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Tags:
Level: Advanced
Length: 13 mi (20.9 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Out & Back
Elevation: +599/ -377 ft
Total: 9 riders
Mountain Biking Lovit: Bear Mountain
#59 of 206 mountain bike trails in Arkansas
Currently the trail ends at 6.5 miles on top of Bear Mountain, so it's an out and back ride. Serious switched back climbs on loose rock make this an advanced ride, but the scenery is great. Two stream crossing probably won't be ridden unless your initials are D. Macaskill.
First added by RJen on May 20, 2012. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
From Mt Ida, go east about 19 miles on 270 to the community of Crystal Springs. Just before the store, turn North on Crystal Springs Road and continue for 2 miles, past the boat launch and just past the unimproved county road 47 there is a small pavilion and trail head kiosk.
From Hot Springs, go west about 18 miles to Crystal Springs, turn North on Crystal Springs Road just past the liquor store and continue up for 2 miles to the trail head.
I did this trail a few months ago with a friend. We went from Crystal Springs to Blakely Dam. There was a very steep climb that my rear tire (and legs) couldn't handle. If you're on XC tires, expect to be walking your bike up some of the climbs. Also, this trail is best ridden by someone who is in good physical shape. If ridden in the summer, beware of spiders. I will be riding this trail in the fall from now on. Overall, it was a quality trail. It was challenging, but rewarding to know I made it about half the length of the lake.
| ThankModerate to strenuous ride. Great views. I rode Brady - Crystal - Brady one day during Thanksgiving week 2016.
| ThankClimbing over two mountains is strenuous, but the occasional view of the lake make you realize your altitude gain. I walked all creek crossings since this is no place I want to risk an injury. You're more likely to see turkey or deer rather than another person on any of these trails in this area. I would have given this trail an overall 5 except the new section along the north side of Bear was machine cut with an 8 ft blade without a lot of imagination. It would have been nice if the trail had been made into a loop over the top and back down to Bear Creek, but current plans are to take the trail out towards the dam which will probably require a shuttle.
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