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Womble
40 reviews
4.8 of 5
Can't believe this wasn't the first trail entered for Arkansas!
The Womble Trail stretches over 37 miles from Northfork lake to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail at Lake Ouachita. This trail is considered to be one of the best single track trails in this area. Short segments of the trail meander along bluffs of the Ouachita River providing breathtaking views. The Womble Trail is the
venue for the Womble Mountain Bike Race.
Surrounding Areas
Visitors can use the short spur trails to access three float camps located along the south shore of the Ouachita River. Rocky Shoals Float Camp (O.3-mile spur), Fulton Branch Float Camp (0.3-mile spur) and River Bluff Float Camp 1.6-mile spur). The Float Camps offer fire rings, picnic tables and vault toilets at no charge. Less than one hour to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
This single track trail provides opportunities for riders of all skill levels. There are a multitude of options for out and back rides or setting up of shuttles, or utilizing adjacent Highways and county roads for return loops.
There are several climbs that any intermediate rider will have no problem staying on the bike. Lots of undulating trail on mostly groomed single track with occasional technical sections and creek crossings. Be extra cautious near the bluff areas. It is a long fall.
Some areas are wet and muddy during rainy season. (Especially East of Highway 298 for about 3 miles).
37 miles of groomed single track, over some of the most scenic areas in the state. Travel time one way is 5-10 hours Marked with white triangles.
Local Canoe Rental operations will provide shuttles for a small fee.
Directions: There are four trailhead parking areas. Round Top Trail on Forest Road D75A, Highway 27 south of the bridge crossing Lake Ouachita, North Fork Lake and Highway298 trail intersection. The Trail is also
accessible from the three float camps and adjacent forest roads.
Summary: after alot of orienteeering i choose the section from rocky shoals
to riverbluffs.
first i am solo and second it was a record heat day and wanted to swim alot.
8 miles ow thru well maintained and signed trails.riding out of rocky shoals is a steep climb and you will need to warm up first.when you cross 298 it runs alot more level.
total shade so heat problems didn't arise.
little challenging to locate TH signs from road as they are smallish. not all TH have trail maps.
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Summary: There is only one way to describe this trail.....FRIGGIN AWESOME! I rode it on a trip i took with a few friends and we all had a good time. Our group consisted of riders with all skill levels from beginners to advanced. There is some climbing but its not that bad and its very rewarding with the views and smooth trail i would recomend this trail to anyone and will plan to ride it whenever i get the chance. Ride within your means and you will be fine and have a GREAT time.
Other recommended trails in the same area: cedar glades
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Summary: That guy at the bottom that made the comment "Its called mountain biking, not forest biking" is an idiot. ITS ACTUALLY called Cross country because we central us folks arent cool enough like you westies to have huge mountains, the ocean, and snow year round. Good for you. We have beautiful forest, rolling green hills, and no POLLUTION which makes for a way better experience. I was stationed in California with the marines for 4 years and missed arkansas every day. I rode alot of that crap that you guys call Downhill extreme or whatever that crap is and all it is, is a huge copout because you guys are way to lazy to do a little climbing. So if you dont like our state, stay the hell out.
Summary: The Womble is a wonderful almost immaculately maintained trail which takes a lot of effort to get to, but pays off big in the adventure. My friends and I made a weekend trip of it from Dallas and, to a man, decided we must go back. There is a healthy blend of challenging climbes and fast downhills that are long enough on both ends to get you into a rythm and keep your pulse pounding. It is an exceedinly well marked trail once you are on the ride, though getting to the trail heads from the rugged country roads can be a bit of a challenge (Don't take your Volkswagon!) Once on the trail you are rewarded by beautiful views, clif hanging decents, silence, and solitude. My friends and I were there 3 days and didn't see another single individule along the 37 miles of it. You need to be compitent rider to take on the Womble, but chances are if you enjoy the sport you'll do fine. Take it on as a challenge, or check it out as an adventure...after all, its your tax dollars hard at work.
Recommended Route: We chose to follow the advice of a fellow reviewer and took the North to South route, prefering more downhills to climbs. But don't think you're getting out of climbing by taking this route. If I had to guess I would say it was a 55/45 ratio of downhill to climbs...maybe 60/40.
We camped at one of the float camps, which had a feeder trail to the Womble. (The only trail which needed a little bit of maintenance.) It was a great free campground right next to the river.
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Summary: I consider the Womble my home trail as it passes only a few miles from my home. I ussually leave my drive way and head North on 27 and ride either direction depending on my mood. If I want a better work out I go north if I want a fun relaxing ride I go south from the village. I know this isnt the Rockies,Sierras, or the Alaska Range but it is home and I love it very much. It is a lot of fun and I would recommend that anyone that loves mountain biking giv it a try if only once. I mean if you dont like it can you think of worse ways to spend a day or two then on your bike in the beutiful Ouachita Mountains.
Recommended Route: Norfork to ORT.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Ouachita Recreation Trail, Viles Branch, Cedar Glades, Earthquake Ridge
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