Cycling
Cycling in the Authentic Ozarks!
Epic Gravel! EpicScenery! Epic Elevation! Epic Experience!
E-Bikes Welcome!
The Ozark Grinder Trail (OGT) is a gravel grinder bicycle trail covering approximately 200 miles and 13,000 feet of elevation in some of the most wild, scenic, and remote parts of the northcentral Arkansas Ozarks! From Gilbert and St. Joe, through Tyler Bend at Buffalo National River and all the way to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas it climbs and descends steep grades and makes many creek crossings. The Ozark Grinder Trail is now awarding completer patches to riders who ride the entire straight-through segment, a 134-mile trail between Gilbert and Fairfield Bay. It sports almost 13,000 feet in elevation! The ride can be started from either end. Inform the chamber of commerce of your accomplishment. 870-448-2557. Fastest Known Times can be recorded for Male and Female up to age 59, and for 60+ Seniors in the categories of E-Bike, Standard Bikes, and Single-Speed bike.
The OGT runs inside of the Buffalo National River with fabulous river overlooks, is also within the Ozark National Forest running next to the Richland Creek Wilderness, along Richland Creek (a National Wild and Scenic River), Falling Water Creek, and the Middle Fork of the Little Red River running along portions of the railroad bed of the long-departed Missouri & North Arkansas Railroad. This trail also sports some steep mountain climbs! The Ozark Grinder Trail also occasionally runs in conjunction with or in close proximity to the Ozark Highlands Trail and the Buffalo River Trail hiking trails. There are multiple access points to the trail. Gilbert, Tyler Bend at the Buffalo National River, Snowball, Witt Springs, Leslie, Marshall, Oxley, Shirley, and Fairfield Bay. At times the trail will be impassable due to high water at low water bridge crossings. Never attempt a dangerous river or stream crossing! Turn around, don’t drown. Come back another day! It is also recommended that you always ride with a partner. Many sections of the trail are outside of cell phone coverage.
The Ozark Grinder Trail also has a loop trail! Almost 151 miles and 13,000+ feet of elevation! Mixed surface cycling! Take in gorgeous scenery as you encircle Marshall and hit spots such as the town of Gilbert, along the Buffalo National River, Harriet, Leslie, Witts Springs, Eula, Snowball, and Silver Hill! The cycling challenge of the Ozarks! Created by cyclist Dirk Merle!
Don’t miss the Annual Pedestal Rock Road Bike Ride and Lick Fork Gravel Grind in Witts Springs! The spectacular ride is the 3rd Saturday in October! Road (Pedestal Rock) distances of 10, 20, 40, 50, 62 miles and gravel (Lick Fork) distances of 15, 30, 50, and 62 miles! Awesome roads and awesome scenery! Great hosts in Witts Springs! Registration: https://www.bikereg.com/prlfride
Coming Soon! The Bobcat Trail will be a fabulous new mountain bike trail off Airport Road in Marshall and also accessed from the Searcy County "Buffalo River" Airport-4A5 for the fly-in cyclists! There will be a Green Loop Trail, a Green Climb Trail, both Blue and Green downhill trails and a Green Connector Trail that goes around the end of the airport to more trail on the south side of the airport that is accessible from State Highway 27. The trail is also multiuse and is available to hikers and trail runners.
The Annual Arkansas High Country Race for bicycles also comes through Searcy County and is approximately 1,016 miles with 74,000+ ft of climbing! This is a self-supported ultra-biking event. Some of America's finest long-distance gravel cyclists compete in this event! Race starts on 4 Oct 2025.
The Annual Snowball Adventure Race has a cycling leg. This adventure involves a 5.5 mile run from Snowball to the Margaret White area on the Buffalo National River, where you then will canoe or kayak an 8.5 mile float down the beautiful Buffalo to the Tyler Bend launch area. You then pickup your bicycle at the Tyler Bend Pavilion and start the 11.5 mile journey back to Snowball via the Ozark Grinder Trail. Sign up here: Snowball Adventure Race Online Registration
Cycling is permitted just outside Marshall at the Mountain Homestead Natural Area! 1.46 miles of Multiuse Trails! Nature Trail! Dark Night Sky Viewing! Bird Watching! Call 870-448-2557 for more information!
Hill Country Cycling is a local cycling club that features rides around Searcy County including the annual Chocolate Roll Bike Ride out of Leslie in December! Riders can choose either a 14-mile ride or 19-mile ride.
