The Trail
Nearest Town with Accommodations: Hot Springs
Location: Take Central Ave. / Hwy. 7 north through downtown Hot Springs. Once you have passed all the bath house's keep an eye out to your left for Whittington Ave. and turn onto Whittington. Take the first street to your right this should be Cedar St. Stay on Cedar St. until you come to a 4 way stop and then bear right onto Cliff St. which will turn into Cedar Glades Rd. The trail head will be on your right about 2 miles down the road.
Type: Single track / loops.
Distance: About 9.5 miles.
Summary: This is one of the best trails to ride on in the area. It is also one of the best flowing trails I have ridden. It is one of those trails that seems to go down hill more then up but this is not the case as there are a few little climbs on this trail. With only a few minor tricky spots this trail is not really all that technical. Compared to other trails in the Ouachita's this trail is pretty tame. Expect the normal rocky trail with some loose stuff. There are sections where you can just open up and pedal to your hearts content. It has banked turns and nice flowing turns as well as switch backs and one really great downhill where you can catch a little air if your not careful. I think the best part of this trail is the section after you pass the Frisbee golf area. This section just seems to wind and meander all around the side of the hills. One section in particular, just as you are coming up to the BMX track, there is a large rock in the middle of the trail with a really great run out just past the rock. There is a good line heading up to the rock so expect to get some really great hang time here. As for the climbs on this trail they really are not too tough but some folks might not think so. These are not real long climbs but they are not short shots either. If you are ever in the Hot Springs area this is a must do ride. This trail is part of the Ouachita Tour of Trails.
Recommended Route: The trail is best ridden in the counter clockwise direction.
When to ride: The trail is maintained by the Hot Springs Bicycle Association so it is a pleasure to ride all year long.
Rating: I would not say that this trail is for everyone but most, even the new beginner I think will enjoy this ride. There are plenty of bail outs so a person can make this ride as long or as short as they wish. The novice might get a little winded on some of the climbs out there. Advanced, intermediate and beginners are going to love this place.
Other recommended trails in the area: Little Blakely, Charlton, Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, Womble