The Hell’s Kitchen climb is iconic here in NWA. Made popular by the Hell’s Kitchen Road Race. The HK climb is without a doubt the feature of this route. You will know it when you see it. But the route in general is very scenic with stretches that have almost no traffic.
Hell's Kitchen Loop Directions
- ACHTUNG! There is no available water on this route.
- Leaving from the Puritan Brew Co. hang a left on Dickson Street and a left again on West Ave. Just after the Walton Arts Center parking lot take a right and pick up the Frisco Trail (Razorback Greenway).
- Stay on this trail until you see the right turn for Tsa La Gi Trail. Take this all the way to Razorback Rd. (just behind Chic-fil-a).
- Hang a left on Razorback Rd./265. Stay on 265 for the next 12 miles until you reach the dead T.
- Hang a right and right again at the Hogeye Mall gas station (closed). You are now on Hogeye Rd./28. Remain on this road for 4 miles.
- ACHTUNG! You will turn left on to Cove Creek/21 and this is 180 degree, downhill turn. Make sure that cars know you are turning and be sure to slowdown. You will remain on Cove Creek/21 for the next 7 miles. This is a challenging section of road. Basically a long gradual uphill stretch usually with headwind. You will also encounter a sustained climb at around mile 20. I like to call this the HK warm up.
- At mile 24 hang a left on to Tomato Rd/215. This will begin the Hell’s Kitchen climb. About 1.3 miles 400 gain. Be sure not to use up all your watts on the lower slopes. The hard bit is at the end topping out at just over 20%. Stay on Tomato Rd until the dead T.
- Hang a left on to 265. Proceed on to 265 until you see the Hogeye Mall gas station (closed). From here back track your way back into town.
