Ben Geren Park Trail

Most fun I've had so far!

Park at the parking lot in the park around the corner from the golf course parking. Start on newest trail heading south that crosses the dam and ends up at Hobo Hill (difficult to get up). Continue on Elvis Trail and hit Pond Bank Loop. From here there are several options that all end up back in the same place - continuation of Elvis Trail that will eventually cross the paved trail then it becomes GP Trail. From here you hit the Rollercoaster Trail (very fun and rewarding after the previous uphill climb) then can choose between Autobahn and Hog Tracks.

Really a great system where you can change it up to make it a little different each time. Starting from the parking lot in the park extends the round trip to 12-15 miles. Lots of fun and typically other bikers will be out there too.

While on Christmas vacation and with the Arkansas temperatures in the 70s, I couldn't resist bringing my bike and seeing what Ben Geren Park Trail was about. Although, my experience left me bumming, it had me wishing I had more time to hit it over and over again.
First, I have to say that it seems weird saying the Ben Geren Park Trail. I never actually went to Ben Geren Park, but I get it, I see the whole picture, but it's something I thought was kind of funny. Instead of hitting the trail head in BG, I hit the trail at the parking area on Massard Rd. It wasn't the easiest parking lot to find... I drove past it, but it's a nice, clean gravel area that is blocked off with big boulders and they have a trail map posted at the edge of the parking lot for a last minute once over before you dig in. First impressions were good.
Now for the bad part. In my packing hast, I overlooked only one item for the entire trip... riding shoes. I only had one pair of shoes with me and I still had numerous family functions to attend. Rocking muddy shoes wasn't an option, yet, I decided to head out any way. I thought, surely the trails would be dry. Man was I wrong. Only seconds in, I started hitting some damp areas. Those damp areas soon became puddles, but I kept at it. Oops. I did it, I covered my shoes in mud and within only a couple mins. Within those couple mins though, I was really enjoying the trail. I kept at it for a short was further, but the trail became more water than dirt and I had to call it.
At this point, I had only been out there maybe 10-15 mins and that short section was way too fun for me to stop now. So, I got off the singletrack and headed back up the paved path to the parking area and repeated the same section. I repeated this a few more times before I finally called it.
I barely scratched the surface of this trail and if this small section was any indication of how the rest of the trail is... I can't wait until next year... albeit a bit colder and better prepared. If you live near this trail or plan to be in the area, it should be a no brainer to go ride it. From other reviews, it seems there's a good mix of difficulty so just about any one should have fun... I know I did.

This is a series of trails that you can add together to make the ride as easy or challenging as you like. From a easy ride on a asphalt jogging path to jumps, and step rocky hill climbs. Loads of fun with trails crossing over the asphalt is many different places so if you give out you can simply head back to the truck. I am by no means a seasoned rider and this trail system is amazing for all skill levels. Well worth the trip and I have found myself riding it up to 3 or 4 times a week if times allow.

Tons of fun, good parking and some challenging parts on the trail. First off the trail is very well maintained. No overgrowth, trash and stuff like that. The loops are not marked the best but still it's hard to get lost when all the trails end up leading back to main paved trail. Not to many climbs, some rocks and water crossings. Lots of semi elevated bridges that are a couple feet in width. Lots of wildlife. I saw a king snake numerous lizards and some deer. Definitely recommend for a good easy cardio workout

I ride this the day after I hit Slaughter Pen. Ben Geren has some good flow in places, plenty of small jumps along the trails, and decent change in elevation. Trail is mostly loose dirt, with bits of hard pack here and there.

I rode this trail Dec 12, 2012. I Found it on Strava while I was on a business trip to Ft. Smith. Not sure I started at the trail head, but I did ride it counter clockwise and I think I hit just about everything. Trail was not real-well marked, but I managed to put in around 13 miles and make it back to where I started. Not technical, but plenty challenging with speed. There were roots in some parts, and rocks in another, separated by some fairy tame singletrack. Trail was in great shape and looks like it gets a lot of love from the local mountain bike community. It is nice to ride a trail that is kept trimmed back. This is a trail worth visiting again.

This trail is made up 5 loops all of which come back to the paved trail so bail outs are numerous. For the most there is nothing real technical on this trail except for a few rocky areas. There are no big climbs except for one of the loops has a small sustained climb. Pretty fun trail to ride. For more information go to www.mtbark.com

They have since added to the paved portion of the trail (roughly 6 mile loop now). Trail is maintained well continually improved on. Great ride, probably a little much for beginners. You will not be disappointed :)
* Review edited 12/21/2011

This is a cool place to ride. The trail heads are well marked and the ride flows really well. Nothing too technical. Rocky areas and some tight turns. The skills course is a blast. Definitely check this place out if you are in the Ft. Smith area.
Also, when you finish riding there is a great 18 hole disc golf course that is worth its play. Get out and ride!

All around a good ride. I just came back from there and the the trails we not marked as well as others say. Pretty easy to get around though. Every mile or so you will be able to get back on the paved path.

We lost a couple of trails due to contruction but theres still a lot of good riding there. it connects to chaffee so if you want a longer ride you can. Theres some good hill climbs and lots of loose rocks in some sections.

Rode the Wild Hog Tracks trail backwards (counter clockwise) DIFFERENT!!! Slick rocks and bridges, muddier then usual due to rain, good ride, would like to see what it's like when I have a little more traction beneath the tires.

Rode the Wild Hog Tracks trail today before all the storms came through. Lightning called the end of the ride short. It is approx. 2 miles from the trailhead of the park. It starts to the left just before crossing the yellow barrier poles. Good track, had been improved upon since the last time I was on this trail. A lot of wood bridges, narrow trail and close quarters between trees. Spots in the trail are very rough due to rocks and tree roots but not to the point where the average Joe like myself can't manage to handle. This trail can also be taken counter clockwise by riding up the paved trail to where it "y". Take the left of the Y and just before you leave the trail you'll see the trail on the Left. I think I'll try going counter clockwise next time, I think the momentum of travelling down hill instead of uphill will add a different twist to this already GREAT ride.

This is a group of four loops, I know the names of two of them (Whoop and Holler, Beaver Dam) So far, I've riden three of the four trails and have found them equally interesting in their own right. The whoop and holler is exactly that, a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns, it's the closest you can get to being on a roller coaster while on a MTB. Beaver dam has had races in the past, it's failry level ground with several low lying creek crossings. There is a small jump about 1/2 mile into the trail which is interesting, but this trail doesn't get technical until you cross the concrete "Beaver" dam and turn off into the woods again. I blew a tire and it's very tight manuevering, but VERY enjoyable.

Rode for the 1st time on 9/24/06, great intermediate trail, ride straight up the new concrete trail to the top & vear to the right for trail head, lots of medium sized rocks, a few logs & tree roots but all very ridable, nice new trail in Fort smith, trail is very well marked