The Trail
Nearest Town with Accommodations: Russellville
Location: From Russellville take Hwy. 7 south. Just before you leave the city limits on the south side of town watch for Dam Road on your right and turn right onto Dam Road. Follow Dam Road all the way into Old Post Road Park, once you pass Sheppard Road take the next right. You will see the Army Corp. of Engineers HQ on your left, drive on past that and the trailhead is just above the HQ. There is a parking area there with restrooms, the trailhead will be to the north across the street.
Type: Single track / loops.
Distance: About 7 miles doing all loops.
Summary: This is a fun little trail and we ride it about once a month. The area where the trail is built is relatively flat compared to other trails in the Ouachita's. Don't expect to find a lot of climbing out here about the only hard climb is what they call the Power Line Loop. There are a few tricky spots but someone with just a little bike handling skills should be able to get over these. There is one place as you come down off the Power Line Loop that has a big rock and drop off. If launching off of rocks is not your thing you can easily go to the left of the rock and roll over it. I say this becuase this rock has caught many of rider off guard and they ended up picking themselves up off the ground. For the most part this trail is pretty easy, it is mostly hard packed with some loose rock. The trail was built on a very small track of land so it can be tight and twisty in places. You can also find a few little spots out here to get some air. The locals have built a little skills area off on a side trail that has some jumps and a log ride. There is also a small little trail just to the east of the Tennis Courts that you passed when you first came into the park. I think this little trail is maybe about a mile and half long and is a very gentle ride as well as a great little cool down, it also makes for a great trail for a brand new rider or maybe the kids. There are a few nice places to get in some scenic views one of which is at the top of Power Line hill, if you will watch to your left you will see a small trail heading toward the Arkansas River. If you take this trail it will bring you to some bluffs that overlook the Arkansas River. We call this little trail the Bluff Trail and if you continue on you will come out to the parking area where you started. The Rock Quarry can be kind of nice for scenic shots as well.
Recommended Route: Going clockwise on this trail always seems to feel much better it just seems to have a smoother flow.
When to ride: Any time is a good time for this trail. It is almost always well maintained.
Rating: All riders even novice will probably like this trail. There maybe a few little sections out there where a new rider may have to walk. This is a good trail for a new rider to cut their teeth on. If you are a speed freak or if you like your trails with few climbs and descents then you should like this trail.
Other recommended trails in the area: Bench Trail