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Great Gravel Rides
Pea Ridge Loop
A pro-race inspired gravel route through the rolling Ozark farmland of northwest Arkansas.
Distance
38 mi / 61 km
Elevation Gain
1,651 ft / 503 m
Best time to ride
Spring - Fall
Difficulty
Level 3
Bentonville, Arkansas has quietly become one of America’s great cycling towns. Anchored by world-class mountain bike trails and a growing gravel scene, the city draws riders from across the country — and the Pea Ridge Loop is one of its most satisfying routes. Modeled after the Big Sugar Gravel race, a prestigious stop on the Lifetime Grand Prix pro calendar, this 38-mile loop rolls out of downtown and into the lush, green hills of the Ozarks, following the same roads that top gravel racers have contested at full speed.
Route Overview
The ride starts in downtown Bentonville, where a few miles of pavement ease you out of the city before the gravel begins in earnest. Early on, the route throws a handful of steep, punchy climbs. Once those opening miles are behind you, the terrain settles into long, winding country roads that carry you north through the Ozark hills toward the Arkansas-Missouri state line.
The miles through this stretch are some of the most peaceful on the route. Traffic drops to nearly nothing on the farm tracks, and the scenery rewards the effort of the climbs. The route encircles the town of Pea Ridge, where the landscape opens up around a well-preserved Civil War battlefield and the roads offer beautiful climbing on some of the quietest tarmac in the region.
The final miles follow Sugar Creek Road home, a tree-lined downhill that peels off the hills and carries you back into Bentonville at speed. It’s one of those finishes that leaves you grinning.
Interactive Map and Elevation Profile
Explore this route on a Gravel Bike Tour
If you’re inspired to experience this ride with expert support, curated hotels, and seamless logistics, explore the full Trek Travel itinerary.
Ride Highlights
- Ride the same roads used in one of the Lifetime Grand Prix’s most respected events — a course that has tested the best gravel riders in the country.
- Pedal on quiet farm roads with minimal traffic to the Missouri state line.
- Bentonville’s post-ride scene is worth the trip on its own, with a cluster of excellent bike-friendly cafés and a cycling culture that runs deep.
- The ride ends the way every good gravel route should, on a fast, tree-lined downhill that carries you back into Bentonville with momentum to spare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is this ride?
The Pea Ridge Loop is a Level 3 ride. The climbs are steep in places, but they’re short, and the route never sustains difficult gradients for long. The surface is predominantly quiet gravel farm track, with paved sections connecting in and out of Bentonville and through a few small towns. Traffic is light once you’re out on the farm roads, but worth being aware of on the paved connectors closer to town. Learn more about gravel activity levels.
What is the terrain like on this route?
The majority of the Pea Ridge Loop runs on gravel farm tracks, wide, open roads through agricultural land with a loose but manageable surface. Short paved sections connect the route in and out of Bentonville and link a few of the towns along the way. The climbs are steep but brief, typical of Ozark terrain, and the descents tend to be fast and open.
What should I pack for this ride?
A light kit works well for summer, but a packable rain layer is worth bringing in spring and fall when showers are possible and mornings start cooler. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essentials for the warmer months. The route is remote once you leave Bentonville, so carry enough water and food to reach the mid-ride fuel stop comfortably.
What is the best season to ride in Bentonville?
Spring, summer, and fall all offer good conditions on this route. Late spring and early summer are particularly well-suited and the Ozark hills are at their greenest. See Trek Travel’s departure dates for this guided tour.
Where can I refuel along the route?
The route passes close to the Arkansas-Missouri state line, where a short detour leads to Red Mule Barn, a local market and convenience store well-stocked for mid-ride needs. It’s a welcome stop on an otherwise remote stretch of road. Back in Bentonville after the ride, the post-ride options are excellent: Meteor Café and Onyx Coffee are both popular with the cycling community and worth a stop before the day winds down.