Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trail System has been voted the top mountain bike trail system in Arkansas in a poll by Arkansas Outside.com, an organization that reports on all recreational outdoors activities in the state.

“We are so honored to have been voted the No. 1 Mountain Bike Trail in Arkansas by the AO readers,” Visit Hot Springs Trails Coordinator Traci Berry said. “We are not blind to all of the amazing trail systems that have been and are being developed in our state. To be recognized at the top of that long list is something to be very proud of.

“Thank you, voters, for loving our trails as much as we do, and thank you Arkansas Outside for all you do to promote our amazing state and all of the outdoor adventure and fun that can be had within her borders. “We are very appreciative to IMBA Trail Solutions and Rogue Trails for leaving us with a sustainable, world-class trail system. We know that in order to ensure they remain at that level, they must be maintained. I believe having a dedicated trails staff is often what sets Northwoods apart. With that, we must recognize our trail staff, Jake, Jacob, and AJ, for all of the hard work they do daily to keep the trails in tip-top shape, which leads to consistent year-round trail use that is vital to the sustainable health of a trail.”

In naming Northwoods No. 1 in the state, Arkansas Outside said, “Combining the old-school trails at Cedar Glades with the newer Northwoods Trails makes this system a go-to for everyone. New trails and new events seem to pop up yearly. Whether you want great jump lines, classic cross country, or techy turny sections, this place has it. On top of that, it has its own management team that keeps it in tip-top shape.” The site added: “Pro Tip — Two words, Ohio Club. Look it up, go there.”

AO.com added: “With the constant growth of trail systems in the state, it was well past time to survey our readers on their favorite trail system. We asked our readers to pick their three favorites from our long list of trail systems. We enjoy well over 1,000 miles of mountain bike trails in Arkansas, including five International Mountain Bicycling Association Epic Trails, four Arkansas State Park Monument Trails, and the hundreds of miles that fall under the OZ Trail banner. It’s not an easy task to choose a favorite.”

In addition to Northwoods, the survey listed the other top trails in Arkansas (in order):

No. 2 – Mount Nebo State Park
No. 3 – Slaughter Pen Trails in Bentonville
No. 4 – Iron Mountain Trails at Lake DeGray
No. 5 (tie) – Coler Bike Preserve in Bentonville and Devil’s Den State Park
No. 7 – Back 40/Little Sugar/Blowing Springs in Bella Vista
No. 8 – Hobbs State Park
No. 9 – Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock
No. 10 – Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT)

Honorable mention went to these trail systems: Mount Kessler – Fayetteville; Womble Trail – Mount Ida; Centennial Park – Fayetteville; Lake Leatherwood – Eureka Springs; and Syllamo – Mountain View.

Image: Courtesy of Visit Hot Springs.