NWA Highlights: Arkansas Graveler

The cycling industry in Northwest Arkansas has taken off at full speed with races, businesses, organizations, group rides, and more popping up everywhere. The community that has been created through this sport is one that will be around for a long time and bring revenue, people, and innovation to NWA. With that being said, the attention and attraction that NWA is receiving from cycling brands, organizations, and enthusiasts is on the rise.

One sector of cycling, gravel, is quickly growing and becoming more popular in Northwest Arkansas. Northwest Arkansas alone has over 500 miles of gravel cycling. Our area already has multiple gravel cycling races and rides that take place each year, and now there will be another added to that list. 

On August 24th, 2023 Arkansas tourism officials along with Governor Huckabee, announced a new type of bike event that would take place across 5 stops in Arkansas. This bike “festival” will be called the Arkansas Graveler and will commence on June 23rd, 2024. Ozark Foundation, a public charity in Bentonville, is the founder of this event along with other partners including Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas, Experience Fayetteville, Arvest Bank, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

The Arkansas Graveler will be a 6-day, 300 plus mile bike trek across Arkansas. It will start at the University of Arkansas and conclude at Arkansas State University. The terrain will be 50/50 paved and gravel with over 24,000 ft of elevation gain. There will be five stops along the way for rest & refueling at host communities. Here are the daily stops- 

Day 1- Fayetteville to Oark (55 miles)

Day 2- Oark to Jasper (56 miles) 

Day 3- Jasper to Marshall (55 miles)

Day 4- Marshall to Mountain View (51 miles)

Day 5- Mountain View to Cave City (49 miles)

Day 6- Cave City to Jonesboro (70 miles)