{"id":1810966,"date":"2026-03-06T11:05:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T08:05:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1810966"},"modified":"2026-03-06T11:05:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T08:05:34","slug":"eastern-arkansas-has-over-4000-miles-of-unpaved-roads-and-trails-bring-your-gravel-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1810966","title":{"rendered":"Eastern Arkansas has over 4,000 miles of unpaved roads and trails. Bring your gravel bike."},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<div id=\"wp_content_article\" class=\"st_article_class\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1601\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202400%201601'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15.jpg\" alt=\"A cyclist dressed in a blue shirt and black shorts rides a gravel road on Crowley's Ridge surrounded by lush green trees. The trail is dusty and the scene is illuminated by soft, natural light filtering through the foliage.\" class=\"wp-image-703692 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-15-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Craig Durkin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Following years of investment in trails and bicycle infrastructure, Northwest Arkansas has become known around the world as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitbentonville.com\/bike\/\">a top mountain bike destination<\/a>. The initial vision for that development focused on improving the quality of life for residents, and as word about the trails spread over time, tourism naturally followed. Now that the model has proven to be wildly successful, it\u2019s being replicated throughout Arkansas, with the Delta region in the eastern part of the state now poised to become the next great gravel biking destination.<\/p>\n<p>With seemingly endless gravel roads that traverse vast cotton fields and rice paddies to rolling, forested hills, eastern Arkansas has a lot to offer riders. Two epic routes have been established to help riders navigate a sea of excellent gravel biking options, while a handful of races and events bring riders from across the US to experience the unique culture found in the Arkansas Delta region.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc is-style-outline htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"expanded\" data-htoc-scrollspy=\"false\" data-htoc-auto-collapse=\"true\" data-htoc-mapping-headers=\"[false,true,true,false,false,false]\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Arkansas Delta Gravel Biking<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\">\n<ul class=\"ht_toc_list\">\n<li class><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/?p=701903#h-crowley-s-ridge-gravel-trail\">Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail<\/a>\n<ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/?p=701903#h-big-river-trail-system\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Big River Trail System<\/a><\/li>\n<li class><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/?p=701903#h-delta-heritage-trail-state-park\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Delta Heritage Trail State Park<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100vw;position:relative;left:50%;right:50%;margin-left:-50vw;margin-right:-50vw\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-st-format-full\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1601\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202400%201601'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset over a grassy field, with trees silhouetted against the colorful sky. Soft sunlight casts a warm glow on the landscape, highlighting the tall grass in the foreground and creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.\" class=\"wp-image-703691 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-2-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A sunset view of Crowley\u2019s Ridge from the east. Photo: Jeff Barber<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-crowley-s-ridge-gravel-trail\">Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail<\/h2>\n<p>The Arkansas Delta region is characterized by flat and fertile farmland bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Highlands region to the west. Bisecting the Delta is a geographic anomaly known as Crowley\u2019s Ridge, which holds perhaps the best-kept secret to gravel riding in the Central US.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re on this 250-foot-tall weaving ribbon of trail with these peekaboo views of this ocean of farmland,\u201d Ammen Jordan, the Director for studioDRIFT, told me. \u201cIt\u2019s a totally unique experience most people in the mid continent have never had.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/helena-arkansas.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"704015\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/helena-arkansas-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-704015 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/helena-arkansas-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/helena-arkansas-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/helena-arkansas-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/helena-arkansas-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/helena-arkansas-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/helena-arkansas-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/helena-arkansas-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-18.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703711\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-18-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703711 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-18-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-18-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-18-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-18-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-18-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-18-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Photos: Jeff Barber (left) and Craig Durkin (right)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail begins in the town of Helena-West Helena, which is located along the banks of the Mississippi River. The town is home to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arkansasheritage.com\/delta-cultural-center\/delta-cultural-center-home\">Delta Heritage Museum<\/a>, which highlights the region\u2019s culture and history. Beginning in the 1940s, a local radio station hosted a program <span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">called\u00a0<em>King Biscuit Time<\/em>, featuring blues music from regional<\/span> musicians that went on to popularize the genre worldwide. Museum exhibits also explore the region\u2019s agricultural history and the town\u2019s occupation by Union soldiers during the Civil War.<\/p>\n<p>Although the town of Helena-West Helena has suffered economic hardship over the years, bicycle tourism is growing. In addition to serving as the southern end of the Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail, the town hosts various cycling events throughout the year, including the popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deltamagic.org\/calendar?cal_event_id=451159&amp;cal_slug=mile-zero\">Mile Zero<\/a> Delta Outdoor Festival (formerly the Delta Grind) and Tour Da Delta Bike Ride.<\/p>\n<p>Today, Helena-West Helena is home to <a href=\"https:\/\/deltadirtdistillery.com\/\">Delta Dirt<\/a>, which is said to be the only black-owned, farm-to-bottle distillery. There\u2019s also excellent BBQ to be found at Delta Que &amp; Brew, located on Cherry St. downtown. The restaurant has a fully stocked bar and a stage for hosting live music.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-17.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703708\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-17-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703708 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-17-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-17-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-17-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-17-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-17-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-17-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-21.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703707\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-21-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703707 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-21-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-21-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-21-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-21-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-21-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<div style=\"width:100vw;position:relative;left:50%;right:50%;margin-left:-50vw;margin-right:-50vw\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-st-format-full\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1601\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202400%201601'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up view of the distinctive, buttressed trunks of cypress trees, partially submerged in calm water. The trees display rich textures and earthy tones, with patches of moss adding a touch of greenery amid the serene natural setting.\" class=\"wp-image-703710 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-16-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>After traversing a short levee section heading north out of town, riders quickly find themselves enveloped in the St. Francis National Forest, where bottomland forests provide a surreal backdrop to the quiet, traffic-free roads. During a Singletracks visit in September, we didn\u2019t see a single vehicle along a ten-mile stretch through the forest.<\/p>\n<p>Past Storm Creek Lake, the road is paved and roughly follows the ridgeline. This section in particular feels not unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202400%201600'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-704014 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowley-intersection-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>After exiting the St. Francis National Forest, the route takes riders through the small town of Marianna and north through Forrest City and other communities located along the edges of vast farmlands. This section, between Marianna and Jonesboro, traverses several counties, including Cross County, which has more gravel roads than paved roads.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-1-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703729 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-1-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-1-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>The gravel surface in this zone is generally well-packed, a mix of semi-smooth river rock and sand with a pleasant, warm, orange tint. While riding a section between Vanndale and Cherry Valley, only a single vehicle passed us.<\/p>\n<p>In November, the Birdeye Gravel Festival will bring cyclists and trail runners to Birdeye Farms, located on the east side of Crowley\u2019s Ridge just outside Cherry Valley. The festival promises live music, food, camping, rides, and runs along Crowley\u2019s Ridge. <span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">This year, organ<\/span>izers are promoting a 450-mile self-supported gravel bike challenge called the\u00a0Birdeye 500. Riders will traverse Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail <em>twice<\/em> for the complete Eastern Arkansas gravel experience.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re getting people in from St Louis. We\u2019re getting people in from San Antonio. They marvel at it because everything is different than what they\u2019re familiar with,\u201d said Jordan.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703717\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-1-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703717 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-1-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-1-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703715\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-3-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703715 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-3-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-3-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-3-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-3-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-3-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-3-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703716\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-2-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703716 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-2-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-2-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-2-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-2-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-native-brew-works.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703718\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-native-brew-works-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703718 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-native-brew-works-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-native-brew-works-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-native-brew-works-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-native-brew-works-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-native-brew-works-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-native-brew-works-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jonesboro-arkasas-native-brew-works-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-college-town-on-the-delta-connected-by-gravel\">A college town on the delta, connected by gravel<\/h3>\n<p>Jonesboro is home to Arkansas State University, with an enrollment of about 18,000 students. It\u2019s here that you\u2019ll find <a href=\"https:\/\/nativebrewworks.com\/\">Native Brew Works<\/a>, a popular brewery with a lunch and dinner menu featuring tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and burgers. Lemonade House Grill is popular with students and visiting parents alike, and we found delicious Pho and B\u00e1nh m\u00ec at Viet Kitchen on South Main Street. <a href=\"https:\/\/gearheadoutfitters.com\/\">Gearhead Outfitters<\/a>, just a block away, operates a full-service bike shop in town. Though the Crowley\u2019s Ridge Trail route doesn\u2019t take riders directly along South Main Street, it\u2019s worth a short detour. And for those who want to ride more dirt, there\u2019s a large network of freshly reworked singletrack bike trails available just off route at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/bike-trails\/craighead-park\/\">Craighhead Forest Park<\/a> south of town.<\/p>\n<p>In May 2025, Jonesboro hosted an all-new gravel race known as <a href=\"https:\/\/skirmishjonesboro.com\/\">The Skirmish<\/a>. Produced by All Sports Productions, the race drew hundreds of riders from Memphis, Little Rock, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Nashville. Unlike other parts of the Natural State, the mild, rolling terrain around Jonesboro is incredibly accessible for families and riders who are new to gravel biking, and the Skirmish offers riders various course lengths, ranging from 24 miles all the way up to 100.<\/p>\n<p>In 2024, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arkansasgraveler.com\/\">Arkansas Graveler<\/a>, a multi-day gravel ride and festival, visited Jonesboro, and the 2026 edition will begin in the town, leading riders along the Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail and the Delta Heritage Trail. Registration for the Graveler opens April 2.<\/p>\n<p>Jonesboro makes for an excellent basecamp for gravel day trips as well, with some of the most scenic gravel roads located south of town.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-9.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"878\" data-id=\"703742\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20878'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-9-1170x878.jpeg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703742 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-9-1170x878.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-9-750x563.jpeg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-9-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-9-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-9-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-9-600x450.jpeg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-8.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"878\" data-id=\"703740\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20878'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-8-1170x878.jpeg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703740 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-8-1170x878.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-8-750x563.jpeg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-8-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-8-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-8-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-8-600x450.jpeg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-12.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"878\" data-id=\"703741\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20878'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-12-1170x878.jpeg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703741 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-12-1170x878.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-12-750x563.jpeg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-12-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-12-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-12-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-no-logo-12-600x450.jpeg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Photos: studioDRIFT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Heading north from Jonesboro, Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail leads riders through Lake Frierson State Park and Crowley\u2019s Ridge State Park, where camping and swimming are available. The route ends in Piggott, Arkansas, a town where Ernest Hemingway and his family spent a significant amount of time in the late 1920s.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-Poster_18_24.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"878\" height=\"1170\" data-id=\"703973\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20878%201170'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-Poster_18_24-878x1170.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703973 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-Poster_18_24-878x1170.jpg 878w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-Poster_18_24-563x750.jpg 563w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-Poster_18_24-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-Poster_18_24-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-Poster_18_24-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CRGT-Poster_18_24-600x800.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703689\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-7-1170x780.jpg\" alt=\"Two cyclists riding on a dirt path surrounded by greenery. One cyclist is wearing a red shirt and shorts, while the other is dressed in a blue shirt. Tall grass is visible in the foreground, adding to the natural scenery.\" class=\"wp-image-703689 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-7-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-7-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-7-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-7-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-7-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/crowleys-ridge-gravel-biking-7-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p>All told, riders will visit 18 towns, seven state parks, and one National Forest along the Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail. The majority of the roughly 240-mile route is unpaved, and though the biggest climb on the route is only about 200 vertical feet, the moderately hilly traverse delivers more than 11,000 feet of climbing in total. According to Jordan, the route works well in either direction, so you can start and end wherever you like.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080\" width=\"1920\" autoplay controls loop muted src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<p>For those who choose to tackle the entire trail, there are many options for camping and lodging located directly along the route and marked on the map above. Jordan told me he rode the Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail last fall and didn\u2019t pack any food, relying on restaurants and DoorDash deliveries to survive. Most riders will want to plan four days to complete the trail, which averages out to about 60 miles of riding each day.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-3-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703724 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-3-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-3-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-3-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-3-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-100-miles-of-gravel-from-west-memphis-to-arkansas-city\">100+ miles of gravel from West Memphis to Arkansas City<\/h2>\n<p>The city of West Memphis, Arkansas, sits directly across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee. The two cities are connected via Big River Crossing, the longest public pedestrian cycling bridge across the Mississippi River. Amtrak train service to Central Station in Memphis drops riders off just a few blocks from the bridge where the off-road adventure begins!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703726\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-5-1170x780.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up view of a bicycle wheel in front of a metal fence, featuring a sign designating the state line between Arkansas (AR) and Tennessee (TN) on the Big River Crossing. The background shows a river and a clear sky. The sign includes a message about love locks, and is blue and white in color.\" class=\"wp-image-703726 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-5-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-5-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-5-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-5-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-5-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-5-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BRT_map-1.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1026\" height=\"1170\" data-id=\"703732\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201026%201170'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BRT_map-1-1026x1170.webp\" alt class=\"wp-image-703732 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BRT_map-1-1026x1170.webp 1026w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BRT_map-1-657x750.webp 657w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BRT_map-1-768x876.webp 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BRT_map-1-1346x1536.webp 1346w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BRT_map-1-1795x2048.webp 1795w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/BRT_map-1-600x684.webp 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1026px) 100vw, 1026px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-big-river-trail-system\">Big River Trail System<\/h3>\n<p>The Big River Trail System includes a seven-mile gravel loop in Ducks Unlimited Park that begins at the foot of the bridge on the Arkansas side of the river. Located close to downtown Memphis and between two interstate highways, the Ducks Unlimited Park loop is surprisingly peaceful and scenic. Soybean fields give way to glances of the Mississippi River through a narrow strip of trees, with the city of Memphis visible in the distance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703725\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-2-1170x780.jpg\" alt=\"A scenic view of a green field in the foreground, leading to a city skyline in the background. The skyline features tall buildings partially obscured by a slight haze, with a distinctive architectural structure seen between the buildings. The sky is blue with subtle clouds, creating a tranquil atmosphere.\" class=\"wp-image-703725 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-2-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-2-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-2-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-2-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703728\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-6-1170x780.jpg\" alt=\"A vibrant green field of soybean plants under a clear blue sky with a few scattered clouds in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-703728 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-6-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-6-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-6-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-6-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-6-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-6-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703727\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-4-1170x780.jpg\" alt=\"A view from the handlebars of a bicycle on a dirt road, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage under a clear blue sky.\" class=\"wp-image-703727 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-4-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-4-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-4-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-4-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-4-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-4-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p>From here, the Big River Trail connects riders to the 70-mile Levee Trail before continuing into the city of West Memphis. The Levee Trail roughly follows the contours of the Mississippi River, with little discernible elevation change along its length. The longest segment within the Big River Trail System network, the Levee Trail ends in the town of Marianna, where it coincides with the Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail through the St. Francis National Forest. Riders will roll into the town of Helena-West Helena and can choose to continue onto yet another excellent gravel trail, the Delta Heritage Trail.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703737\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1-1170x780.jpg\" alt='A close-up view of a bronze plaque displaying \"Delta Heritage Trail,\" \"EST. 1992,\" and \"State Park,\" set against a brown background.' class=\"wp-image-703737 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/delta_heritage_trail_map2026.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"905\" height=\"1170\" data-id=\"714395\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20905%201170'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/delta_heritage_trail_map2026-905x1170.jpg\" alt=\"Map of the Delta Heritage Trail in Arkansas, highlighting completed sections and ongoing construction phases. It includes key locations such as Little Rock, Memphis, and various towns along the trail. The map features mileage summaries, completed segments, and designated points of interest, with a visual representation of the trail's route through the region.\" class=\"wp-image-714395 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/delta_heritage_trail_map2026-905x1170.jpg 905w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/delta_heritage_trail_map2026-580x750.jpg 580w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/delta_heritage_trail_map2026-768x993.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/delta_heritage_trail_map2026-1188x1536.jpg 1188w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/delta_heritage_trail_map2026-1585x2048.jpg 1585w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/delta_heritage_trail_map2026-600x775.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 905px) 100vw, 905px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-delta-heritage-trail-state-park\">Delta Heritage Trail State Park<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arkansasstateparks.com\/trails\/delta-heritage-trail\">The Delta Heritage Trail<\/a> is a major rails-to-trail project that, once complete, will span nearly 85 miles from the town of Lexa to Arkansas City. In 1992, Arkansas State Parks took over the project with plans to offer visitors top-notch amenities, including water, restrooms, and eventually cabins available for rent along the route. Over 74 miles of the Delta Heritage Trail are open for riding today, including the newly completed Yancopin Bridge spanning the Arkansas River. A bridge crossing the White River is currently under construction and once complete, it will link the north and south ends of the trail. From the end of the Big River Trail and Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail in Helena-West Helena, it\u2019s about a 10-mile ride to the Delta Heritage Trail.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width:100vw;position:relative;left:50%;right:50%;margin-left:-50vw;margin-right:-50vw\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-st-format-full\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1601\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202400%201601'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703736 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Jeff Barber<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>As an old railroad corridor, the Delta Heritage Trail is almost completely flat with a finely crushed gravel surface that rolls fast. Though this part of the state is characterized by open fields and farmland, a narrow strip of trees provides shade along much of the trail.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703734\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-5-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703734 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-5-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-5-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-5-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-5-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" data-id=\"703735\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-4-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703735 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-4-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-4-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-4-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-4-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-4-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-4-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1601\" data-id=\"703733\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202400%201601'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703733 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-3-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The Helena Junction trailhead, located just south of the town of Lexa (population 207), is mile marker zero. This is the northernmost point on the Delta Heritage Trail. The park\u2019s headquarters is located just two miles down the trail in the town of Barton, and here riders will find a bike repair station, water, and access to five primitive walk-in campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703831 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/delta-heritage-trail-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>From Barton, the trail rolls through Lick Creek, where a \u201csmall skirmish\u201d took place during the Civil War, and into the town of Elaine, the site of deadly racial violence that took place in 1919. At the trailhead in Elaine, visitors can view interpretive signage that details the town\u2019s painful history and how the community is moving forward today. The trailhead also has a water fountain and bike repair station.<\/p>\n<p>Nine miles south of the Elaine trailhead, restrooms, water, and another bike repair station are available at the Mellwood trailhead. A general store with a small restaurant is located across the street from the trailhead.<\/p>\n<p>Next, it\u2019s about 12 miles to the Snow Lake trailhead, which is essentially the end of the northern line \u2014 for now. Snow Lake is quite remote, tucked inside a bend of the Mississippi River and close to the confluence with the White and Arkansas rivers. There\u2019s only one main road in or out of the area.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3600\" height=\"2400\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%203600%202400'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map.png\" alt class=\"wp-image-704022 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map.png 3600w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map-750x500.png 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map-1170x780.png 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map-375x250.png 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map-2048x1365.png 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/eastern-arkansas-delta-gravel-trail-map-600x400.png 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3600px) 100vw, 3600px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>A section of the Delta Heritage Trail between Snow Lake and Yancopin, Arkansas, is currently under construction. Two massive railroad bridges are being re-purposed to carry bicycle traffic over the White and Arkansas rivers, and once complete in 2026, they will be a highlight of the route.<\/p>\n<p>Picking up the trail again in Yancopin, riders roll through the small town of Watson before arriving at the Rohwer trailhead. The <a href=\"https:\/\/rohwer.astate.edu\/\">Rohwer Heritage Site<\/a>, located nearby, was the location of a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II.<\/p>\n<p>From Rohwer, it\u2019s a 15-mile ride to the southern terminus of the Delta Heritage Trail in Arkansas City. At the trailhead, riders can access restrooms and water, along with two non-reservable tent pads available for camping on a first-come, first-served basis. In town, there\u2019s a restaurant and a bed-and-breakfast known as <span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arkansascityar.com\/overnight-accommodations\/\" target=\"_blank\">the Furr House<\/a><\/span> where visitors can reserve one of five bedrooms.  <\/p>\n<p>The Delta Heritage Trail is an excellent choice for a family-friendly bikepacking trip, or as part of a more ambitious Arkansas Delta gravel tour combining the Big River Trail and\/or the Crowley\u2019s Ridge Gravel Trail. Once complete, the Delta Heritage Trail by itself will make for an excellent out-and-back overnight bikepacking route, especially for first-time bikepackers.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width:100vw;position:relative;left:50%;right:50%;margin-left:-50vw;margin-right:-50vw\" class=\"wp-block-cgb-block-st-format-full\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%202400%201600'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-703837 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/arkansas-gravel-levee-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-eastern-arkansas-has-gravel-biking-for-days\">Eastern Arkansas has gravel biking for days<\/h2>\n<p>Though I highly recommend following the established gravel trails highlighted in this article or signing up for an upcoming race or festival, that\u2019s not to say riders can\u2019t just roll their own route in the Arkansas Delta region. Thousands of miles of low-traffic farm roads and levee trails crisscross the region, leading riders to scenic vistas and unexpected discoveries like the one shown in the photo above.<\/p>\n<p>The Arkansas Delta is on its way to becoming a regional\u00a0\u2014 and perhaps even national \u2014\u00a0gravel biking destination. Come with your gravel bike to see what it\u2019s all about before the secret gets out!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-\">Upcoming eastern Arkansas gravel races and events<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"htoc-11\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikereg.com\/milezero\">Mile Zero Delta Outdoor Festival<\/a>: April 10-12, 2026<\/li>\n<li id=\"htoc-the-skirmish-may-28-31-2026\"><a href=\"https:\/\/skirmishjonesboro.com\/\">The Skirmish<\/a>: May 28-31, 2026<\/li>\n<li id=\"htoc-no1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arkansasgraveler.com\/\">Arkansas Graveler<\/a>, Delta Blues Edition: October 6-10, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"htoc-1\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t&lt;!&#8211;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4>Related articles<\/h4>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8211;&gt;<\/p>\n<div style=\"height: 30px\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\tjQuery(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tpostpayloads._aba838e2a455709af06b40f1e5dc50b1 = {&#8220;ids&#8221;:&#8221;695961,695960,644940,644939&#8243;,&#8221;posts_per_page&#8221;:null,&#8221;offset&#8221;:0,&#8221;style&#8221;:&#8221;4up&#8221;};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tpostcounter._aba838e2a455709af06b40f1e5dc50b1 = {start: 0, step: 0, end: 0};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p>\n<div class=\"row\" style=\"background: #fff\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-trails\/5-of-the-best-mtb-trail-systems-built-in-arkansas-since-your-last-visit\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/chaotic_turkeytracks-3616-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a lush green forest, wearing a helmet and protective gear, focusing on maintaining balance while riding over uneven terrain.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/sponsored-stories-and-affiliate-links\/\">Sponsored<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-trails\/5-of-the-best-mtb-trail-systems-built-in-arkansas-since-your-last-visit\/\">5 of the best MTB trail systems built in Arkansas since your last visit<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-trails\/this-3-day-route-hits-every-must-ride-bike-trail-in-northwest-arkansas\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/danger-will-robinson-little-sugar-2-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"A mountain biker navigates over rocky terrain beneath a rocky overhang, surrounded by lush greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and a backpack, focusing intently on the trail ahead.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/sponsored-stories-and-affiliate-links\/\">Sponsored<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-trails\/this-3-day-route-hits-every-must-ride-bike-trail-in-northwest-arkansas\/\">This 3-day route hits every must-ride bike trail in Northwest Arkansas<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix visible-xs\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-trails\/6-unique-arkansas-mtb-experiences-you-wont-find-anywhere-else\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC7766-1-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"A mountain biker navigates a winding trail carved into a rocky cliffside, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky with a visible moon. Sunlight filters through the foliage, casting a warm glow on the scene, while water gently drips from the rock face above.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/sponsored-stories-and-affiliate-links\/\">Sponsored<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-trails\/6-unique-arkansas-mtb-experiences-you-wont-find-anywhere-else\/\">6 Unique Arkansas MTB Experiences You Won&#8217;t Find Anywhere Else<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-trails\/3-days-in-bentonville-mountain-biking-the-best-trails\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC8600-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"Two mountain bikers navigate a path in a lush, green park during golden hour. The sun filters through the trees, creating a warm glow. In the background, a stone bridge can be seen, adding to the natural scenery.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/sponsored-stories-and-affiliate-links\/\">Sponsored<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-trails\/3-days-in-bentonville-mountain-biking-the-best-trails\/\">3 Days in Bentonville: Mountain Biking the Best Trails<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix visible-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Photo: Craig Durkin Following years of investment in trails and bicycle infrastructure, Northwest Arkansas has become known around the world as a top mountain bike destination. The initial vision for that development focused on improving the quality of life for residents, and as word about the trails spread over time, tourism naturally followed. Now that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,274],"class_list":["post-1810966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-singletracks-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1810966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1810966"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1810966\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1810966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1810966"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1810966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}