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Nearest Accommodations: Rogers / Eureka Springs
Location: From I-540 in Rogers exit 85 onto W. Walnut Street and follow it going east. When you come to N. 2nd Street turn left and follow it for a few blocks until you reach E. Locust Street. Turn right onto E. Locust Street and follow it for about 12 miles until you come to Hobbs State Park. Watch to your right for Townsend Ridge Road. Turn right on to Townsend Ridge Road (dirt road) and follow it for about two miles you will see the parking area to your right. There is designated parking there for mountain bikers. The trail head is next to the restrooms. Type: Single track / loops. Distance: About 15 miles doing all loops. Summary: A friend had told us about this trail and how wonderful it was, so I got on the Internet and started doing some research on this trail. Everything I read confirmed what my friend was saying but I still had my doubts because this was a shared trail with horses. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against shared use trails or equestrians but I have had a less then satisfied experience on these kind of trails. So to say the least we headed up to Hobbs State Park with a lot of skepticism. When we pulled into the parking lot I was impressed with the facilities, they had special parking for the bikers and hikers and the parking area was really nice and clean compared to what I expected to find. Once we got on the trail I was equally impressed with the condition of the trail. The trail is all single track and and in good shape. If a person did not know better you could hardly tell that this was a shared trail with horses other then the occasional hitching post areas and horse land mines left along the trail. The people who made this trail took some time and designed it well. There are three loops out here the Little Clifty Creek Loop (9 miles) which we rode, then there's the Dutton Hollow Loop (3 miles) and the Bashore Ridge Loop (3 miles). The trail has some really scenic spots and a person could spend the whole day just taking pictures. The terrain is kind pretty hilly with a lot of ups and downs but the flow of the trail keeps you going and ready for more. There is really only one big climb and it is over near Townsend road on the northeast side of the Little Clifty Creek loop. The trail is mostly rocky type soil about what you would expect from this area. The layout is good and has a smooth flow, there is a little ridge riding which I enjoy especially when it flows as well as this trail. If you get the chance to be near this trail I suggest you take the time and explore it. Recommended Route: We did in a clockwise direction. I talked to one of the locals who was riding the trail for the second time that day and he said that most people ride in a clockwise direction but I think any way you went would be good. When to ride: From talking with others I have been told that this trail is always well maintained and is a thrill to ride anytime of the year. They do close the trails when there has been a lot of rain in the area so you might want to call before going out there. Rating: Most riders I think are going to like this trail. Some of the climbs might be a bit much to someone who is not well conditioned and the ridge riding near Piney Road might be a little unnerving for some less experienced riders. There is really nothing technical out there that would require advanced handling skills. If a person is in fairly good shape they will probably enjoy this trail.

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