Mountain View (AR) - 9.5 hr drive from Austin

throet · September 13, 2018

https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8007061/northwest-ar

The Syllamo Trail system is located north of Mountain View, AR and is the home of the annual Syllamo's Revenge spring endurance event. The scenery in this area is simply fabulous. Riding outside of the actual event weekend requires a bit of planning though. The system is made up of several smaller loops that can be rode independently or connected together. Once in town, you can get a complete, printed mountain biking guide that includes details of each trail, directions to the trailheads, etc. I've heard stories that the trails aren't nearly as well maintained outside of the event period; so you might want to consider either participating in the annual event or going in the Spring before or after the event weekend. Others may know better about the trail conditions, but this area has so much to offer for the entire family that you really can't go wrong. We stayed at the Sylamore Lodges north of Mountain View and closer to the trails. The cabins there are perched high above the White River with easy access to kayaking, fishing, etc. They have most everything you need right there, including firewood and ice (honor system for 24-hr access), kayak rentals, pool table in the main lodge, horseshoes, etc. Be sure to check out the Blanchard Spring Caverns too - very cool! This is a DRY COUNTY! Pack in any alcoholic beverages you wish to consume. There is a brewery not too far away though where you can pay a nominal membership fee (as I recall) and fill up your growlers (see link below).

https://www.syllamosrevenge.com/the-trails

https://www.sylamorelodges.com/

Blanchard Springs Caverns

http://www.gravitybrewworks.com/