Exploring Hidden Gems
America’s most hospitable gravel ride takes to the Ouachitas.
By Scotti Moody | Photography By Kai Caddy
Victor Gruel, Andy Chasteen, Rob Bell and more take in the scenic views between Marshall and Leslie during last year's Graveler.
As a cyclist who has ridden thousands of miles across Arkansas, I feel fortunate to have firsthand experience with this state’s diverse terrain. Whether climbing through the rugged Ozarks or cruising along farm roads of the Delta, cycling in The Natural State is about so much more than riding bikes. It’s about connecting to nature, experiencing vibrant communities and the inherent self-journey that unfolds within tackling a personal challenge. This is why I’m thrilled to announce the second year of the Arkansas Graveler, an event designed for participants to slow down and soak in the best of Arkansas scenery, community and culture.
The summer heat is only one challenge you'll face on this ride.
Hard climbs are rewarded with fun descents.
The Arkansas Graveler, a mixed-surface journey by bike across The Natural State, returns June 3-8 with an all-new route centered in the Ouachitas.
Home to crystals, river valleys, historic railway depots and possibly Bigfoot himself, the Graveler’s 2025 route showcases hidden gems throughout the southwest corner of Arkansas.
The Graveler’s tagline — “more than a ride” — hints at the event’s celebration of uniquely Arkansan state parks, quiet backroads, hospitable host cities, homegrown music, and local flavors. The event allows friends and family “non-riding participants” to come along for the off-bike portion of the journey.
Each year, the gravel route changes to showcase a wide variety of terrain and rural communities across Arkansas. And each day, cyclists are fully supported with daily on-route aid stations, SAG (support and gear) vehicles, complimentary mechanical services, medical teams, e-bike recharging stations and luggage transport. As participants ride through hills and hollers, dip into streams and rivers, climb ridgelines and descend into rustic farmlands, they eventually wind their way into welcoming overnight host cities, where they relax for the night on their point-to-point journey. Gravelers may tent camp at the host venues for no additional fee, or upgrade their overnight accommodations by privately booking hotels, motels or Airbnbs available within each host city.
Each year, the gravel route changes to showcase a wide variety of terrain and rural communities across Arkansas.
The Graveler's route offers a variety of terrain to traverse.
The Arkansas Graveler is owned and produced by Ozark Foundation, a community-supported 501(c)(3) organization focused on positioning Arkansas as a premier outdoor recreation destination. The Graveler is co-hosted by Arkansas: The Natural State and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, which partner to offer Graveler participants fishing, archery and target shooting activities. The inaugural Graveler took place in June 2024 and featured a route from Fayetteville to Jonesboro, with stops in Ozark, Jasper, Marshall, Mountain View and Cave City. Participants from 35 states joined in the 2024 event.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the features of the 2025 “Bigfoot Route”:
Monday, June 2: Arrive in Mena
Arkansas Graveler staff will be poised in Mena a day before the ride commences. Known as “the gateway to outdoor adventure,” and more recently for its expansive downhill mountain bike trail developments, Mena is perfectly situated for Ouachita-based cycling journeys. Graveler staff will host packet pickup and rider info meetings, followed by a fun, pre-event party at Mena’s local brewery, “The Ouachitas.”
Tuesday, June 3: Mena to Glenwood
The ride officially kicks off at 7 a.m. as riders depart from Janssen Park in downtown Mena. A few miles later, they will be surrounded by tree-canopied roads in the Ouachita National Forest. They’ll be greeted with scenic views and numerous swim holes along the Cossatot River, Caney Creek and Little Missouri River. Riders will have plenty of opportunity to cool down from the Arkansas summer sun. After riding 61 miles, participants will arrive in Glenwood at the first Graveler venue, based along the banks of the Caddo River. Gravelers can choose to float the Caddo, fish alongside guides from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and relax while setting up their first night of camp. Around 5:30 p.m., all participants will gather to enjoy live music while dining al fresco with local cuisine.
During the ride it's all smiles for Jackie Chasteen.
Support at the Arkansas Graveler extends to post-ride beer brewed for the event.
Wednesday, June 4: Glenwood to Hot Springs
After enjoying a local breakfast, the Gravelers will leave Glenwood and ride 63 miles through piney forests, Crystal and Hickorynut Mountains, over Blakely Dam and into historic Hot Springs, where they will stay for nights two and three. Oaklawn Hot Springs has partnered with the Graveler to allow participant camping inside the racetrack infield. Gravelers also have the option to upgrade to the adjacent Oaklawn hotel, visit the casino or indulge with a visit to the Oaklawn Astral Spa. That afternoon, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will host a friendly archery competition, and Gravelers will be treated to live music and dining on the infield of Oaklawn before tucking in for the night.
Thursday, June 5: Hot Springs
Midway through the event, Gravelers will have a “flex day,” a new option this year. The inaugural year showed that participants value off-bike experiences just as much as the riding. For those who opt-in to race, they’ll be in the running for an Oaklawn-themed 50-60-mile timed event, which is the only “race” portion of the Arkansas Graveler. Racers have a chance to win jerseys that resemble Oaklawn jockey silks, with prize jerseys for the male and female overall winners, “king and queen of the mountains,” and sprint jerseys nostalgic of Tour de France culture. Those who choose the rest day can explore Hot Springs’ historic bathhouse row, indulge in a spa treatment, dine around downtown, hike the local trails or visit the Oaklawn Casino adjacent to the Graveler venue. That evening, all Gravelers are invited to attend Hot Springs’ “Bridge Street Live” music and street vendor festival.
Half-Gravelers will arrive in time for “Bridge Street Live” on Thursday evening, as well. The “Half-Grav” is a shorter, two-day version of the full event and is geared toward those who don’t wish to tackle the full five-day experience. Half-Gravelers roll out with the full-Gravelers Friday morning and are along for the rest of the journey through the finale.
Friday, June 6: Hot Springs to Morrilton
Participants will depart Hot Springs on Friday morning due north to Morrilton. The terrain is stunning and challenging on day four. The 73-mile route takes cyclists up some hefty climbing through the eastern Ouachitas, but they’ll be rewarded with a well-supported aid station and swimming hole when they arrive along the banks of Lake Sylvia for some respite. The route travels through forestry roads until reaching Arkansas Highway 9, which takes Gravelers over the Arkansas River and into the heart of Morrilton. That evening, live entertainment and dinner await.
There was always something different to look forward to each day. And pleasant surprises along the way.
Post-ride cool down pool time!
After the ride is all vibes with music that reflects the local flavor.
Saturday, June 7: Morrilton to Russellville
Local breakfast first, then it’s back on the road for the final day of the Arkansas Graveler. This last 75-mile loop begins with a gentle, flat gravel meander through cattle country alongside the picturesque Arkansas River Valley. Then riders peak into the eastern Ozark Mountains with a gorgeous gravel climb up White Oak Mountain, where a scenic overlook awaits. A lovely descent follows, leading Gravelers into rural farmlands north of Russellville before heading into the city itself. The finish line of the Graveler is a vibe of its own and will be hosted by Arkansas Tech University. All the emotions flow as riders finish the tour. Memories flood in — all the beautiful countryside, friendships and days on the bike culminate in a worthy finish-line experience. Each finisher receives a commemorative 2025 finishing prize to remind them of their incredible journey. That evening, participants are encouraged to explore the downtown scene in Russellville before getting some much-deserved rest.
Sunday, June 8: Shuttle back to start
All participants are provided a local breakfast. Then, just like the final day of an epic summer camp, participants, luggage and bikes are loaded onto shuttles. The Graveler staff provides transportation back to the start, whether that’s Hot Springs for Half-Gravelers, or Mena for those who rode the full event. The shuttle ride home is a rewarding time to share stories with friends before departing for home.
One inaugural participant from 2024 called their experience a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” while another recalled, “The uniqueness of this event was that there was always something different to look forward to each day. And pleasant surprises along the way.”
The Arkansas Graveler invites all gravel enthusiasts to jump in this June. Registration for the Arkansas Graveler is open at ArkansasGraveler.com.
The finish line of the Graveler is a vibe of its own… all the beautiful countryside, friendships and days on the bike culminate in a worthy finish-line experience.
Event Dates
June 3-8
Cities
Mena
Glenwood
Hot Springs
Morrilton
Russellville
