Fayetteville – Your Next Mountain Bike Destination
With the Ozark Mountains as a backdrop, Fayetteville boasts a large variety of hand-cut technical singletrack, family-friendly flow trails, and purpose-built features just minutes from downtown. In total, over 49 miles of singletrack can be found throughout Fayetteville and additional trail systems are just a short drive away. Riders will find trailheads accessible from Fayetteville’s 50+ mile paved trail network including a large section of the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway.
Tucked into the Boston Mountains and surrounded by the Ozarks highest peaks, Fayetteville offers an authentic mountain town vibe perfect for weekend or weeklong mountain bike trips. Keep reading for recommendations on where to ride, eat, and play during your visit to Fayetteville, Arkansas – your next mountain bike adventure.
Centennial Park
One of the newest trail systems in the Oz Trails network is located in Fayetteville just west of I49 on Milsap Mountain. The trails were purpose built for hosting world class cycling events. The main access point is at the south end of the park on Centennial Park Ln. For access to family friendly trails there is also a trailhead on the north end of the park at the end of Mountain Ranch Rd. Most of this trail system is great for intermediate to more experienced riders with mandatory gap jumps, massive berms and lots of other really cool features. When complete there will be about 16 miles of soft surface and paved trails and restrooms at the trailheads.
To check trail conditions click here
[Photos: Fayetteville Flyer/OCA]
Mount Kessler Regional Park
Just a stones throw from Centennial Park lies Mount Kessler Regional Park also in Fayetteville. Located at 2600 Judge Cummings Rd. It is another excellent place to ride mountain bikes or take the family for a hike. With the new Fayetteville Traverse Trail you can actually ride singletrack from Centennial Park to Mt. Kessler. Kessler has been around for over 15 years and has had many updates over the years. If you are looking for a mixture of techy goodness and longer downhill descents Kessler is a must ride trail system. NOTE: Currently the main trailhead is under construction with the addition of new baseball fields to the park. The city is asking trail users to access the system via the Greenway on the Fayetteville Traverse Trail. The entrance is located near the roundabout on the Greenway just northwest of the playground.
To Check Trail Conditions Click Here
Lake Wedington
Lake Wedington (or Shredington as I like to call it) is just a short drive (15 miles) from downtown Fayetteville on Wedington Rd. Located in the Ozark National Forest the trail system has received a huge upgrade recently. It boasts some great classic cross country style trails that seem endless. A super fun 7 mile loop then tack on the 6 mile (12 total) out-n-back to Twin Knobs for some techy trail with one incredible view. You could easily end up with about 25 miles of singletrack! The trailhead will be on your right a little bit after you see the lake.
To Check Trail Conditions Click Here
[Trail Map: Fayetteville Flyer]
Lincoln Lake
This trail is what many locals call “The Hidden Gem.” Located about 20 minutes west of Fayetteville just north of Lincoln. It is known for its hand-built rocky tech goodness. The views and rock structures around the lake are spectacular. Be sure to stop every now and then and look around. About 7 miles of trail but it feels like 15. The trailhead is located on the southwest corner of the lake on N. Jackson Hwy.
To Check Trail Conditions Click Here
Gregory Park
This “pocket park” is great if you’re short on time or just need a quick ride session. Located in midtown Fayetteville at 69 E Sycamore St. This park at one time was one of the most used trails in the Oz network. It is family friendly but does have two downhill runs with intermediate/advanced jumps, wall rides and more. Not ready for the trails? Check out the pump track and skills course!
To Check Trail Conditions Click Here
[Trail Map: Fayetteville Flyer]
[Photos: Fayetteville Flyer/OCA]
Where To Eat!
From Southtown to Uptown, the local food is top-notch in Fayetteville. Featuring a little southern flair and new takes on the classic American menu, visitors will find everything from farm to table breakfasts to gourmet grilled cheese sprinkled across this quaint mountain town. A full day of pedaling in the Ozarks can leave the tank on empty. Keep reading for a list of proper places worthy of replenishing those calories lost or carb loading before another day of riding.
Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese – located in Fayetteville’s Entertainment District and accessible by trail, Hammontree’s turned making grilled cheese into an art form. Featuring fifteen different gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and daily from scratch soups made with high quality ingredients, locally sourced. Get started with a plate of Gouda-Bacon Fries before biting into a Jack to the Future or Cheebacca sandwich. [Photo: Hammontree’s]
Wood Stone Pizza –With just off the trail locations in Fayetteville’s Downtown and Uptown, Wood Stone Pizza dishes are made from scratch wood fired artesian pizzas and craft beers Tuesday-Sunday. Featuring locally sourced toppings, try the Ozarkansas – piled high with uncured pepperoni, local ham, house made Italian sausage, and enough veggies to balance it out. Voted best pizza in Arkansas. [Photo: Woodstone]
The Farmer’s Table Cafe – a true farm to table and local favorite, the Farmer’s Table Cafe prides themselves on sourcing as much local organic produce, meat, eggs, and artesian craft foods as possible. Just off the Razorback Greenway in Fayetteville’s Southtown, dine on the front porch of this tiny house for breakfast and lunch – cooked to order and with only the freshest Arkansas ingredients. [Photo: The Farmer’s Table]
Where to Grab Drinks!
It is no secret that mountain biking pairs best with a warm cup of pre-pedal caffeine followed up with a cold post-ride refreshment – usually brewed locally and made with malted barley. Below is a selection of local coffee houses and brew pubs offering up flavors of the Ozarks from urns and barrels often crafted in house.
Outdoor Refreshment Area – comprised of Arkansas’ most popular Entertainment District and our Historic Downtown, Fayetteville’s Outdoor Refreshment Area (or ORA) provides guests the opportunity to grab a craft beer or cocktail from over 50 local establishments and stroll our streets lined with businesses of all variety. Click here for the details.
Doomsday Coffee – serving up handcrafted meats and drinks just a block from the Razorback Greenway and in the heart of Fayetteville’s Entertainment District. Doomsday offers in house roasted coffee, breakfast, lunch, beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Did somebody say smoked brisket breakfast tacos with your coffee? Yes please. [Photo: Doomsday Coffee]
West Mountain Brewing Company – Northwest Arkansas’ original craft brewer, West Mountain Brewing Company has been a Fayetteville tradition for several decades. Located on Fayetteville’s Downtown Square and serving Tiny Tim’s full menu from the bar, try their American Pale Ale with a classic International pizza for the perfect post-ride pairing. [Photo: West Mountain Brewing Co.]
Where to Play!
Fayetteville offers guests a variety of after the ride activities. The town is rich with art and entertainment and lively locals give the community its spirit. From our hopping Entertainment District to public art tours you can experience on your own, below is a selection of off-bike activities good for rounding out any day spent riding in Fayetteville.
Public Art Tour – Public art embellishes nearly every corner in town. Sometimes towering and powerful murals are found on everything from multistory buildings to the city’s storm drains. Appreciating Fayetteville’s public art is as easy as unlocking a dockless e-scooter stationed along our streets and trails. Click here for a selection of routes ideal for taking in Fayetteville’s public art scene.
Big Box Karaoke – a first of its kind in Fayetteville, Big Box Karaoke offers private suites for rent so you and your pals can sing all the songs you want, with the people you want! Over 70,000 songs to choose from and you can create your playlist beforehand. Located in our Historic Downtown, Big Box Karaoke serves an Asian fusion street food menu and full bar with premium sake – directly to your suite! [Photo: Big Box Karaoke]
Arkadia Retrocade – featuring your favorite vintage arcade games and just five bucks cash to play all day – Fayetteville’s Arkadia Retrocade is over flowing with 80’s nostalgia. From Ms. Pacman to Tron, you’ll find nearly every arcade game you remember from the best decade ever – plus old wood cabinet TV’s hooked up to throwback video games systems like Atari 2600. Asteroids anyone? [Photo: Arkadia Retrocade]
We are excited to have you in Fayetteville – Your Next Mountain Bike Destination! We hope this snapshot guide is helpful. I think you will find our community warm and inviting. Please feel free to hit us up with any questions or you can contact the Experience Fayetteville office as well. See you on the trails!
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