The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) boasts some of the best scenic views of the southern side of the lake.
In November, Visit Hot Springs began construction on phase one of a planned, 44.6-mile system of mountain biking trails on the city-owned Northwoods/Cedar Glades properties in the northern section of Hot Springs.
The group partnered with Tom and Steuart Walton and the Walton Family Foundation to construct the first 16-mile segment of the project, which will provide Hot Springs with an important new tourism attraction aimed at mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The 16-mile section was opened to the public in November.
Phase two of the trail project will complete the 44.6-mile system of first-class biking trails in the property that incorporates pristine forested hills and three lakes. It is in the Cedar Glades area north of Whittington Ave.
“The new trails in the Northwoods property will be an enormous economic engine for our city and a world-class recreational facility for our residents and visitors,” said Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison.
“The city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is poised to become the nation’s next mountain bike destination” said Trail Specialist Joey Klein of the International Mountain Biking Association’s Trail Solutions program. “Hot Springs is surrounded by ample forested hillsides and pristine waterways. Cedar Glades Park and the new Northwoods Park will be connected by trails, all of which will be designed to be completely accessible from town. IMBA Trail Solutions plans to showcase the varied terrain, offering many trail experiences to all skill levels.
“To have such high-quality trail potential not more than minutes from a historic downtown setting is almost unheard of in this day and age. Residents and visitors alike will be reaping the benefits for decades to come.”
IMBA Trail Solutions is providing the planning and construction expertise for the Northwoods/Cedar Glades project. A $648,421 Walton Family Foundation grant for Phase One was matched by Visit Hot Springs.
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