Try The Ultimate Nighttime Adventure With A Bike Ride At Leopards Loop Glow Trail In Arkansas
By Daniella DiRienzo|Updated on January 11, 2023(Originally published January 06, 2023)
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Have you been mountain biking in Arkansas? Even if you have, you’ve never experienced anything quite like this. Glow (see what we did there?) on the ultimate nighttime adventure with a bike ride along Leopards Loop Glow Trail! Embedded with glow-in-the-dark pebbles throughout, it provides a magical setting for an exhilarating after-dark bike ride. And since the trail is suitable for riders of all ages, it’s the perfect destination for a family adventure. You’ll feel like you’re starring in an adventure movie, on the rapid fire hunt for something spectacular.
Sure to result in a “fast, flowy, and glowy” ride, Leopards Loop Glow Trail in Bentonville is a beginner flow trail with glow-in-the-dark pebbles embedded within its surface.
The pebble-embedded surface makes the trail suitable for riding in nearly any weather condition – day or night. Rain and fog can't slow you down! Best of all, you'll never lose your way because the pebbles are quite literally lighting the way for you.
It’s pretty unique, and not just to Arkansas. Leopards Loop Glow Trail is believed to be the first trail in the world with a glow-in-the-dark, hardened chip-seal surface.
The trail, which was designed by a trail contracting group, features smooth riding areas, a series of humps called "rollers," and even some spots where you can catch some air with a small jump.
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The trail, carefully and thoughtfully designed by Rock Solid Trail Contracting, glows during nighttime hours or in the presence of a blacklight.
The loop trail is about 1,300 feet long and boasts 7,000 square feet of glowing and chip resistant trail surface. You're definitely going to want to catch this for Instagram, just don't shoot and bike at the same time. The trail is located in Park Springs Park which actually has a really cool history for the state of Arkansas. The park has been a part of Bentonville since the 1890s when two therapeutic springs were discovered on the outskirts of town. Some of the trees in the park are the oldest examples of their species in the whole state of Arkansas. It's pretty cool that a park with such a rich history has gotten such a fun contemporary upgrade.
Of course, there’s a lot more to love about the trail than its vibrant glow. Spanning those 1,300 feet, riders have said that the glow feature helps keep them focused which actually makes them feel safer while on the trail.
Not only is this a fun activity for the family (or anyone), it's also a way to stay healthy while having a great time.
The trail’s one-way direction is another huge perk, as it allows riders to travel at greater speeds without the fear of colliding into other cyclists. Plus, it boosts the confidence of new riders.
There's something wonderful about being in a community of riders all headed the same way, especially when people dress up in glow-y outfits to match the trail. Break out that neon!
Though fun enough for longtime enthusiasts, the trail is tame enough for young riders, making it a great choice for families and newbies to the mountain bike life.
For more info on Leopards Loop Glow Trail, as well as northwest Arkansas’ other great bike trails, click here. You can also check out the Visit Bentonville Facebook page.
So, did you know about this glow-in-the-dark bike trail? Ever ridden along the Leopards Loop Glow Trail? If so, what’d you think? Do you know of another amazing place to ride? Tell us in the comments below, we love hearing about your experiences.
This isn’t the only place for a unique bike ride. Click here to read about the country’s first bike playground, which is right here in Arkansas.
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Mountain Biking in Arkansas
CC|January 11, 2023
Where else can I mountain bike in Arkansas?
Check out these other great mountain biking trails in the great state of Arkansas.
