Places to Ride (Dirtbikes and ATVs)
In Arkansas
Places to Ride: Bear Creek Cycle Trail, Lake Greeson, SW Arkansas.
The Bear Creek
Cycle Trail is a 37 mile, multi-point-of-entrance trail covering terrain that
can be classified as cross country and at least of moderate difficulty. The
trail runs parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Greeson, a Corp of Engineers
constructed lake in southwest Arkansas, approximately 69 miles north of
Texarkana. The trail winds along the lake shore, climbing up and down wooded
hills and crossing streams and various roadways. The rider will experience
rocky uphills and downhills, tight areas through trees, and mud (lots?) in
certain areas following rain periods. Facilities in the area include full
hook-up RV camping at Daisy State Park (Arkansas State Park, camping fee was
$12.50/night) to more primitive camping sites under Corp of Engineers oversight.
Lake Greeson provides a great place to boat and fish, and the entire family can
enjoy an outing to this area. Additional riding areas very close to these
campsites include Weyerhauser Forest areas (some as National Forest lands) and
the Albert's Pike area. Dual purpose bikes can be advantageous for exploring
these areas as many of the connecting roads are public.
Location: 69 miles north of
Texarkana, 123 miles southwest of Little Rock on US Hwy 70.
Contact: Daisy State Park
103 East Park, Kirby, AR 71950 Ph (870) 398-4487
Daisy State Park
(daisy@arkansas.com)· Map of Lake Greeson and
Trail
Places to Ride: Western Arkansas (and Eastern Oklahoma)
Wolf Pen Gap Trail, ATV and Mountain Bike Trails
NOTE: This trail system is still open! Previously, it closed during Gun
Deer Hunting Season, but latest info (Thanks Bob at Ouachita ATV Club!) is its
open all the time! Stay on posted trails!
Wolf Pen Gap was
developed in 1991 from old logging roads and newly constructed trails to
provide a place for ATVs (four wheelers to dirt bikes) and mountain bikers to
ride. Total length is said to be 41 miles, but it includes numerous connected
loops to give variety to riders. The trail includes water crossings and winds
through pine and oak forests, and "features scenic mountain vistas".
Trails are marked in this area, and difficulty levels are "easy to most
difficult". The area does not have potable water sources, so plan to bring
your own drinking water supply. There is no camping at the trail area, but
check the link below for a commercial camping area that is nearby.
Location: From Mena, AR, take
Arkansas Hwy 8 east to Arkansas Hwy 375, then go south to County Road 277. Mena
is in western central Arkansas, near the Oklahoma state line.
For More Info: Mena Ranger District,
1603 Hwy. 71 N., Mena, AR 71953 Ph (479) 394-2382
Latest info on Wolf Pen Gap:
Camping with cabins near the trails! Check out this site for more info, and
additional pictures and trail map...
· US Forestry Service Pages
(look down page for Wolf Pen Gap in chart)...
· Map of the Wolf Pen Gap Area
Places to Ride: Central Arkansas
Moccasin Gap, ATV
Moccasin Gap is a system of
trails open to both ATV use and horses. This trail system is located north of
Russellville on Highway 7, and is just north of Dover. Difficulty can range
from easy to hard, and considerable mud can be expected after rains. The trails
are shared with horses and mountain bike riders, so ATV and dirtbikers should
be aware and use caution in some sections. Horses can be easily spooked at
times!
Places to Ride: Western Arkansas
Fourche Mountain, ATV
Fourche Mountain is shown on the
US Forestry Service pages (below) as open to ATV usage. It is near Mena,
somewhat close to Wolf Pen Gap area.
· Other
organization page on Fourche Mountain...
Other information available now
on Arkansas trails for ATVs. Check this US Forestry Service page for some
trails, and contact info...
· US Forestry Service
pages on Other ATV trails...
· Forestry Service general information
on the use of trails, etc...
· Back to Keith Hudson Homepage
Keith Hudson
(mkhudson@ualr.edu)