. Quickly.

The Boggy Creek Monster: The Fouke Monster That Became a Movie Star

Perhaps Arkansas’ most famous cryptid, the Boggy Creek Monster, also known as the Fouke Monster, supposedly roams the swamps and bottomland forests near Fouke in southwest Arkansas.

Described as a large, hairy, humanlike creature, the monster became nationally famous following reported encounters around Fouke in the early 1970s.

The legend received an enormous publicity boost with the release of the 1972 film The Legend of Boggy Creek, directed by Arkansas filmmaker Charles B. Pierce.

The low-budget movie combined dramatized encounters with a documentary-style presentation, creating one of the most memorable regional monster films in American cinema.

It also helped establish an important rule of horror filmmaking: Never investigate a strange noise outside your cabin while wearing pajamas.

Reports of the creature have continued over the years, although no convincing scientific evidence has established the existence of a large, unknown primate in Arkansas.

Still, the Fouke Monster has become part of the state’s cultural identity, attracting curious visitors and cryptid enthusiasts to southwest Arkansas.

Outdoor survival tip: If you hear something enormous moving through the swamp, don’t automatically assume it’s Bigfoot. It could be a feral hog. Frankly, that might be worse.

The Sidehill Gouger: Evolution Took a Wrong Turn

The Sidehill Gouger may be the most perfectly adapted creature ever invented by an Ozark storyteller.

According to regional tall tales, this peculiar animal has legs that are shorter on one side of its body than the other, allowing it to walk comfortably along steep mountain slopes.

Unfortunately, there’s a catch.

Because of its uneven legs, the Gouger can travel around a mountain in only one direction. Attempting to turn around would leave it hopelessly unbalanced, which seems like a serious evolutionary design flaw.

Similar creatures appear in logging camp folklore throughout North America, where they are often called Sidehill Gougers or Sidehill Dodgers. The Ozark version fits perfectly into a landscape filled with steep hillsides and people willing to tell an outrageous story with a straight face.

The creature’s unusual anatomy also raises several questions. How does it cross a valley? What happens when it reaches a road? And how does it find a mate traveling in the opposite direction?

Perhaps some mysteries are best left unanswered.

Outdoor survival tip: If you spot a Sidehill Gouger while hiking a steep Ozark trail, simply turn around and walk the other way. It probably can’t follow you. Just don’t ask it to demonstrate a switchback.

The Snawfus: The Most Beautiful Creature That Might Kill You

Not every Arkansas cryptid looks like something that crawled out of a swamp.

The Snawfus is described as a magnificent white deer, larger than an ordinary whitetail, with flowering dogwood or plum branches growing from its head instead of antlers.

If that sounds magical, wait until you hear the rest.

According to Ozark folklore recorded by folklorist Vance Randolph, the Snawfus can leap into trees, fly through the forest and exhale blue smoke. That smoke supposedly accounts for the blue haze that sometimes hangs over the Ozark Mountains.

Apparently, atmospheric science has been wasting everyone’s time.

The Snawfus also carries a more sinister reputation. Some traditional stories suggest that encountering the creature is an omen of impending death.

So, while it might look like the perfect subject for your next Instagram post, you may want to reconsider approaching it for a selfie.

One particularly entertaining origin story involves a hunter who ran out of bullets and loaded his rifle with plum pits. After shooting a white deer in the head, the animal escaped and later developed plum trees where its antlers should have been.

This is why ammunition manufacturers generally recommend using actual ammunition.

The Snawfus remains one of the Ozarks’ most distinctive legendary animals, combining the region’s natural beauty with its longstanding tradition of imaginative storytelling.

Outdoor survival tip: If you encounter a glowing white deer with flowering trees growing from its head, admire it from a distance. And if it starts breathing blue smoke, consider heading back to the trailhead. Your Instagram followers will understand.

The Arkansas Snipe: The Most Elusive Creature in the Woods

Of all the creatures on this list, the Arkansas Snipe may be the most frequently hunted and least frequently captured.

Unlike the other cryptids, snipes are real birds. Members of the sandpiper family, they inhabit wetlands and marshy areas, and their elusive behavior makes them challenging targets for birdwatchers and hunters.

But the Arkansas Snipe of campfire legend is something entirely different.

For generations, experienced campers, scout leaders and mischievous relatives have introduced newcomers to the time-honored tradition of snipe hunting.

The process usually involves taking an unsuspecting victim into the woods after dark, handing them a burlap sack and instructing them to wait quietly while the rest of the group drives the mysterious creatures toward them.

The more elaborate versions include special calls, unusual bait and detailed instructions about how to hold the sack.

Naturally, the experienced hunters eventually disappear, leaving the novice alone in the woods wondering why everyone else is laughing.

The Arkansas Snipe is especially dangerous because it can cause severe embarrassment, a lifelong distrust of camping companions and an unreasonable reluctance to hold burlap sacks.

No other cryptid on this list has such a consistent record of successfully capturing humans.

Outdoor survival tip: If someone invites you on a midnight snipe hunt and hands you a sack, congratulations. You are the entertainment. Bring a flashlight, a sense of humor and perhaps a better group of friends.

Are Arkansas Cryptids Real?

From the swamps of southwest Arkansas to the rugged mountains of the Ozarks, these legendary creatures are part of the Natural State’s storytelling tradition.

Some, like the Fouke Monster and White River Monster, have documented histories of reported sightings. Others, including the Gowrow, Snawfus and Sidehill Gouger, belong to a colorful tradition of tall tales, newspaper hoaxes and campfire folklore. The Arkansas Snipe, meanwhile, continues its proud tradition of making fools out of inexperienced campers.

There is no credible scientific evidence that any of Arkansas’ supposed mystery monsters represent an undiscovered species. But perhaps proving their existence isn’t really the point.

These stories add a little mystery to the places we already love exploring. They remind us of a time when the woods seemed larger, the nights seemed darker and every unexplained noise had the potential to become a legendary monster.

And Arkansas has plenty of real wildlife capable of producing strange sounds, unexpected encounters and the occasional reason to move quickly in the opposite direction.

So this Halloween, get outside. Take a hike through the Ozarks. Paddle a quiet river. Spend a night camping beneath the stars.

Just remember to pack the Ten Essentials, tell someone where you’re going and keep your camera ready.

Because somewhere out there, deep in an Arkansas forest, a creature may be watching you.

Or it might just be a raccoon.

Happy Halloween from Arkansas Outside. Stay spooky, stay safe and whatever you do, don’t volunteer to hold the snipe sack.

The post Arkansas Cryptids: Seven Creatures You Probably Don’t Want to Meet on the Trail appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

There are plenty of ways to run a mile. You can chase a personal record, train for a longer race or head out for a little exercise. Or, you can drink four beers while doing it.

That last option brought runners, beer enthusiasts and curious spectators to the Argenta District of North Little Rock on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the inaugural Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile.

The concept was simple: Drink a beer, run a quarter-mile, repeat three more times. The execution? Well, that’s where things got interesting.

With the rallying cry of “Turn Left, Drink Beer,” competitors took to the streets of Argenta for an afternoon that combined athletic ambition, questionable pacing strategies and plenty of laughter.

The event attracted 125 registered participants, with 108 recording official finishing times. Runners, cyclists, rugby players and other adventurous souls joined the festivities, proving that there are plenty of people willing to combine running and beer drinking for the sake of competition.

And while bragging rights were on the line, the event also supported a worthy cause, Recycle Bikes for Kids, a North Little Rock nonprofit dedicated to putting bicycles into the hands of children and adults across Central Arkansas.

From Dogtown Beer Down to State Championship

The beer mile isn’t exactly new to North Little Rock. The event has been part of the Argenta scene for several years, previously known as the Dogtown Beer Down and Argenta Beer Mile.

The 2025 edition was billed as the fifth annual Argenta Beer Mile, but 2026 brought something a little more official: the inaugural Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile.

That’s right. Arkansas now has state champions in an event that requires participants to demonstrate both running ability and the capacity to consume 48 ounces of beer while doing it.

Race director Jeff Chastain and the organizers introduced the championship format while keeping the lighthearted atmosphere that has made the event popular with runners and spectators.

Organizers also have bigger plans for the event, including the possibility of regional qualifying races around Arkansas that could eventually feed into the state championship.

Imagine a future in which runners across Arkansas battle through local beer miles for the chance to compete in Argenta. The road to glory could be paved with empty beer cans.

Four Beers, Four Laps, One Question: Why?

For those unfamiliar with the beer mile, here’s how it works.

Competitors begin by drinking a 12-ounce beer in a designated transition area. Once the beer is finished, they head out for a quarter-mile lap. Upon returning, they drink another beer before heading out again.

Repeat until four beers and four laps are complete.

Sounds easy enough, right?

The trick is that drinking beer quickly and running quickly are two very different athletic skills. Combining them creates a unique challenge involving pacing, coordination and an increasingly complicated relationship with your stomach.

And there are rules. You must finish each beer before starting the next lap.

Four Beers Courtesy of Flyway Brewing

This wasn’t a bring-your-own-beer affair. North Little Rock’s Flyway Brewing supplied the official four-beer lineup for the championship.

Participants were required to consume one of each of the following beers during their mile:

• Honeybird Blonde Ale
• Bluewing
• Early Bird IPA
• Flyway Light

That’s four different beers, four laps and one increasingly interesting afternoon.

The event featured three competitive categories, each with men’s and women’s divisions:

• Elite: The serious competitors. Twelve minutes to complete the challenge, with state championship titles on the line.
• Recreational: Twenty minutes to complete the mile. Still competitive, but with a little more breathing room.
• Casual: Thirty minutes to get the job done. A category for those who might be more interested in the experience than setting a record.

Naturally, all participants had to be at least 21 years old.

The racing took place on a closed course in downtown North Little Rock. Unlike a traditional road race, much of the entertainment happened between laps.

And the Winners Are …

Some people take their beer seriously. Others take their running seriously. At the Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile, the fastest competitors apparently take both seriously. (All results are available here.)

King Wins Men’s Championship in a Photo Finish

Derek King claimed the Elite Men’s state championship in an impressive 6 minutes, 59.67 seconds.

That’s four beers and one mile in less than seven minutes.

But King didn’t have much room to celebrate early. Shane Poland finished in 7:00.10, just 0.43 seconds behind.

Less than half a second separated the two competitors after a mile of running and four beers. That’s the kind of finish that makes you wonder whether a slightly faster final sip might have changed the outcome.

James Strohmeyer completed the Elite Men’s podium in 7:25.86.

Frankum Claims Women’s State Championship

Madison Frankum earned the inaugural Elite Women’s state championship with an official championship time of 8:26.51.

Amy Huston finished second in 9:50.39, followed by Rebecca Blaylock in 10:29.37.

Frankum’s performance was particularly impressive, finishing more than a minute ahead of the second-place competitor.

The Elite division featured competitors racing in separate heats, meaning championship hopefuls were racing against the clock as well as the competitors sharing their starting line.

Championship Trophies With a Twist

The inaugural state champions didn’t receive just any old trophies.

King and Frankum were awarded custom championship trophies featuring actual chrome beer taps mounted on commemorative bases.

That’s a trophy worthy of a prominent place on the mantel, or perhaps behind the home bar.

The Fastest Chugger in Arkansas?

While the overall championship times determined the state champions, organizers also recognized some remarkable individual performances.

Thanks to electronic timing that recorded both drinking and running splits, the competition revealed who was fastest at each part of the beer mile.

And some of those numbers are impressive.

Kaleb Kovitch: King of the Chug

Kaleb Kovitch earned two special awards for his beer-drinking performance.

Kovitch recorded the fastest single beer time of the entire event at just 4.66 seconds.

Yes, 4.66 seconds to finish a 12-ounce beer.

He also recorded the fastest cumulative drinking time, consuming all four beers in a combined 1 minute, 1.52 seconds.

While most runners spend months working on their mile times, Kovitch demonstrated that there’s another way to shave valuable seconds off a beer mile.

Kenneth Broyles: Fastest Feet on the Course

Not to be outdone, Kenneth Broyles demonstrated that the running portion of the beer mile still matters.

Broyles recorded the fastest individual quarter-mile running segment of the event at 1:08.21.

He also posted the fastest cumulative running time, completing all four running segments in 4:55.46.

That made him the only participant to complete the running portion of the competition in less than five minutes.

His cumulative running performance wasn’t a separate award category, but it was one of the afternoon’s most impressive athletic achievements.

Special on-track awards were supported by Gearhead Outfitters, which provided gift cards recognizing exceptional performances and memorable moments throughout the competition.

Official 2026 Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile Results

The event featured six divisions, with three competitive categories for men and women. The following are the top three finishers in each division.

All times include the beer-drinking and running portions of the event. The women’s championship time reflects the updated figure reported in the organizers’ Oct. 26 news release.

Elite Men

Elite Women

Recreational Men

Recreational Women

Casual Men

Casual Women

The Recreational Men’s division delivered another close contest, with Sam York winning in 8:21.91, just 3.33 seconds ahead of Lance Lawhon.

In the Recreational Women’s division, Bethany Mooney took the top spot in 10:25.45.

Brad Luyt won the Casual Men’s division in 9:04.02, while Meagan Tapia captured the Casual Women’s division with a 9:23.69.

Tapia’s time was faster than the second-place Elite Women’s finish, making it another standout performance among the division leaders.

Drinking Beer, Running Miles and Giving Bikes Away

As entertaining as watching people attempt to run a mile while consuming four beers might be, the event also had a purpose beyond creating memorable race stories.

This year’s charitable beneficiary was Recycle Bikes for Kids, a North Little Rock-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been putting people on bicycles in Central Arkansas since 2008.

The nonprofit began when founder Ron King set out to refurbish 100 bicycles for children at Christmas. What started as a relatively modest project grew into an organization that has distributed more than 25,000 bicycles.

That’s a lot of kids discovering the freedom of two wheels.

The concept is simple. People donate bicycles they no longer need. Volunteers repair and refurbish them. Then the bikes find new homes with children and adults who can put them to good use.

For children, receiving a bicycle can mean independence, adventure and the chance to explore their neighborhoods with friends.

For adults, a bicycle can be much more than recreation. It can provide transportation to work, school, shopping and other everyday destinations.

The organization also operates an Earn-a-Bike program, allowing adults and older teenagers to volunteer their time in exchange for a refurbished bicycle.

Along the way, participants can learn basic bicycle maintenance skills while helping prepare more bikes for the next recipients.

The championship brought together runners, cyclists, rugby players, local businesses, volunteers and spectators in support of the organization.

Got an Old Bike? They Want It.

If the beer mile has inspired you to contribute to the community, there’s an easy way to help, and it doesn’t require drinking anything.

Recycle Bikes for Kids operates from its workshop at 717 E. 10th St. in North Little Rock, not far from the Argenta District.

The organization accepts donated bicycles, including bikes that need repairs. Even bicycles that are beyond saving can provide parts to get others rolling again.

Volunteers are also welcome, and you don’t have to know the difference between a derailleur and a disc brake to help.

There are opportunities to organize the workshop, assist visitors, prepare bikes for distribution and help with community events.

Financial contributions also help keep the operation moving.

For an organization built around the simple joy of riding a bicycle, every donated bike and volunteer hour can make a difference.

Same Time Next Year? We’ll Drink to That.

The Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile has all the ingredients of an event that could become an Argenta tradition: a lively downtown setting, competitive racing, enthusiastic participants and a healthy willingness to laugh at yourself.

Well, perhaps “healthy” isn’t the best word for a race involving four beers.

Still, events like this remind us that outdoor recreation doesn’t always have to be about training plans, personal records or expensive equipment.

Sometimes it’s about getting together with friends, doing something a little ridiculous and supporting a good cause in the process.

Organizers have confirmed plans to continue the Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile as an annual event, with information about the next championship expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

For now, Arkansas has crowned its inaugural beer mile champions, Recycle Bikes for Kids has gained additional community support, and Argenta has hosted another memorable afternoon.

As for the competitors, they can proudly say they completed a mile while drinking four beers.

The rest of us can simply raise a glass to their accomplishment.

Turn left. Drink beer. Repeat.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Turn Left, Drink Beer! Arkansas State Championship Beer Mile Takes Over Argenta appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Central Arkansas has a major new addition to its growing trail network with the opening of 13.5 miles of natural-surface trails connecting Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area and Blue Mountain along the southern shoreline of Lake Maumelle.

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Central Arkansas Water announced the milestone as part of the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area project, a long-term effort to connect outdoor recreation destinations while protecting the region’s natural resources.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined state officials, conservation partners and representatives from Central Arkansas Water at Pinnacle Mountain State Park to celebrate the trail openings. The announcement also included two new concessionaires that will provide food services and educational programming at the park.

The trail opening follows several years of planning and construction and represents a significant step toward creating more than 50 miles of connected hiking and mountain biking trails west of Little Rock.

Southlake Trail Connects Three Popular Outdoor Destinations

The centerpiece of the expansion is the 9.8-mile South Lake Trail, which stretches from WestRock Landing Marina to the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center.

The trail follows the southern shoreline of Lake Maumelle, passing through hardwood and pine forests, rolling hills and rugged terrain. Three additional spur trails connect the lakeshore route with existing trails at Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain.

The section listed as under construction on the map below is now complete.

Together, the new routes provide 13.5 miles of additional trails and create opportunities for longer rides and hikes between previously separate recreation areas.

The expanded system connects with the Monument Trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, the Rattlesnake Ridge trail network and the Blue Mountain Trails.

In July, Arkansas Outside spoke with Mitchell Allen of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation about the approaching completion of the Southlake Trail System. At the time, approximately 1.5 miles of trail construction remained, and officials were targeting the October opening.

The latest announcement marks the completion of that phase of the project.

Designed for Cross-Country Riding and Exploration

Unlike gravity-focused mountain bike parks built around steep descents and technical jumps, the Southlake Trail System emphasizes traditional cross-country riding with modern trail construction techniques.

The trails follow the natural contours of the landscape, creating long stretches of rolling singletrack with gradual climbs, flowing descents and relatively few switchbacks.

During the July interview, Allen explained that the trail builders designed the routes to maintain consistent grades, generally targeting approximately 5% where the terrain allowed.

Rather than incorporating unnecessary turns, the trails follow the hillsides naturally, allowing riders to maintain momentum while traveling through the forest.

Some of the more pronounced switchbacks are found along the Cliffbrake and Drip Torch sections, where the terrain requires changes in direction to maintain manageable grades.

The result is a trail system designed more around distance, rhythm and endurance than technical downhill riding.

Lake Maumelle is also a defining feature of the experience. Several sections provide views of the water, while wooded stretches offer shade and occasional breezes from the lake.

The trails are intended for hikers and mountain bikers seeking longer outings in a natural setting close to Little Rock.

Connecting the Existing Trail Networks

One of the most significant aspects of the Southlake project is its ability to connect several established trail systems.

Before the completion of the lakeshore route, riders and hikers could access portions of the developing system from Blue Mountain and Rattlesnake Ridge, but some connections remained unfinished.

The video below shows the Pirate Perch connector from Rattlesnake Ridge to Southlake.

At Blue Mountain, the Luna Moth and Tarantula Hawk trails provide access to the new network from the trailhead along Arkansas Highway 10.

At Rattlesnake Ridge, the Canebrake and Diamondback trails provide connections from the Barrett Road area.

These routes allow trail users to create longer outings that incorporate several distinct trail systems rather than remaining within a single recreation area.

The connections also open new possibilities for loop rides, point-to-point trips and longer hiking routes.

The expanded network is expected to be particularly attractive to mountain bikers interested in endurance riding and exploring the varied terrain of the eastern Ouachita Mountains.

Highway 300 Crossing Provides Critical Connection

A key challenge during development was determining how trail users would safely cross Arkansas Highway 300 near Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Early planning considered a pedestrian tunnel beneath the highway. However, construction costs made that option impractical.

Instead, project partners developed plans for an at-grade crossing near the Arkansas State Parks Region 2 office entrance, on the hill between Pinnacle Valley Road and Barrett Road. This is not yet complete.

The location was selected in part because of the available sight distances for approaching traffic.

According to information provided to Arkansas Outside in July, the crossing design includes a push-button warning system that activates flashing yellow lights to alert motorists.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation also agreed to reduce the speed limit to 45 mph through the affected section.

Trail users must stop and yield to highway traffic before crossing. The flashing lights warn approaching drivers but do not function as a traffic signal requiring vehicles to stop.

The crossing is an important connection between the new trail network and the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center.

The latest announcement did not separately confirm the operational status of the crossing equipment, so visitors should follow posted traffic controls and use caution.

North Slope Connector Adds Another Route

Another important component of the broader trail connectivity project is the North Slope Connector near Pinnacle Mountain, a work in progress.

As described in the earlier Arkansas Outside report, the connector is designed to travel around the northern side of Pinnacle Mountain and link with the Coachwhip Trail in the park’s Monument Trails system.

Much of the connector had already been constructed by July, including sections between the East Summit Trailhead and the western portion of Coachwhip.

This connection is intended to provide additional options for mountain bikers traveling between the state park and the larger Maumelle Pinnacles trail network.

One important distinction for cyclists is that the Base Trail, which shares portions of its route with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail around Pinnacle Mountain, is not open to mountain biking.

Cyclists should remain on designated bicycle trails and follow posted access restrictions.

More Than 50 Miles of Connected Trails

The Southlake Trail System is one component of the much larger Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area initiative.

The conservation area is envisioned as a connected network of public lands and recreation corridors extending from downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock westward to the Lake Sylvia Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest.

The project incorporates existing trails, new trail construction, conservation lands and proposed connections between recreation destinations.

According to the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the initiative includes more than 50 miles of existing and planned hiking and mountain biking trails.

The long-term vision also includes additional on-road and off-road connections that could make it possible to travel between urban areas and more remote natural landscapes.

The Arkansas River Trail provides an important part of the regional transportation and recreation network, creating opportunities for cyclists to reach western Pulaski County from Little Rock and North Little Rock.

After the event, Governor Sanders posted on her social media, “It just got easier to connect with nature in Arkansas. You can now hike or bike from Downtown Little Rock to Lake Maumelle and take advantage of our state’s natural beauty. And that’s just the first phase of the Maumelle-Pinnacles Master Plan!”

Unfortunately, The Arkansas River Trail is still incomplete along Highway 10 between North Street and the Gill St. bridge. Governor Sanders has made this statement in th past and when we asked about the possibility of the state assisting with completing the trail, we were told by her staff that it is the responsibility of the City of Little Rock.

However, additional connections remain part of the broader long-term vision, and the full corridor to Lake Sylvia is not yet complete.

“Arkansas is home to some of the most incredible trails, vistas, lakes, and waterways in the country, and the Maumelle Pinnacles Project connects many of those areas together, making them more accessible for Arkansans and visitors alike,” Sanders said.

She credited the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Central Arkansas Water and other partners for advancing the project.

Balancing Recreation With Watershed Protection

While expanded recreational access is a major component of the project, conservation remains central to the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area.

Lake Maumelle is the primary drinking water source for approximately 500,000 Arkansans.

Central Arkansas Water has worked with state agencies and conservation organizations to develop recreational opportunities while protecting the watershed and surrounding natural resources.

The conservation area initiative reflects an effort to manage public access and environmental protection together.

“Central Arkansas Water is proud to partner with so many great organizations to expand access to the outdoors while protecting Lake Maumelle, the primary drinking water source for 500,000 Arkansans,” said Blake Weindorf, the utility’s chief operating officer.

Shea Lewis, secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said the project recognizes the value of protecting natural areas while making them accessible to the public.

“The Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area recognizes that our greatest natural assets are worth both protecting and sharing,” Lewis said.

The department expects future phases to expand connections between parks, natural areas and recreation facilities throughout the region.

Point Remove Brewing Co. Coming to Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center

Along with the trail expansion, the state announced two new concession agreements intended to enhance the visitor experience at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Point Remove Brewing Co., which has established operations in Morrilton and Russellville, will operate a food and beverage concession inside the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center.

The menu will include pizza by the slice, whole pizzas, salads, soft drinks and locally brewed craft beer.

The addition will provide a dining option for hikers, mountain bikers and other visitors using the park and surrounding trail network.

“We share a passion for the great outdoors and a deep commitment to seeing our local communities thrive,” said Lee Green of Point Remove.

The state did not announce a specific opening date or operating hours for the new concession.

Apple Seeds Expands Outdoor Education at Butterfield House

The second concession agreement brings Apple Seeds, an Arkansas-based nonprofit organization, to the historic Butterfield House and barn at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

The organization provides hands-on garden and culinary education to more than 21,000 students annually.

Its planned programming at Pinnacle Mountain will include nutrition education, gardening and food-related activities, community events and workshops.

The partnership is expected to introduce hundreds of additional children to the park each year while connecting outdoor experiences with food and nutrition education.

“We’re excited to partner with state parks to advance our shared commitment to child health and outdoor education,” said Mary Thompson of Apple Seeds Arkansas.

Specific schedules and opening dates for the programs have not been announced.

A New Chapter for Central Arkansas Outdoor Recreation

The opening of the Southlake Trail System represents more than the addition of another 13.5 miles of singletrack.

It brings together several established outdoor destinations and expands opportunities for longer rides and hikes through the forests and hills surrounding Lake Maumelle.

For mountain bikers, the new connections provide a substantial cross-country trail network close to the state’s largest metropolitan area.

For hikers, the routes offer additional opportunities to explore the shoreline and wooded ridges between Pinnacle Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain.

The project also demonstrates how public agencies, nonprofit organizations and conservation partners can work together to expand recreational access while protecting environmentally significant lands.

With additional connections planned throughout the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area, the Southlake Trail System is an important step toward a larger regional trail network linking central Arkansas communities with the Ouachita Mountains.

Planning Your Visit

The new South Lake Trail runs between WestRock Landing Marina and Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center.

Additional access is available through the existing trail networks at Blue Mountain and Rattlesnake Ridge.

Mountain bikers and hikers should prepare for natural-surface conditions, rolling terrain and longer distances between trailheads. Carrying adequate water, navigation tools and basic repair supplies is recommended.

Trail users should consult current maps and posted signage before beginning their outings, particularly when planning routes that cross Arkansas Highway 300 or connect multiple trail systems.

For additional background on the trail development, including information about trail design and connections, read Arkansas Outside’s earlier coverage:

Additional park information is available at Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Images courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism except where otherwise noted.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Southlake Trail System Opens, Connecting Pinnacle Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

For Arkansas runners, racing is about more than crossing a finish line. It is about the familiar faces at the starting line, the friendly rivalries between running clubs, and the satisfaction of returning year after year to test yourself on courses throughout the Natural State.

Few running traditions capture that spirit better than the Arkansas Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Grand Prix Series.

Now in its 44th season, the series has become a fixture in Arkansas distance running. Its annual schedule brings together established races, competitive runners, recreational athletes, and running clubs from communities across the state.

With the 2026 season approaching its conclusion, just three races remain on the calendar. The Arkansas 20K in Benton, the Spa 10K in Hot Springs, and the Jacob Wells 3 Bridges Marathon in Little Rock will bring another year of competition to a close.

A Running Tradition Dating Back to 1982

The Arkansas Grand Prix Series traces its beginnings to 1982, when the Arkansas chapter of the Road Runners Club of America established a statewide competition connecting races organized by affiliated running clubs.

The idea was straightforward: create a season-long competition that encouraged runners to participate in multiple events rather than focus on a single race.

Over time, the series developed into a structured championship, with runners earning points toward individual and team standings. Races of different distances became part of the calendar, allowing participants to compete in everything from short road races to half marathons and full marathons.

The Grand Prix also helped establish connections between running communities that might otherwise have remained largely local. Runners from Central Arkansas could travel to the River Valley, the Ouachitas, and other parts of the state, developing friendships and rivalries along the way.

Many of the races have become traditions in their own right. The Spa 10K in Hot Springs, for example, has been associated with the Grand Prix since 1983.

Although individual races have entered and left the schedule over the years, the Grand Prix has maintained its central purpose of encouraging participation, competition, and cooperation among Arkansas running clubs.

The series was interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with competition suspended in 2020 and 2021. It subsequently returned, continuing a tradition that now spans more than four decades.

As Grand Prix Committee Chairperson Lennon Bates explained earlier this year, the 2026 edition represents the 44th series, accounting for those two interrupted seasons.

How the Arkansas Grand Prix Works

Unlike a single championship race, the Grand Prix rewards runners who compete throughout the year.

Participants must belong to an Arkansas RRCA-affiliated running club and register separately for the Grand Prix competition. They then earn points based on their finishing positions relative to other registered Grand Prix runners.

The competition includes individual overall standings, Masters, Grand Masters, Seniors, age-group divisions, and separate men’s and women’s club team standings.

Each race is designated either a championship or non-championship event. Championship races carry a higher maximum point value, 30 points compared with 20 for non-championship events.

A runner’s final individual score is determined by combining their five highest championship race scores with their five highest non-championship race scores. Runners must complete at least five races to qualify for season awards.

That structure rewards both performance and consistency. A runner does not necessarily have to win races to finish well in the Grand Prix standings. Regular participation, strong age-group performances, and competing in a variety of distances can all contribute to a successful season.

The club competition adds another dimension. The top four eligible male and female runners from each club contribute to their respective team scores, making participation important even for runners who are not competing for overall victories.

Annual awards recognize leading runners and teams, along with age-group achievements.

More Than a Race Series

One of the strengths of the Arkansas Grand Prix is its ability to connect runners with clubs and events throughout the state.

Organizations such as the Little Rock Roadrunners and Arkansas Running Klub provide opportunities for runners to train together, volunteer at events, and travel to races as teams.

For experienced runners, the Grand Prix offers a competitive framework that extends throughout the year. For newcomers, it provides a ready-made calendar of events and an introduction to the state’s running community.

The series also helps sustain local races. A Grand Prix designation can attract runners from outside the host community, bringing additional participation and volunteer involvement to events that might otherwise draw primarily local entrants.

Perhaps most importantly, the series makes room for a broad range of abilities and ages. Its age-group structure allows runners to measure their performances against others in similar stages of life, while the team competition gives every participating runner an opportunity to contribute.

Three Races Remain in the 2026 Arkansas Grand Prix

The final three events of the season offer runners a mix of distances, locations, and challenges. Two of the remaining races carry championship status, making the closing weeks especially important for runners competing for individual and team honors.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2026

Arkansas 20K, Benton
Championship race
20 kilometers (12.4 miles) | 7:00 a.m.

Starting and finishing at the River Center in Benton, the Arkansas 20K offers a longer-distance challenge as the series enters its final stretch. The chip-timed event is an important opportunity to earn championship points.

Race information

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026

Spa 10K, Hot Springs

10 kilometers (6.2 miles) | 8:00 a.m.

One of the Grand Prix’s longest-standing events, the Spa 10K has been part of the series since 1983. Starting near the Hot Springs Convention Center, the race continues a tradition of competitive running in the Spa City.

Race information

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026

Jacob Wells 3 Bridges Marathon, Little Rock
Championship race
26.2 miles | Early morning start

The Grand Prix season concludes with the Jacob Wells 3 Bridges Marathon, which takes runners along the Arkansas River Trail and across three bridges. The race is named in memory of Arkansas runner Jacob Wells and provides a fitting endurance finale to the season.

Race information

Dates and race classifications are based on the Arkansas RRCA and Arkansas Running Klub calendars. Race details are also available through the Arkansas Outside event calendar.

Recognizing the Runners Who Go the Distance

Beyond individual race victories and season standings, the Grand Prix recognizes runners who demonstrate exceptional dedication throughout the year.

Participants who complete every individual race in the series earn Iron Runner recognition, an achievement requiring commitment across multiple distances, changing weather conditions, and months of training.

For 2026, the Arkansas Running Klub has also announced a special participation incentive.

Runners completing at least 10 qualifying Grand Prix races earn an entry into a prize drawing. Those completing 15 races receive five total entries, while runners completing every non-team event earn 10 total entries.

Three cash prizes, $500, $300, and $100, will be awarded at the 2026 Grand Prix awards ceremony in 2027.

The incentive adds another reason for runners to participate throughout the season, regardless of where they finish in individual races.

Looking Ahead to the Next Generation of Arkansas Runners

As the 2026 Grand Prix moves toward its final finish line, its longevity speaks to the strength of Arkansas’s running community.

Since 1982, the series has helped introduce generations of athletes to competitive running, supported local race organizations, and provided a reason for runners to explore communities throughout the state.

The races themselves may change, and new competitors may replace familiar names at the top of the standings, but the purpose remains much the same.

For runners interested in joining the competition, participation begins with membership in an Arkansas RRCA-affiliated running club and registration for the Grand Prix. Individual race registrations are separate, and runners do not have to be Grand Prix participants to enter the races.

Additional information, including current standings, registration details, and the complete race calendar, is available through the Arkansas RRCA website.

With three events remaining, there are still miles to cover, points to earn, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate Arkansas running.

And when the final marathon finisher crosses the line in December, another chapter in one of the state’s longest-running athletic traditions will be complete.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Arkansas Grand Prix Running Series: Four Decades of Competition, Community, and Miles Across the Natural State appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Long before Arkansas became a nationally recognized mountain biking destination, riders were gathering in the Ouachita Mountains near Hot Springs to test their skills against rugged terrain and one another. The trails were rough, the bikes were considerably less sophisticated, and organized mountain bike racing was still finding its place in the state.

Out of those early days came the Attila the Hun Mountain Bike Race, an event that has survived changing venues, evolving equipment, and more than three decades of growth in the sport.

First held in 1992, Attila the Hun is recognized as Arkansas’s longest consecutively running mountain bike race. On October 24, 2026, the race returns to Cedar Glades Park in Hot Springs as part of the annual Güdrun Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival.

For many Arkansas mountain bikers, Attila is more than another race on the calendar. It is a connection to the early days of the sport and the people who helped build the mountain biking community that exists today.

Mountain Biking Comes to Hot Springs

In the early 1990s, mountain biking was a relatively young competitive sport in Arkansas. Riders were exploring forest roads, hiking trails, and whatever singletrack they could find. Dedicated mountain bike trail systems were uncommon, and most races depended on local volunteers, bicycle shops, and riders willing to organize events.

The first Attila the Hun race took place in 1992 in the area now occupied by the Northwoods Trail System near Hot Springs.

The surrounding Ouachita Mountains offered plenty of challenging terrain, including rocky climbs, twisting trails, and demanding descents. These characteristics helped establish the race’s reputation as a test of endurance and technical riding ability.

Attila emerged during a formative period for Arkansas mountain biking, alongside other early events such as the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival at Devil’s Den State Park. Together, these races helped establish a competitive mountain biking community that extended across the state.

While today’s riders have access to professionally designed trails and advanced equipment, the early Attila competitors tackled their courses on bikes with limited suspension, narrow handlebars, and equipment that required considerably more attention to line choice and bike handling.

The bikes have changed, but the challenge of cross-country racing remains much the same.

Finding a Permanent Home

Although Attila the Hun began in the Northwoods area, the race did not remain on its original course.

Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the event relocated to the Charlton Recreation Area along Highway 270 west of Hot Springs. It later moved to Cedar Glades Park, where it became an established part of the local mountain biking calendar.

The venue changes could have ended a smaller event, but Attila maintained its following.

Cedar Glades provided a suitable setting for cross-country competition, with challenging terrain and room for the infrastructure needed to support a growing race.

Eventually, the development of the Northwoods Trail System would bring the race’s current home into a larger network of trails that transformed mountain biking in Hot Springs.

Bruce and Jann Hubbard: The People Behind the Race

A significant part of Attila the Hun’s longevity can be credited to Bruce and Jann Hubbard, longtime owners of Parkside Cycle in Hot Springs.

For decades, the Hubbards were closely involved in organizing and supporting the event, helping maintain a racing tradition through periods when mountain biking received far less attention than it does today.

Their contributions extended beyond registration tables and race-day logistics. Like many of the early mountain bike advocates in Arkansas, they helped build a community around the sport.

Local bicycle shops played an essential role in those early years. They provided equipment, technical assistance, organizational support, and gathering places where riders could exchange information about trails and upcoming races.

For more than two decades, the Hubbards helped keep Attila the Hun on the calendar, providing continuity as the sport changed around them.

In 2021, they passed leadership of the race to the Trail Advocacy Coalition of the Ouachitas, better known as TACO.

The transition placed the event in the hands of a local trail advocacy organization while preserving the racing tradition the Hubbards had helped sustain.

Their involvement remains an important part of the history of mountain biking in Hot Springs.

Northwoods Changes the Mountain Biking Landscape

The opening of the Northwoods Trail System in November 2018 represented a major milestone for outdoor recreation in Hot Springs.

The project transformed the area into a purpose-built mountain biking destination, with trails designed for different riding abilities and styles.

Northwoods also connected with Cedar Glades Park, creating a larger riding network and providing opportunities for recreational riding, competitive events, and mountain bike tourism.

For Attila the Hun, the development brought the event’s history full circle.

The race that began in the Northwoods area in 1992 was now associated with one of Arkansas’s newer mountain biking destinations.

The improvements also provided an opportunity to introduce a broader audience to mountain biking in Hot Springs.

Northwoods/Cedar Glades Earns Recognition from Arkansas Mountain Bikers

The Northwoods/Cedar Glades Trail System has repeatedly earned top honors in the annual Arkansas Outside Reader Poll, winning the title of Best Mountain Bike Trail System in Arkansas for several years. Voted on by readers and riders from across the state, the recognition reflects the popularity of the interconnected trail network and its appeal to mountain bikers of varying skill levels. From beginner-friendly trails and flowing singletrack to challenging climbs, technical features, and purpose-built downhill routes, Northwoods/Cedar Glades offers a wide variety of riding experiences in the Ouachita Mountains.

The repeated reader poll victories also demonstrate how far mountain biking in Hot Springs has come since the first Attila the Hun race in 1992. What began as a rugged setting for early mountain bike competition has evolved into a destination trail system attracting recreational riders and competitive cyclists from across Arkansas and beyond. Continued investment in trail development, community support, and events such as the Güdrun Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival has helped establish Northwoods/Cedar Glades as one of the state’s most recognized mountain biking destinations.

Güdrun Brings a New Generation of Riders

In 2019, Hot Springs introduced the Güdrun Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival to celebrate the first anniversary of the Northwoods Trail System.

The festival built on the community’s mountain biking history while introducing additional competitions and activities.

Its Viking-inspired identity complemented the longstanding Attila the Hun name, helping connect the area’s racing heritage with a new event.

The inaugural festival attracted approximately 500 riders, including participants traveling from outside Arkansas and as far away as Canada.

While Attila continued as a traditional cross-country race, Güdrun introduced additional mountain biking disciplines, including enduro, dual slalom, jump competitions, time trials, and recreational rides.

The expanded festival offered opportunities for riders who might not otherwise participate in a traditional cross-country event.

It also allowed Hot Springs to showcase the growing Northwoods Trail System and its connection to Cedar Glades Park.

Rather than replacing Attila the Hun, the festival gave the historic race a larger stage.

A Tradition Within the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series

Attila the Hun has long been associated with the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series, or AMBCS.

The statewide series provides organized cross-country racing opportunities for riders of different ages and abilities.

Attila has traditionally served as the season finale, giving competitors one final opportunity to earn points toward their overall championship standings.

For racers who travel across Arkansas throughout the season, the event is also an opportunity to reconnect with friends and fellow competitors before the racing calendar comes to a close.

Over the years, the race has expanded its categories to reflect changes in mountain biking.

By 2024, Attila offered 44 racing categories, including divisions for beginners, experienced racers, singlespeed riders, tandem teams, and electric mountain bikes.

Despite those changes, the essential character of the event remains traditional cross-country racing.

Competitors must balance speed with endurance while navigating climbs, descents, and technical trail features. Success requires fitness, bike-handling skills, and the ability to maintain a consistent pace over the course.

For many riders, simply completing Attila is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

Attila the Hun Returns October 24, 2026

The 2026 Attila the Hun Mountain Bike Race takes place Saturday, October 24, at Cedar Glades Park in Hot Springs.

The race is part of the Güdrun Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival, scheduled for October 23 through 25.

This year’s festival moves from its traditional November dates to October, bringing the celebration of mountain biking to Hot Springs earlier in the fall.

The schedule also moves Attila from its customary Sunday position to Saturday, with Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series awards following the race.

The festival continues to evolve, including a partnership with the Ozark Foundation to produce the enduro competition as part of the Arkansas Enduro Series.

But Attila remains the event that connects the modern festival with the earliest days of organized mountain bike racing in Hot Springs.

Riders interested in competing can find registration information at BikeReg. Participants should confirm race start times and category schedules with organizers before arriving.

More Than Three Decades of Arkansas Mountain Biking

Arkansas mountain biking has changed dramatically since 1992.

The state now has purpose-built trail systems, nationally recognized mountain biking destinations, youth cycling programs, and major events attracting riders from across the country.

None of that existed on the same scale when Attila the Hun first appeared on the racing calendar.

The event belongs to an earlier generation of Arkansas mountain biking, when dedicated riders, local bike shops, and volunteers provided much of the energy required to establish the sport.

Many of those early competitors and organizers helped lay the groundwork for the trail development and cycling advocacy that followed.

Attila the Hun has provided a continuous connection between that history and the mountain biking community of today.

The race has changed locations, welcomed new organizers, and become part of a larger festival. Through it all, its identity as a challenging cross-country mountain bike race has remained.

For longtime competitors, Attila offers an opportunity to revisit familiar rivalries and memories. For newer riders, it provides a chance to participate in one of the oldest traditions in Arkansas mountain biking.

And 34 years after the first riders gathered near Hot Springs, Attila the Hun continues to bring the Arkansas mountain biking community together.

2026 Attila the Hun Mountain Bike Race

• Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
• Location: Cedar Glades Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Festival: Güdrun Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival, October 23 through 25
• Race: Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series cross-country competition
• Registration: https://www.bikereg.com/attila-the-hun-xc-race

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Attila the Hun: 34 Years of Mountain Bike Racing History in Hot Springs appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Organizing an outdoor recreation event takes work. From securing permits and coordinating volunteers to planning routes and managing registration, event directors have plenty to do before the first participant arrives. But even the best-organized event needs one essential ingredient: people who know about it.

That’s where Arkansas Outside comes in.

For years, Arkansas Outside has helped connect outdoor enthusiasts with events across the Natural State. Whether it’s a mountain bike race in the Ozarks, a gravel ride through the Delta, a trail running event in the Ouachitas, or a paddling adventure on one of Arkansas’s many waterways, our event calendar helps people discover opportunities to get outside.

And the best part? Adding your qualifying event to the Arkansas Outside calendar is free.

Why Promote Your Event on Arkansas Outside?

Arkansas Outside reaches an audience interested in outdoor recreation, adventure, and active lifestyles. Our readers aren’t just browsing for something to do. They’re cyclists, runners, hikers, climbers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for their next adventure.

Unlike general community calendars that cover everything from bake sales to business luncheons, the Arkansas Outside event calendar focuses on outdoor recreation.

That means your event appears alongside other activities that appeal to people who are already interested in getting outside.

Listing your event provides several advantages:

• Reach the right audience. Connect with people who actively participate in outdoor recreation.
• Increase event visibility. Give potential participants another way to discover your event beyond social media and registration websites.
• Help people plan ahead. Outdoor enthusiasts often schedule trips, training, and vacations around events. Getting your event listed early gives them more time to prepare.
• Support Arkansas outdoor recreation. A comprehensive calendar helps build awareness of the variety of outdoor opportunities available throughout the state.
• It’s free. There is no charge to submit a qualifying event to our calendar.

Submit Your Event for Free

Arkansas Outside maintains an online calendar of outdoor recreation events happening throughout Arkansas.

Historically, we’ve spent considerable time searching registration platforms, event websites, and social media pages to identify upcoming activities and manually add them to our calendar.

As the number of outdoor events across Arkansas has grown, keeping up with every race, ride, and gathering has become increasingly difficult.

We still monitor several popular event registration platforms and add events when time allows. However, those sources don’t capture everything happening around the state.

Rather than relying entirely on our staff to discover and enter events, we’re encouraging event directors, race organizers, clubs, and nonprofit organizations to submit their own listings.

You know your event better than anyone else, and submitting it directly helps ensure the information is accurate and complete.

Submit Your Outdoor Event for Free

When submitting an event, please provide as much information as possible, including the event name, date, start time, location, description, registration information, and an appropriate event image or logo.

The more complete your submission, the more useful it will be to potential participants.

What Types of Events Do We List?

Arkansas Outside focuses on human-powered outdoor recreation. Our calendar accepts qualifying events in the following categories:

• Cycling: Road cycling, mountain biking, gravel riding, cyclocross, bikepacking, and recreational rides.
• Running: Road races, trail races, ultramarathons, and other distance running events.
• Climbing: Rock climbing competitions, festivals, and organized climbing events.
• Paddling: Canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and other paddle sports.
• Hiking: Organized hikes, hiking festivals, and guided outdoor adventures.
• Backpacking: Group backpacking trips, backpacking clinics, and related events.
• Disc Golf: Tournaments, competitions, and organized disc golf events.

Events We Do Not List

To keep the calendar focused and manageable, Arkansas Outside does not include every type of sporting event.

We also do not list traditional ball sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and soccer.

Motorsports and equestrian events fall outside our editorial focus and are not included.

Likewise, hunting and fishing events are not listed. Numerous websites and organizations already provide extensive coverage and calendars dedicated to those activities.

These guidelines allow us to concentrate on the outdoor recreation communities Arkansas Outside has served for years.

Want Even More Exposure? Advertise Your Event on Arkansas Outside

A free calendar listing is a great starting point, but sometimes an event needs additional visibility.

Arkansas Outside also offers paid advertising opportunities for event organizers who want to reach more potential participants.

Whether you’re launching a new event, expanding an established race, or hoping to attract visitors from across the region, advertising on Arkansas Outside puts your message in front of an audience with a demonstrated interest in outdoor activities.

Our website advertising opportunities include display advertisements in multiple sizes, helping organizers build awareness and direct readers to event information or registration pages.

Advertising can be especially valuable for events that depend on advance registration, attract participants from outside the immediate area, or need to distinguish themselves in an increasingly busy outdoor event calendar.

A calendar listing helps people find your event. Advertising helps bring additional attention to it.

Contact Arkansas Outside to discuss advertising opportunities and how we can help promote your upcoming event.

Help Us Build a Better Outdoor Event Calendar

Arkansas has developed a strong reputation for outdoor recreation, and its calendar of events reflects that growth.

From small community rides and trail races to major festivals and endurance competitions, these events bring people together, support local businesses, introduce visitors to new destinations, and strengthen our outdoor communities.

Arkansas Outside wants to continue providing a useful resource for discovering those opportunities.

But we need the help of event organizers.

If you’re planning a qualifying outdoor recreation event in Arkansas, don’t assume we already know about it. Even if you’ve posted it on social media or listed it with a registration company, there’s a chance we haven’t seen it.

Take a few minutes to submit your event directly to our calendar. It’s free, and it helps more people discover what you’ve worked so hard to organize.

Add Your Event to the Arkansas Outside Calendar

You can also explore upcoming events on our Arkansas Outdoor Events Calendar.

Let’s keep Arkansas moving, exploring, and getting outside.

If you’re interested in other advertising and promotional opportunities, please visit our media kit.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Get Your Outdoor Event Noticed with Arkansas Outside appeared first on Arkansas Outside.