The best road cycling routes around Natural Steps

There are over 10 road cycling routes around Natural Steps, offering a variety of distances and difficulties. The komoot community has explored 14 routes in total, with 12 of them rated as easy.

The region around Natural Steps offers diverse terrain for road cycling. You'll find scenic flat stretches along the Arkansas River floodplains, as well as rolling hills and more challenging climbs in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, especially around Lake Maumelle.

Yes, many routes are suitable for beginners and families. For instance, the Little Maumelle River loop from Ivesville is an easy 11-mile path, perfect for a pleasant, shorter excursion. The extensive Arkansas River Trail system also provides smooth, paved sections ideal for all skill levels.

For those seeking a greater challenge, the area offers routes with significant elevation gain. The Wye Mountain Loop, located west of Little Rock, is a 37-mile route known for its rolling hills and climbs around Lake Maumelle. An even longer option is the nearly 70-mile Thornburg Loop, which extends the Wye Mountain route and features over 3,600 feet of elevation gain with dazzling views of the Arkansas River and Ouachita Mountains.

Yes, many of the popular road cycling routes in the Natural Steps area are loops. A prime example is the Big Dam Bridge – Arkansas River Trail loop from Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which is a 19.2-mile circular route featuring the iconic Big Dam Bridge. Another popular option is the Two Rivers Park Bridge loop from DJ's DO-NUTS.

Road cycling routes in this area offer numerous scenic views and landmarks. You can ride across the iconic Big Dam Bridge, which is the longest bridge in North America built specifically for pedestrians and cyclists. Many routes also provide views of the Arkansas River, Lake Maumelle, and the Ouachita Mountains. The Arkansas River Trail itself is a major highlight, connecting to parks and offering river views.

You can find convenient parking at various starting points for road cycling routes. For example, the Big Dam Bridge – Arkansas River Trail loop can be started from Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which offers parking facilities. Other routes, like the Little Maumelle River loop, start from locations like Ivesville, where parking is typically available.

The region is beautiful for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring is popular for viewing daffodil blooms, while fall offers vibrant Ouachita Mountain foliage, making these seasons particularly scenic. The paved trails are generally accessible year-round, but always check local weather conditions.

The road cycling routes around Natural Steps are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 6 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from river floodplains to rolling hills, and the scenic views of the Arkansas River and Ouachita Mountains. The well-maintained trails, especially the Arkansas River Trail and its iconic Big Dam Bridge, are frequently highlighted as favorites.

Absolutely. The Big Dam Bridge is a standout feature, offering a unique cycling experience as the longest bridge in North America built specifically for pedestrians and cyclists. The Two Rivers Park Bridge is another significant crossing that is part of several popular loop routes.

Yes, the Natural Steps area, particularly due to its proximity to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, offers a wide array of outdoor activities. Besides road cycling, you can enjoy hiking on over 33 miles of trails, including routes to the summit of Pinnacle Mountain. The Big and Little Maumelle Rivers also provide opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, and there's an extensive network of mountain bike trails within the park.