The Most Beautiful Bike Trails In The Ozarks

The Ozarks is full of places to hike and even bike in nature. The best trails are often in places you least expect. Take the time to discover these beautiful and awe-inspiring bike trails within the lush forests and mountains of Arkansas and Missouri.

Lake Atalanta Trail

ROGERS, ARKANSAS

Lake Atalanta from Poplar Street Trailhead is a 3.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Rogers, Arkansas that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.

Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Image Courtesy of Oz Trails


Fossil Flats Trail

WINSLOW, ARKANSAS

Located within Devil’s Den State Park, this trail winds through some of Arkansas most beautiful scenery. Fossil Flats Trail features mountain streams, waterfalls, scenic bluffs, and creek beds exposing ancient fossils.

The trail is a 6 mile lightly-trafficked loop trail which offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.

Explore turquoise waterfalls, streams, and caverns while biking or hiking along the trail.

 


War Eagle Loop

HOBBS STATE PARK, ARKANSAS

This trail can be accessed from Townsend Ridge Road and has a nice creek view with a connection to Little Clifty Loop.

Overall, this trail has a great flow with some beautiful views. The trail is entirely singletrack with very few places to pass. There is a lot to do on this one with downhills and some crazy climbs. The trails in this area are naturally cut into the sides of the hill. There are some slight drops to one side or the other of the trails.

Image Courtesy of Oz Trails


Blowing Spring

BELLA VISTA, ARKANSAS

This loop will cover an amazing “hanging bridge” cut into a rock bluff, and another bridge that spans a creek with a waterfall. There are other vistas along the way as well. It has some technical riding, but it is mostly XC based on the loop proper with rollers, small doubles, berms, and great flow! If you incorporate The Ledges alternate route, then it immediately boosts the technical aspect.

The climbs are moderate, and the entire loop’s elevation change is only around 1,950 feet, so it is a lot of “up and down” along the way, which keeps the interest level high. This loop is a great cross section of what mountain biking in Arkansas is all about. It’s a “must-ride” in the Northwest Arkansas corridor!

Image Courtesy of Oz Trails


 Slaughter Pen Trail

BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS

People drive from around the country to bike at this Bentonville mountain bike trail that hosts one of the top bike events in the state.

Downhill trails, a jump park, and log rides offer something for the riders of all skill levels. More than 20 miles flow through Slaughter Pen, with easy trail connection via Lake Bella Vista to the Blowing Springs mountain bike trail system.

Image Courtesy of Carl Zoch


Two Rivers Bike Park

HIGHLANDVILLE, MISSOURI

Two Rivers Bike Park is a purpose-built, multi-use trail system, boasting over 14 miles of professionally built and maintained singletrack twisting through pristine Ozarks terrain for mountain bikers, runners, and hikers to enjoy year round, free of charge. The nearly 400-acre park sits just off the scenic Finley and James River confluence.

Its professionally designed trails feature mostly natural surfaces and offer the thrills of climbing, drop sections, rock features, built-in wall rides, wooden ladders, and other optional stunts. The bike park is also the stage for Singletrack Mind, an outdoor festival that hosts hundreds of cyclists, runners and enthusiasts every year, generating thousands of dollars in donations for local trail development.

Image Courtesy of Oz Trails


Forest City Mountain Bike Trail

ST JAMES, MISSOURI

This 100% singletrack trail system starts with prime hardwood forest riding on the north end, but transitions into beautiful pine forest riding towards the sourthern reaches of the property. Highlights include a desert-like slickrock section and a rock bluff overlook. Glade Runner is a 7 mile loop blazed in green. There are 4 additional, more difficult loops each about 1 mile long, which branch off the main trail. They are blazed in blue: GORT (Good Ol’ Rocky Top), Randy’s Crack, Amateur Hour, and Upper Cut.


6 Spectacular Events You Can’t Miss This Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.

It’s the coronation of summer, the beginning of ice cream cones and pool parties, and just the start of grilling out for months and months. It’s also; however, a day to remember the fallen and honor those who have served our country. Here are a couple of places and events around the Ozarks to honor the fallen troops and make new memories with family and friends.

Lake of the Ozarks Firework Displays

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MISSOURI

FRIDAY MAY 26th

Old Kinderhook Golf Resort in Camdenton invites the public to join them for their annual Fireworks Fun Fest from 5-9 p.m. Admission to this sparkling spectacle is free and features live musical entertainment from Slick Nickel; bounce housesclownsface painting, and games for the kids; an “All-American” cookout, which will be available for $13; and fireworks at dusk. For more information, visit www.OldKinderhook.com

SATURDAY MAY 27th

On Saturday, May 28, two Lake-area resorts will put on professional pyrotechnic displays for visitors. The fireworks at the Inn at Grand Glaize, located in Osage Beach, will begin at dusk and will be viewable by land at the Inn or by water at the 1 mile marker of the Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake. Bear Bottom Resort, located in Sunrise Beach, will feature live music by Money for Nothing followed by fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

SUNDAY MAY 28th

On Sunday, May 29, the celebration continues at Bear Bottom with a double-concert featuring Money for Nothing and the return of country music star Matt Stillwell. There will be a second fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. on Sunday as well. For more information about the Inn at Grand Glaize and its fireworks, visit www.InnAtGrandGlaize.com

Tan-Tar-A Resort celebrates Memorial Day with a weekend full of festivities for their hotel guests.

Visitors can look forward to live musiccookoutsminiature golffun games, and contests (limbo, hula hoop, watermelon eating) for the kids, a scavenger huntswim-up moviescosmic bowling, and more. The resort’s fireworks take place at dusk on Sunday evening, May 29. For more information, visit www.Tan-Tar-A.com or call 573-348-3131. Also, those who would like to see Tan-Tar-A’s fireworks display on the water, but don’t have a boat, can reserve a spot on the Tropic Island luxury cruise yacht. Make reservations by calling the Tropic Island at 573-348-0083. This cruises fill up fast, so travelers should reserve their spots early.

The Lodge of Four Seasons will also be hosting a large-scale fireworks display on Sunday beginning at dusk. The fireworks can also be viewed by water at the 13-mile marker. Call 800-843-5253 or visit www.4SeasonsResort.com for more information.

Lake of the Ozarks

Photo Courtesy of Lake of the Ozarks


Memorial Day Fireworks at Big Cedar Lodge

RIDGEDALE, MISSOURI

Patriotic Picnic: Kick off summer with fun games, attractions, contests, crafts, entertainment, and more. Come hungry and enjoy a barbecue menu of mouthwatering foods prepared by Big Cedar’s Culinary Team. Tickets and all-you-can-play wristbands will be available at the ticket booth. Join us on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn on Sunday, May 28th from 2:00pm-8:00pm.

Clay Self Band Performance: Don’t miss a special performance by the Clay Self Band. This event is complimentary. Offered on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn on Sunday, May 28th beginning at 6:30pm.

Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks: Join us and celebrate Memorial Day and the beginning of summer as we light up the night sky with a spectacular fireworks display! Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair or blanket. This event is complimentary. Offered on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn on Sunday, May 28th at dusk.

Website: http://www.bigcedar.com/

Photo Courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge


Chateau on the Lake Memorial Day Celebrations

BRANSON, MISSOURI

Sunday May 28th

Fireworks displays are known for how spectacular they are and once again, after an outdoor BBQ event complete with live music, the evening sky will light up to kick off the summer. You and your family won’t want to miss this spectacular event.

Fireworks will start at dusk!

Address: 415 N. State Hwy 265 Branson, MO 65616

Website: http://www.explorebranson.com/general-events/chateau-lake-memorial-day-celebrations


20th Annual Augusta Days

AUGUSTA, ARKANSAS

May 25, 2017 – May 28, 2017

Fun for all ages with activities including a fishing derbybingostreet danceBuddy Bass Tournament5K runmud bogmini tractor pulllive boxingWhite River Duck Derbyboat racesbig name entertainment, and fireworks show.

Venue:
Downtown

Address:
102 South 2nd St.
Augusta, AR 72006

Free Admission


Spring Carnival

SPRINGDALE, MISSOURI

May 24, 2017 – May 28, 2017

Pride Amusement brings the excitement with rides, concessions, games, and lots of fun. Price per ride varies, armbands available.

1423 E. Emma Ave.
Springdale, AR 72764

Free Admission

Website: http://rodeooftheozarks.org/


28th Annual Big Bass Festival

DE QUEEN, ARKANSAS

Saturday May 27

Boat checks begin at 5 a.m. More than $14,000 in prize money and door prizes will be paid out, with 5 prizes on each lake every hour. A grand prize of $1,500 for the largest fish$1,000 for 2nd place, $750 for 3rd place, $500 for 4th place, and $300 for 5th overall.

Venue:
De Queen, Dierks, and Gillham Lakes

Hours:
6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Admission:
$45, $50 late registration

Address:
315 W. Stillwell Ave.
De Queen, AR 71832

Website: http://dequeenchamberofcommerce.com/


5 Unique Wineries In Missouri With The Most Magical Surroundings

Missouri is home to some of the most stunning wineries and vineyards in the country, offering a plethora of artisan-made wines with robust flavors. But what is also amazing is the beauty of the wineries themselves – these five wineries in particular make gorgeous destinations for their architecture and landscaping.


Chaumette Vineyards & Winery

STE. GENEVIEVE, MISSOURI

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery is the premier midwest winery destination. Expect gracious service, quality entertainment and elegant accommodations. Visitors can also enjoy a magnificent view of the rolling hills in historic Sainte Genevieve, Missouri.

Established in 1990 by Hank and Jackie Johnson, Chaumette Vineyards & Winery is located in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, home of the first colonial settlement on the west side of the Mississippi River by the French in the early 1750s.

Photo Courtesy of Carretto Studio & Chaumette Vineyards & Winery

Chaumette Winery is a premier wine resort destination with private villas for overnight stays, a pool and a full-service restaurant, wedding and event venues, among more traditional winery amenities.

It is a secluded, scenic and serene destination in the heart of beautiful Ste. Genevieve wine country.

Photo Courtesy of Carretto Studio & Chaumette Vineyards & Winery

The beauty and quiet of Ste. Genevieve’s Saline Creek Valley is everywhere you turn at Chaumette, and it offers numerous picturesque outdoor and indoor ceremony sites to tie the knot on your special day.

Websitehttp://chaumette.com/


Cave Vineyard

STE. GENEVIEVE, MISSOURI

This one-of-a-kind vineyard is unlike any in the world, nestled in the rolling hills of Ste. Genevieve in eastern Missouri, this winery offers a unforgettable experience.

Once guests have made their selections, they are invited to enjoy a glass of wine inside a cavern in the forest. It is believed that the cave for was mined for Saltpeter by early French settlers decades ago. Today, the cave is inhabited primarily by wine enthusiasts enjoying the sounds of a babbling brook and the taste of quality wines.

Photo Courtesy of Cave Vineyard

Enjoy the marvelous views within the cavern while sipping a variety of semi-sweet, sweet, dry, and semi-dry wines.

Inside the tasting room, choose from a variety of cookies at the biscotti bar. Originally deriving from Italy, these cookies are traditionally flavored with almonds , pine nuts, and a variety of spices.

Websitehttp://cavevineyard.com/


wine

Chandler Hill Vineyards

DEFIANCE, MISSOURI

This unique grape-growing region has produced some of the highest quality wines in the Midwest.

In addition to our award-winning Missouri wines, Chandler Hill also offers a selection of the very finest wines from the West Coast. Their West Coast wines come from vineyards in Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, Columbia Valley, and the legendary Central Coast. The grapes are hand-selected by vintners to produce the finest wines.

THE VINEYARD’S UNIQUE HISTORY

In the early 1870s, a freed slave named Joseph Chandler traveled north on the Mississippi River from the Civil War-torn south and settled near Defiance, Missouri. Later, he was befriended by the Fluesmeier family, who lived on property next to that belonging to the family of Daniel Boone and worked there for many years.

Chandler Hill Vineyards operates on the same property the freed slave, Joseph Chandler once owned. The winery and tasting room stand on the site of Joseph Chandler’s modest cabin.

During excavation, many century-old artifacts were uncovered, including a shotgun, rifle, tools, china and more. These relics of Joseph Chandler are on display at the winery. The stones from his original cabin foundation were also carefully removed and now surround the refreshing waterfall at the winery entrance.

Image Courtesy of Chandler Hill Vineyards

The winery is Tuscan-inspired with a Napa twist and a Missouri soul. Chandler Hill is open year-round and offers a large tasting room, an expansive deck with vineyards views, as well as a full-service restaurant and event venue.

Image Courtesy of Chandler Hill Vineyards

As a premier wedding venue, the winery offers delicious Wine Country cuisine and award-winning wines, beautiful views of the vineyards, lake and surrounding countryside.

Websitehttp://www.chandlerhillvineyards.com/index.html


Cedar Lake Cellars

DEFIANCE, MISSOURI

Cedar Lake Cellars features more than 170 acres of paradise, including an expansive winery along with luxurious event venues for your most important occasions. Conveniently located in the heart of Missouri Wine Country, Cedar Lake Cellars is worth the short ride to experience the area’s serene beauty.

Photo Courtesy of Cedar Lake Cellars

Enjoy a romantic dinner in the tasting room next to a massive stone fireplace or celebrate with friends on the picturesque patio.

Photo Courtesy of Cedar Lake Cellars

A private haven nestled on more than 170 acres, Cedar Lake Cellars offers a spectacular setting for engagements, weddings, and special lifetime celebrations.

Website: http://cedarlakecellars.com/


Stone Hill Winery

HERMANN, MISSOURI

Stone Hill Winery is a Missouri winery located in Hermann, Missouri, along the Missouri River, in what is called the Missouri Rhineland of the Hermann AVA. Established by German immigrants in 1847, it is the largest winery in the state.

Established in 1847, and well before there was a Napa Valley wine industry, Stone Hill grew to be the second largest winery in the United States.

Stone Hill wines are world renowned, winning gold medals in eight world’s fairs, including Vienna in 1873 and Philadelphia in 1876. By the 1870’s, the winery was shipping 1,250,000 gallons of wine per year.

Today, Stone Hill is Missouri’s oldest and most awarded winery. Stone Hill’s yearly production is approximately 300,000 gallons of wine, using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology. Stone Hill’s wine-making team produces wines that are again receiving international acclaim. Winning more than 4,000 awards since 1988, Stone Hill Winery has continuously ranked among the nation’s top award winners.

Photo Courtesy of Stone Hill Winery

Photo Courtesy of Stone Hill Winery

The serene location and beautiful grounds are the perfect setting to host an elegant wine-country style party or gathering.

Websitehttp://stonehillwinery.com/