If you haven't ridden this trail in the last 4 months, you're missing out!! The trail was re-opened March 2014 and has been re-routed in crucial areas to make it more accessible to most riders. It's still a pretty challenging trail for a good cardio workout. A lot of the original trail is still being used, but no motocross bikes are allowed now. The trail is now accessible from the new Sweet Spot boat launch area. There is a paved trail about .8 miles that takes you back to the dirt trail-head. From there you can hop on the single-track and away you go!! There is still a rocky, root- y, section along the lake waters edge that takes you back to the big Loop where the real fun begins. The Loop is about 5.8 miles now with a good mix of all kinds of terrain. In the very back there are some large shale mounds that make a natural 'roller coaster' which is real fun! Be careful, you may find yourself giggling a bit. A few challenging climbs will keep you heart-rate up, and legs good and tight. There are a few views of Lake Dardanelle that are never seen by anyone who doesn't go on this trail. The overall length of the trail is around 8 miles now. Look for the pond, the tombstone, the 'roller coaster', and the hair-pin curve that could land you in the lake 20 ft below if you aren't careful. Great FUN !! I hope you have a comfortable bike seat, you're gonna need it.
This is a great trail but can be difficult to find by GPS even though it's right off interstate 40. Take exit 78 then turn back east or right and look for Illinois Bayou road and park. Trail starts from back of upper parking lot. Right behind big white sign with trail map. This trail has a ton of variety and is very scenic. It's well marked once your on it with colored paint on trees so you will know what section your in.
| Thankhop off I-40 and give it a go
| ThankA lot of fun trails right next to I-40
| ThankPerfect trail for an after work ride. Leave the north parking lot and take a left at every intersection for tons of fun. If you pay attention there is a nice jump with a kicker ramp just before you hit the shale roller coaster. It's a hidden gem!
| ThankThe back side of the trail near the lake also add for some speed and flow. There are punchy climbs and fast descents. Enjoy!
right now my favorite Arkansas Trail
| ThankCan>t wait to get back and ride it again- perhaps when its cooler:)
Mrs and Myself enjoyed this trail a lot:)
| ThankClose to I-40 and sandwiched between the interstate and lake - the trail is compressed and what the crew they have done with the land is superb and you can feel the passion the builders have given this gem of trail network.
the Mrs favorite trail in Arkansas right now.
looking forward to riding Old Post also - met the crew giving the sweet spot a hair cut and they said that Old Post got a remodel over the winter!
... we missed some of the interior and want to go back and hit all the sweet spot.lol
One of my favorite rides seeing how it is down the road from my house. Great trail and is fast if you want it to be. Some very fun decents and quick turns.
| ThankAs fun goes, it's really hard to beat this trail. Most is fine for beginners, although the this trail has some tricky parts mainly consisting of super punchy climbs and sudden steep descents.
| ThankThis my first ride in Arkansas. My previous experience is riding trails in southern New Mexico. All I can say is this is much more pleasurable. This trail is very accessible. It is essentially a thin strip of land between Lake Dardanelles and I-40. However the interstate's proximity does not interfere with the secluded sense on has while riding. The trail is well maintain. Recommend taking the left trail of any fork encountered.
| ThankVery flowy. Wife and I road all the trails CW. Some steeper drops every so often, but very fun. Only a few technical sections, most for little stream crossings.
| ThankThe GPS track is deceiving, since the trail turns so much. The trail, with the 1 mile into/out on the white trail, is a total of about 10.5 miles.
No serious climbs, just nice flow. Sharp turns in some spots.
Would be a great night time trail with lights.
Be sure to check this out if you like good flowy trails, with no hike-a-bike.
Great little trial. I appears lots of recent work has ben done to get rid of fall-line trails. Needs signage but it looks like it's in the works. This place is a good example of how a fun trail can be built in a small space with little elevation. Hats off to the local builders!
| Thank