Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Arkansas, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The trail surface is very smooth right now - we rode from Barton to Lakeview (20 miles round trip) on gravel/cross bikes with our children. The gravel is small and well groomed, and most road bike riders would not have problems with it; it is definitely suitable for hybrids. The visitors center is easy to find, has ample parking, and has clean bathrooms. Almost all road crossings are over low traffic minor dirt roads or driveways, so we did not have to stop for traffic while riding. The trail is shaded, in parts by very large, old trees. The state parks have secured a large matching grant from the Walton Foundation and will have all 84 miles complete within five years. Nearby Mississippi River State Park has a lovely RV campground and more roads to explore by bike.
I am on a X-C road trip on I 40, and stopped today to get some exercise skating the trail. I parked at Big Dam Bridge (on the South side of the river). I skated across the river there, and put in 90 minutes on the trails on that side. Returning to the South side I explored around another 30 minutes. I was on miles of very good paved surface. I only saw one short (40 feet) segment with root cracks; these were clearly visible as one approached them. My understanding is there are many more miles of trail I didn't get a chance to skate.
The only long steep portions I found were the approaches to the Big Dam Bridge.
All-in-all a great skating site with wide, smooth, pavement.
Awesome trail, I especially like the new parking lot. It’s very flat, only about 20% shade.
We ride the pavement which was in perfect shape and not overly crowded. But the paths on both sides of the trail were calling to us. Would be a great place to learn to mountain bike and also has access to a wide variety of trails.
I like this trail a lot. It was fun and easy to do with my kids.
We "put in" at the Helena Junction trailhead and had to turn around at Barton - only 2 miles into our ride. When we read that the trail was crushed rock and that it was in excellent condition we thought that we'd see a Katy Trail type of surface ("The Katy" is one of our faves).
Such is not the case. The crushed limestone that we encountered was #57 or #5. We expected #8.
It was a bummer that we had to abort our ride, especially after having driven for two hours to get there. It was a beautiful day, and the trail scenery is spectacular.
Just do not attempt this unless you are prepared for a trail bike experience.
My wife and I rode this trail a week ago - started in Watson and finished in the very sleep town of Arkansas City. First 9 miles were shaded with trees on both sides. Trail of crushed limestone in excellent shape. Final 14 miles were paved road along the top of the Mississippi river levee. Amazing views from top of the levee. You can see for miles across forests, lakes, and fields of soybeans and corn. Town of Arkansas City is a shadow of its former heyday before the 1927 floods. Lots of history there. Will do this ride again.
Per the other two reviews, this is more of a walking trail than a biking trail. Several stretches of loose gravel make it not suitable for road bikes. Per title, shorter than advertised on app. Three stars was perhaps a gift.
I rode from Lexa to Elaine today (~21 miles) on a hybrid in 90-95 degree heat. Overall condition of the trail is excellent, however, the first 2 miles (Lexa to Barton) were a little rough, with some loose stones. Those first two miles probably need a little grooming / reconditioning. First 14 miles of the trail (Lexa to Lake View) is generally shady which helps a LOT. Very pretty. The last 7 miles between Lake View and Elaine has very little shade, running between massive fields of rice, soybeans, and corn. These fields are actually quite scenic, and was a nice change from just the trail surrounded by trees. I'll be doing this trail again. Excellent.
My wife and I drove 5 hours to ride this trail for 3 days. All I can say is incredible! Beautifully maintained paved trail system. Huge variety of landscape from downtown Little Rock to mountains and swamps. Tons of people enjoying trail. A real blessing! Thank you to the people of Arkansas and RTR!
We put in at the start of the trail in Bella Vista & rode to South Fayetteville, 35 miles. Very scenic with a variety of terrain & yes there are a few hills. I would advise riding it from the other direction from Fay to BV because of that but nonetheless a great trail from start to finish.
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