Building a Biking Boomtown in Arkansas Ozark Mountains

Not a great place to lose an orange contact lens. This is a lot like what the Mountain View Mountain Bike Festival in Arkansas will look like in November.

When the Sylamore Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service first contacted IMBA about developing Mountain View, Arkansas as a mountain biking destination, we weren't sure what to think. Arkansas as a mountain bike destination registers in the minds of most folks about as high as Guam as a Polar Bear viewing destination.

Well, after a few years time, and the construction of 36 miles of new trails, the verdict is in. The riding is abundant and stellar. According to district ranger Cindy Snow, "The number of vehicles in town with bicycles and bike racks is absolutely astounding."

It's not just the number of trails that is prompting rave reviews. "We had a fellow call from Little Rock - more than 100 miles away to tell us how exceptional the trails were," said Snow.

Mountain View is an established tourist destination. The area features some amazing caves - stalactite and stalagmite aficionados rejoice - and the town hosts a folk music festival every year. Despite only 3,000 full-time residents the area boasts nine hotels.

Mountain View was interested in diversifying its tourism, and identified trails as a great way to do it. The Forest Service was awarded a federal transportation grant to build new trails. Construction was broken into four phases and will eventually result in 75-85 miles of trail. Phase 1 consisted of 23 new miles of trail, which has now been signed and mapped. Thirteen more miles were recently added as part of Phase 2. The next two phases include more beginner and advanced trails to provide riders with a wide range of riding options. About 75 percent of the trails are slated hiking and biking only, with the other quarter designated for including motorized and horses shared-use.

The trails wind through a predominantly hardwood forest with lots of vistas and spectacular overlooks. And for those with a Rocky Mountainuber all-attitude - just because it's Arkansas doesn't mean it's flat. This is the heart of the Ozark Mountains, with enough elevation to satisfy the most ardent mountain rat.

Interested in checking these trails out? Local cycling shops are organizing a festival this fall (Nov. 6, 2004), and hope to make it an annual event. Think Fruita Festival five years ago - lots of fun, down to earth and original - and you have an idea of what awaits cyclists at the upcoming Mountain View event. To get the full scoop contact local rider Steve Parker at 870-269-3414. For more info on trails and future plans, contact Cindy Snow at the Sylamore Ranger District at 870-269-3228.