Centennial Park
Centennial Park’s crowning feature is a massive stone structure that’s been described as Fayetteville’s very own version of Stonehenge. The hub is located at the very top of Millsap Mountain and includes a tunnel and stairs that have been incorporated into both the cross-country and cyclo-cross courses. This is where the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships will be held in January 2022, so while the park is open to visitors you can expect some ongoing construction in preparation for the international event.
The 12-mile network includes a trail called Learners Permit, which rides exactly what it sounds like, making it ideal for beginners and families looking for an entry-level mountain biking experience. Riders can expect about three miles of flowy singletrack with some climbing, but minimal technical difficulty. On the southern slope of Millsap Mountain, you’ll find nearly four miles of trails that are both technical and punchy. This loop is accessible from the top of Learners Permit via Junk Drawer. Once you navigate your way through some rocky sections and arrive at the long-abandoned pickup truck that has now been turned into a jump you start to understand how the trail got its name. Meanwhile, Basket Case is a short, but rowdy connector packed with rocks and a couple of expert features like an on-and-off lily pad.
This is where you’ll also find a trail called the Fayetteville Traverse. Once complete, the trail will connect Fayetteville’s amenities, public parks, trail systems, the University of Arkansas, and downtown with a continuous natural surface route. In the meantime, you can use the traverse as part of the return route to the top of four intermediate and expert downhill-only trails with names like Captain Fantastic and Chunky. Expect lots of rocks, multiple line choices, and some of the biggest jumps in the region. The Centennial Park trailhead and parking are accessible from a frontage road along I-49 at the intersection of Mountain Ranch Boulevard and Technology Way.
Nearby Campgrounds:
- Devils Den Campground
- Lake Wedington Campground
- Cow Patty RV Park & Campground
- Southgate RV Park
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