Mountain Biking Mount Fitzgerald in Springdale, AR: Home to the Best Trail Ever?
With a name like Best Trail Ever, how could I not go check out the Mount Fitzgerald mountain bike trails in Springdale, Arkansas? Bentonville might steal the spotlight when it comes to trail networks in NWA, but if you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for something a little more off the radar.
My first ride at Mount Fitzgerald? Meh. I loved Coyote Cave, but Best Trail Ever left me cranky and questioning my life choices. (To be fair, I was hot, tired, and probably just needed a snack.)
But on return visits, the place grew on me fast. Best Trail Ever may not live up to its name, but it’s definitely a unique stretch of singletrack if you like rocks, tech, and a bit of a fight. Coyote Cave is just plain cool — don’t skip the actual cave! And if jumps are your thing, there are a few trails to get airborne on, too. It’s the kind of network that offers a little something to every style of rider.
So if you’re looking to break away from the Bentonville scene and explore something a bit different, here’s what you need to know about the mountain bike trails at Mount Fitzgerald.
Quick Tips
For mountain biking at Mount Fitzgerald
TWW Take
Please note that these are my personal opinions – you may argue otherwise! And if so, state your case (politely) in the comments 🙂
Fun-ness Factor
Trail Variety
Average Difficulty
The Good & Not So Good of Mountain Biking at Mt. Fitzgerald
What I like
What I don’t
Planning your River Mountain Park ride
Best trails to hit
Mount Fitzgerald is a pretty small trail network, so you can ride all the trails in one day.
- Stagecoach (beginner)
- Wagon Ride (beginner+)
- Butterfield (intermediate)
- Coyote Cave (advanced)
- Best Trail Ever (advanced)
Tip: Butterfield is mostly used for climbing, but if you’re a new rider or with kids, you can use it as the descent as well.
Route recommendations
- Fitz 5 (intermediate) – A great quick spin.
- Mount Fitzgerald Highlights (advanced) – Hits most of the trails at Mount Fitzgerald. Don’t underestimate these miles – you’ll work for them.
Mount Fitzgerald Trail Map
What’s up with the 1857 trail? This trail is techy! I’m a very confident able mountain biker and I found this trail to be a bit much. The good thing is that it’s short, so you don’t have to walk long.
FAQs & Planning Tips
🅿️ Parking: There is a nice parking lot at the base of the trails (Google driving directions). There are bathrooms, a water fountain, picnic tables, and a nice pavilion if you want to hang out after your ride.
🗺️ Navigating the trails: Navigation is pretty straightforward and there are a few trail maps at major intersections. I still recommend having TrailForks downloaded to your phone.
💧 Water: There are no water fountains on the trails, but the campground has water.
📅 How many days: Just one – make sure you ride Coyote Cave.
☀️ When to go: The trails are rideable year-round, but please don’t ride them when wet or muddy.
🚲 What type of bike to bring: A short or mid-travel full-suspension mountain bike.
⚡️ E-bikes: Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed at Mt. Fitzgerald (and pretty much all of Arkansas).
Need gear recs?
Head over to my gear closet! I’m always testing out new pieces of bike gear and if I really like them, they earn a place on this page.
Mount Fitzgerald may not be the best or most extensive trail network in Northwest Arkansas, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. I always enjoy my rides there whether I’m doing a shortie, but goodie loop on Coyote Cave or I’m up for a slightly punishing and longer ride that includes Best Trail Ever.
It’s a unique trail network the doesn’t get the crowds of Bentonville, but is still packed with variety, impressive trail building, and most importantly sweet and fun singletrack!
Have you explored the mountain bike trails at Mount Fitzgerald? What did you think of Best Trail Ever? Is it? Leave a comment below!
I love hearing from you and appreciate your comments! However, if you leave a rude, unconstructive, or spammy comment, it will be deleted. It’s cool to be kind. Have an awesome day!