About Fitzgerald Mountain
Fitzgerald Mountain is Springdale’s home mountain bike system, and it is where you go in Northwest Arkansas when you want rocky, technical singletrack without the Bentonville crowds. It sits near Bayyari Park, minutes from downtown Springdale and the Runway Bike Park, and packs a lot of trail into a compact footprint.
Trail details
There is roughly 11 miles of singletrack here, and you can ride the whole system in a day. What makes Fitzgerald stand out is the rock. Builders used the Ozark geology on site to create rock gardens, rock-slab features, jumps, and bridges – the features are literally built from stone found on the property. Named trails include Stagecoach, Wagon Ride, Butterfield, Coyote Cave (with an actual cave to explore), and the mountain’s calling card, Best Trail Ever, a relentlessly technical advanced line. There is also an expert drop line for the truly experienced.
Difficulty runs from beginner to advanced. Newer riders can spin the easier loops and a mini flow trail, and there is a Strider skills course for the little kids. But be honest with yourself – a lot of Fitzgerald is genuinely techy and rides best on a short- or mid-travel full-suspension bike.
The park – where it is
The trail system is on Fitzgerald Mountain near Bayyari Park in Springdale. There is a dedicated trailhead parking lot with restrooms, a water fountain, picnic tables, and a pavilion, so it is an easy place to meet up and ride. You are just minutes from downtown Springdale, which makes it simple to grab food or coffee after.
Connected & nearby trails
Fitzgerald is the technical dirt anchor of Springdale, and it pairs well with the city’s other spots.
- Runway Bike Park – a free asphalt pump track and skills park at The Jones Center, perfect for warming up your bike handling before you hit the rocks.
- Thunder Chicken Trailhead – another Springdale system nearby with flow, jumps, and a pump track at the lot.
- Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain – if you want more purpose-built and technical riding, this world-class Fayetteville park is a short drive south.
Know before you go
Ride spring through fall, and stay off it when it is wet – the rock gets slick and soft dirt gets damaged. This is a technical mountain, so scope features before you send them, especially on Best Trail Ever and the expert lines. A full-suspension bike and knee pads are a good idea. Bring water even though the trailhead has a fountain, and pack out what you pack in.
Frequently asked questions
How many miles of trail are at Fitzgerald Mountain?
Fitzgerald Mountain has roughly 11 miles of singletrack, a network you can ride in a day. It packs a lot of variety into a compact system, from beginner loops to expert technical lines.
Is Fitzgerald Mountain good for beginners?
It has options for beginners, including easier trails like Stagecoach and Wagon Ride and a mini flow trail, plus a Strider skills course for little kids. But the mountain is known for its rocky, technical terrain, so much of it suits intermediate and advanced riders.
What is Best Trail Ever?
Best Trail Ever is Fitzgerald’s signature advanced trail – relentlessly technical and rocky. Many riders take it counterclockwise and scope the features before committing. It rewards good bike handling and a full-suspension bike.
Where do I park at Fitzgerald Mountain?
There is a dedicated trailhead parking lot near Bayyari Park in Springdale, just minutes from downtown and the Runway Bike Park. The lot has restrooms, a water fountain, picnic tables, and a pavilion.
When is the best time to ride Fitzgerald Mountain?
Spring through fall is ideal. The trails are heavily rock-armored, which helps them shed water, but you should still avoid riding when it is wet or muddy to protect the trail and yourself.
