Womble MTB Trail Adventure from HWY 27

At the end of December, I decided that I wanted to purchase a MTB.  I had test ridden one a couple of weeks before I went to NZ and then rented one in NZ.  By the time I got back home, I was ready to purchase a new MTB.  I loved trail running before and enjoyed bike riding, so I was ready to step up to mountain biking.  I was also ready to explore more the trails that Arkansas has to offer.  My first long distance trip was to the Womble Trail!

Below is the trail map for the Womble Trail. The Womble trail is 37 miles with three places you can park to do some OAB.  After talking to the owner of the The Ride, he advised me to ride from the HWY 27 parking to HWY 270 as an OAB.  He mentioned that you can park at the Fisherman's Village and then ride across the street to the trailhead.  

Saturday morning I wake up and head down to the trail.  The trail starts with a quick and hard climb to the ridge that overlooks the Ouachita River.  The trail is single track and bench cut.  You have to be careful in some spots because it is a straight drop down.  The trail goes up hill before finally going back towards County Road 59.  Once you cross 59, it is single track with a pretty level track and a couple of small creek crossing.  I was able to make it just past CR61 before heading back to the car.  The ride back up the ridge is much easier than going out.  Of course, going it across it a second time I felt a little better. 

This trail is considered an IMBA Epic ride and I can see why.  I hope to get back down there again sometime and do some riding from HWY 270 trail head.  This would allow me to do a couple of outbacks.  Also, while researching this trail, you can call the Fisherman's village and they can arrange to drop you off at the far trail head at North Fork Lake and then you can ride back into the Fisherman's Village.