Spring and fall months tend to be ideal for riding in northwest Arkansas. Summer months can be dangerously hot and humid, and winter months can be cold, snowy, and icy at times, particularly in the mountains. Pre-leaf-out in the spring (typically late April/early May) will offer the best views, and fall colors typically peak around mid- to late October.

Gravel roads in the region range from well-maintained and smooth to loose, rough, and rugged; the gravel tends to be the loosest during the dry summer months and considerably smoother in the winter and spring. The ideal bike varies by route, this guide specifies for each one what we recommend. Generally a gravel bike with ~45mm tires or a mountain bike will be great, and tires should have reinforced/thick sidewalls. For the longer routes through the mountains, low gearing for steep climbs is strongly recommended, and for the riding in the Buffalo River region, riders should be on tires at least 50mm/2” wide.

Camping options along these routes are limited to established campgrounds or dispersed/at-large/wild camping on public lands with no amenities. Campground locations are included in the route information. Dispersed camping is only allowed in the Ozark National Forest and Buffalo National River, and the route information identifies well-established dispersed camping areas along the various loops. Note that within the National Forest/River boundaries, there are many parcels of private land on which camping is not permitted – typically, these parcels are clearly signed and/or marked with purple paint on trees or fence posts.

These routes are not marked on the ground in any way. Each route is hosted on Ride with GPS (RWGPS) and includes many points of interest (POIs) marking towns, campgrounds, water sources, etc. Navigate to the individual route page via the photos below for much more information about each route or go directly to the route navigation in RWGPS by clicking on the route in the map above.

You can download the GPS data to a GPS unit or download the route for offline navigation in the RWGPS mobile app (the free “basic plan” is all you need for this if you join the Bikepacking Roots RWGPS club). If navigating on your mobile device, expect the battery to run down more quickly than usual.

• Riders should be prepared to filter, chemically treat, or boil all surface water. This will be likely necessary for riders on all routes aside from the Razorback Greenway Loop.
• Outdoor water spigots are typically turned off during colder months.
• The surface water sources included in the route resources are generally reliable, but that does not mean they may not run dry during periods of drought; the driest months tend to be May-October. During wetter periods, many additional water sources may be present.

As with any outdoor activity, bikepacking involves inherent risks, but many can be reduced. Here are some key recommendations pertinent to this route network; for more information on risk management and preparing for a bikepacking adventure, check out The Bikepacker’s Guide.

• Vehicle traffic: Be attentive, wear bright clothing, use safety lights at all times, and ride single-file and as a closely spaced group on busier roads. On rural gravel roads, expect vehicles to potentially be in the middle of the road on blind curves.
• Dogs: In the words of one local cyclist, “The dogs in the Ozarks are very misunderstood!” Unleashed dogs are common in rural areas here, and many love to give chase to cyclists. But as soon as you stop, so does the chase – nearly all either turn back or approach happily with a wagging tail. Our recommendation when seeing a dog running toward you is to stop, stand with your bike between you and the approaching canine, and talk calmly to it. If it does seem aggressive, yell loudly and sternly at it.
• Ticks: Check yourself each evening. You’ll be most likely to pick up ticks around camp and any time you’re in taller grass/brush.
• Black bears: Encounters are rare in the Ozarks, but we recommend hanging food overnight so it is inaccessible to bears.
  Communication: Cell service is spotty along most of these routes. Consider carrying a satellite communication device and be sure to have offline access to the route and area maps.

• Fayetteville: Overnight parking is available in the Fayetteville Town Center’s parking deck. The entrance is located on East Ave, at the intersection of East and Rock. If you intend to park overnight, please let us know in advance – [email protected]
• Prairie Grove: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. Free, permit required – pick one up at the museum or email in advance ([email protected])
• Goshen: Goshen Community Center. No fee.

Fayetteville and the greater Northwest Arkansas region have an abundance of great cycling opportunities. Here is a list of just some of the great places you can seek out additional routes and cycling community in the area.

• Experience Fayetteville – Recommended local rides
• Adventure Cycling Association – Arkansas High Country Route
• Arkansas Rural Recreational Roads
• Arkansas State Parks Monument MTB Trails
• OZ Gravel Northwest Arkansas
• All Bikes Welcome
• All Bodies on Bikes – Northwest Arkansas Chapter
• Ozark Gravel Cyclists
• Ozark Off Road Cyclists