the 2025 “bigfoot” route
There is a long history of Bigfoot sightings in the moody forests of Arkansas. This year’s route title pays homage to that local lore. Keep your eyes peeled as you pedal the backwoods of the Ouachitas — maybe you’ll see Bigfoot!
Day 1: Mena - Glenwood
Miles: 60.9
Elevation Gain: 4,252 ft
Day 1 Graveler Venue: Caddo River Camp & Canoe: 26 AR-8, Glenwood, AR 71943
Day 1 is an enchanting, challenging ride through the Ouachitas. The route begins from Mena with a few early climbs up Bee Mountain, Boar Tusk Mountain, and Sugar Tree Mountain. Riders wind through the Caney Creek Wilderness area, skirting around Wolf Pen Gap and Little Missouri Falls before arriving in Caddo River country, where we’ll camp for Night 1 in Glenwood. In addition to the Thibideaux Country Store and Fancy Hill General Store, we’ll have two dedicated Graveler Aid Stations to support you as you pedal.
Day 2: Glenwood - Hot Springs
Miles: 62.9
Elevation Gain: 4,308 ft
Day 2 Graveler Venue: Oaklawn Hot Springs: 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Day 2 leads riders out into the southern Ouachitas. A quick cross over Caney Creek and Mazarn Creek, then it’s a beautiful, gradual paved climb up Logan Gap Mountain. The Womble Silver Road takes riders northeast to Hickory Nut Mountain wilderness, where some of the best gravel lies hidden along the banks of Lake Ouachita. Don’t miss Burl’s Smokehouse at mile 39. It’s legendary! The path leads further east over Blakely Dam before entering Hot Springs National Park, where we will enjoy a double-night stay.
Day 3: "Flex Day" Route will be announced in the spring...
Day 3: "Flex Day" Route will be announced in the spring...
Day 4: Hot Springs - Morrilton
Miles: 73.3
Elevation Gain: 4,196 ft
Day 4 Graveler Venue: Morrilton City Park: 1000 Branch St, Morrilton, AR 72110
Departing from Hot Springs, we head north to Morrilton via county and forestry roads along the east Ouachita Mountains. The high point of the day is atop Wildcat Mountain before descending into one of our favorite swim holes at Lake Sylvia. After dipping deep into the Ouachita gravel, you’ll enjoy some scenic, paved highway rollers as you descend into Thornburg, Perryville, and Perry with plenty of stops for resupply. Morrilton City Park awaits!
Miles: 76.7
Elevation Gain: 5,139 ft
Day 5 Graveler Venue: Arkansas Tech University: 215 W O St, Russellville, AR 72801
Get ready for a fantastic finale experience. Leaving Morrilton, you’ll have some grub, then get the legs warmed up on a flat, beautiful pastoral segment through Arkansas River cattle country. Next stop: the Holy Land. Just kidding—but you will visit Jerusalem, Arkansas! The route takes you up the gorgeous, scenic White Oak Mountain Overlook, then a fun descent down towards Hector with plenty of swim hole stops along the way. From mile 55, it’s a back road paved ride into Russellville, where Arkansas Tech University campus finish line awaits!