Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail

The Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail is a multi-day journey along a unique geological formation that rises from the flat Arkansas Delta, offering a rare blend of challenging hills, rich history, and scenic beauty.

Created from windblown glacial dust and ancient river channels, the ridge provides a lush, rolling landscape that contrasts sharply with the surrounding farmlands. The best times to ride are in the fall, winter, and spring. Fall brings cool temperatures and a fiery display of foliage from the many unique hardwood trees, while spring offers mild weather and an explosion of wildflowers. The route is a true expedition, featuring a mix of remote, well-maintained gravel roads and occasional paved sections that wind through forests, past historic towns, and over steep climbs.

Your journey begins as you peel off the flat agricultural plains and onto the unexpected spine of Crowley’s Ridge. The landscape immediately transforms, with the horizon now marked by a verdant canopy of trees—a mix of species more commonly found in the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll feel the first inclines right away, a series of rolling hills that demand a steady cadence and reward your effort with a thrilling descent. The gravel under your tires changes constantly, from smooth, fast-rolling sections to rugged, chunky climbs that require a bit more attention.

As you navigate the twisting roads, you’ll be treated to a sensory experience that combines natural beauty with deep history. The air, especially in spring, is sweet with the scent of honeysuckle and wildflowers. You’ll pass historic Civil War sites and ride through ancient loess canyons, which were carved by erosion. The route will guide you through small, welcoming towns where you can grab a meal and a drink, and perhaps even a glimpse into the region’s rich Blues and agricultural heritage. You will find yourself riding past sprawling fields, then back into the cool shade of a hardwood forest, and over wooden bridges that span small creeks. The full route is a testament to the unexpected beauty and resilience of this region, culminating in a descent toward the Mississippi River, where the ride ends, but the memories of this unique geological and cultural adventure will surely live on.

For a longer bikepacking experience, the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail can be connected to other routes, specifically, the 40-mile Delta Heritage Trail.

• Paved: 39%
• Smooth Gravel: 61%
• Rough Gravel: 0%
• 4×4 Road: 0%
• Singletrack: 0%

Parking:

Riders can leave a vehicle at the Chamber of Commerce in Piggott: 100 W Main St, Piggott, AR 72454

There are numerous public parking spots along the trail. Please check back for updated information regarding places to leave a vehicle at start and end of the route.

The route creators are working on potential shuttle options for the route. Please use the contact form to reach out to Ammen directly regarding possible shuttle options.

What type of bike is best for this route?

A gravel bike is the ideal choice for this route, with tire widths of at least 38mm recommended to handle the diverse surfaces, from hard packed to some looser, chunky sections.

Services:

Riders should be prepared to be self-supported for long stretches, as services are few and far between outside of the small towns that dot the ridge.

It’s essential to carry plenty of water and food, as resupply points can be miles apart.

Camping:

The trail offers excellent camping opportunities within several state parks along the way, including Crowley’s Ridge State Park and Village Creek State Park, providing shaded sites, and in some cases, modern facilities.

A WMC – WMA Camping Permit is required if camping within any Wildlife Management area, including the W.E. Brewer Scatter Creek WMA.

Visit the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail website for more information: https://www.studiodriftar.org/crgt

If you are interested in riding the route with others, an annual event, Birdeye Gravel, is hosted each fall. See here for more details.

The Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail brought to us by Ammen Jordan.

Here are a few words from Ammen:

Ammen is the Executive Director of studioDRIFT, the non-profit arm of Ecological Design Group, where he spearheads efforts to enhance rural communities and the Arkansas Delta through outdoor recreation and active transportation. A University of Arkansas alumnus, Ammen’s diverse career includes impact investing and directing development for Ruston, Louisiana, where he established 10 miles of multi-use trails. After returning to Fayetteville in 2018, he served as the University of Arkansas’s Active Transportation Coordinator, overseeing major trail and safety projects.

This route traverses the traditional lands of the Quapaw.