About Lake Wedington Trails
Lake Wedington is a wooded mountain bike loop about 13 miles west of Fayetteville, tucked into the Ozark National Forest off State Highway 16. It’s a relaxed, scenic ride and a nice change of pace from the busier in-town systems.
Trail details
The main loop north of the highway is roughly 7 miles of singletrack that rolls through hardwood forest with only a few hundred feet of total climbing. Most of it is flowy and non-technical, so it suits beginners and riders looking for a mellow day, but there are rocky, undulating sections that keep it interesting. There’s more trail in the area, including an older network south of the highway, but the north loop is the main draw.
The park / where it is
The trails sit inside Lake Wedington Recreation Area, a national forest site of a few hundred acres built around a small lake with a historic 1938 CCC-era stone spillway that turns into an active waterfall after rain. The lake and picnic areas are open for day use. The mountain bike trailhead is north of Highway 16 with paved parking, but keep in mind restrooms and running water can be limited near the trailhead, so come prepared to self-support.
Connected & nearby trails
Lake Wedington is the westernmost of Fayetteville’s riding spots, so most riders pair it with trails closer to town. For purpose-built singletrack, head to Kessler Mountain Regional Park or Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain on the south side. For another easygoing, family-friendly option, Lake Fayetteville Park has mellow trails around the water on the north side of town.
Know before you go
Because it’s out in the national forest, treat it as a self-supported ride: bring water, snacks and a basic repair kit. The trails drain well and hold up through most of the year, but give them time to dry after heavy rain. It’s a great warm-weather escape under shade, and the spillway waterfall is worth a look. Leashed dogs are fine, and out here it’s usually quiet, so keep an eye out for hikers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lake Wedington mountain bike loop?
The main loop north of Highway 16 runs about 7 miles. It rolls through the woods with only modest climbing, so it’s a manageable ride for most fitness levels.
Is Lake Wedington beginner-friendly?
Mostly, yes. The main loop is flowy and non-technical with just a few hundred feet of elevation gain, though there are rocky, rooty sections in places, so newer riders should stay alert. It’s a good step up from a paved greenway without being intimidating.
Where is the Lake Wedington trailhead?
Lake Wedington Recreation Area is about 13 miles west of Fayetteville off State Highway 16, inside the Ozark National Forest. The mountain bike trailhead is north of the highway with paved parking.
Are there restrooms and water at the Lake Wedington trails?
Restrooms and running water can be limited near the mountain bike trailhead, so plan to self-support and bring your own water and snacks. The lake and picnic areas on the day-use side have more facilities.
When is the best time to ride Lake Wedington?
It rides well most of the year thanks to good drainage, but like any natural-surface trail it’s best to wait a day or two after heavy rain. Spring and fall are especially nice under the hardwood canopy.
