Last Updated April 2, 2024
The Güdrun – Northwoods MTB Festival is a premier mountain biking event and festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas; an event showcases Arkansas’s incredible progress in its mountain bike development in recent years, with the state transforming into a world-class mountain bike destination. The Güdrun – Northwoods MTB Festival is great about Arkansas mountain biking, including an excellently designed single track. Strambecco rates the event as one of the best mountain bike events in the South Central region. Taking place in Hot Springs National Park and, more specifically, in the Northwoods Trails, comprised of 26 miles of mountain bike trails and has been voted the best single-track in Arkansas!
The festival runs from Friday, November 11, and finishes on Sunday, the 13th. There is a vibrant mix of bike races, fun runs, bike expos, food, drinks, music, and fun for kids and the entire family. A wonderful attribute of this festival is the large range of categories in the mountain bike events, so every level and age group is supported and welcomed.
Event & Course Info
The Güdrun – Northwoods MTB Festival kicks off on Friday, with the Expo heating up at 12 p.m. – this is followed by the fun and leisurely Güdrun Slow Roll Fun Ride, while the day concludes with an Opening Night Party.
Saturday is packed with exciting biking events. The Güdrun Full Enduro and Mini Enduro races start at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. respectively. Coffee lovers and waffle enthusiasts can enjoy Güdrun Waffles & Coffee Time Trial at 11 a.m., followed by the Spa City Cycling Strider Race at 1 p.m. The afternoon heats up with the Güdrun Jump Jam at 3 p.m. and the thrilling Güdrun Dual Slalom at 5 p.m.
The festival wraps up on Sunday, but not before The Attila the Hun XC Race takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a challenging and fun end to the festival.
Overall, this mountain bike festival promises a weekend full of fun rides, competitive races, and community gatherings for biking enthusiasts of all levels.
The two main bike events are the Gudrun Enduro, a 15-mile enduro race and the Attila the Hun XC, a cross-country race with nearly every category imaginable to cater to every level of rider. The Junior and Category 3 race is 6 miles, and the top end category 1 is 19 miles, with varying lengths in the middle of those two.
The event continues to bring large crowds and be an impressibly attended festival. The stunning Northwoods Trails indicate an extremely positive trend in mountain biking in Arkansas and the Güdrun – Northwoods MTB Festival being at the heart of this.
Listed below are the interactive maps for the Attila the Hun XC, with the categories 1, 2, and 3 in order.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Recommended lodging for Güdrun – Northwoods MTB Festival is The Hotel Hot Springs and Spa while other options in the Hot Springs area include Waters Hot Springs Hotel, and the Courtyard. For those that prefer a more home-like experience, there are many vacation rentals to choose from that will suit a variety of needs from gorgeous treehouses to cabins. However, if you are up for camping in November, there are a plethora of unique camping locations in the area.
The culinary scene in Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers a diverse array of dining options, ranging from traditional Southern comfort food and barbeque joints to upscale eateries and international cuisine. Visitors can enjoy the town’s charming atmosphere and historic backdrop while exploring an assortment of restaurants, cafes, and bistros that cater to various tastes and preferences. Local favorites include 420 Eats, Cafe 1217, and Eden.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes looking to challenge themselves while indulging in the natural beauty that this unique location has to offer. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains and famous for its thermal springs, Hot Springs provides a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and exploration. For those visiting in November, the mild fall temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage create an ideal backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities.
Hot Springs National Park is a must-visit destination for trail runners seeking a challenging and scenic experience. The park boasts a network of trails totaling over 26 miles, catering to runners of all skill levels. One of the most popular trails is the Sunset Trail, a 10-mile loop that takes you through dense forests, over rolling hills, and past babbling brooks. The trail provides a mix of technical terrain and smoother sections, ensuring a full-body workout.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, Cedar Glades Park offers a thrilling ride through diverse terrains and landscapes. Located just a short drive from downtown Hot Springs, the park features over 15 miles of trails ranging from beginner-friendly loops to challenging technical sections. One of the highlights is the 4-mile Rock-N-Roller trail, known for its fast descents, tight turns, and rocky obstacles. The park’s well-maintained trails and stunning scenery make it a favorite among local and visiting mountain bikers alike.
If you’re looking to take a break from land-based activities, head to Lake Ouachita for a day of kayaking. As Arkansas’s largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers over 40,000 acres of crystal-clear waters surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Paddle through secluded coves, explore the lake’s many islands, or simply enjoy the peacefulness of being on the water. The lake’s calm waters are perfect for both beginners and experienced kayakers, and the surrounding scenery is particularly breathtaking in November when the shoreline is ablaze with autumn colors.
Related Events
While the Güdrun – Northwoods MTB Festival is the only event produced by Northwoods Trails, other best in class mountain biking events taking place in Arkansas throughout the year include Little Sugar MTB from Life Time Events and part of the Leadville Race Series, and Pedaler’s Bash organized by Pedaler’s Pub.
Also, some of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the South Central region take place in-state, for the multi-disciplinary cyclists. They incude th Big Sugar Classic from Life Time Events and part of their Life Time Grand Prix Series, and the Chinkapin Hollow and Highlands Gravel Classic from All Sports Productions, with the latter being part of the UCI Gravel World Series.
Keep your eyes out for more Strambecco best rated road cycling and trail running events taking place in Arkansas and the broader region.
