Whether you ride a mountain bike, road bike or gravel grinder, there are numerous unforgettable routes and trails. Our favorite road bike ride is Push Mountain Road (state highway 341) from its intersection with Highway 14 between Big Flat and Fifty Six to the White River. Push Mountain Road has very little traffic and a wide shoulder. For most of the 50 mile out and back route, you will ride along in tranquility, with wilderness on one side and national forest on the other. Look out for deer and turkey as they are abundant. And be prepared to climb as there will be over 4,000 feet of elevation gain with two major climbs along the way.

For mountain bike enthusiasts, the Syllamo Mountain Biking Trail system is 30 miles away. Here is how the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) describes this trail system:Nestled in the Sylamore District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, the Syllamo Trail is one the finest purpose-built mountain bike trail systems in the country. Arranged in four intertwined loops, the 50 miles of trail provides options for an all-day epic, or for shorter tours.

The terrain offers something for everyone: plenty of rolling single-track invites the less experienced riders, but those same trails, when ridden at speed, get fast, furious and fun. The technical limestone block sections and the burly rock steps will widen the eyes of seasoned riders.

To get to the Syllamo Trail system, travel approximately nine miles past the intersection of Highways 14 and 341 towards Fifty Six. Turn left from Highway 14 at the sign to Gunner Pool, a National Forest Recreation Area that was built by the WPA. A few miles past Gunner Pool, turn right on Green Mountain Road and you will come to a parking lot for each of the Syllamo Trail Routes.

Plan to ride either Push Mountain Road or the Syllamo Trail, then top it off with a craft beer at Gravity BrewWorks in Big Flat on your way back to the cabin.

If you want to do a “gravel grinder” there are many miles of gravel roads from the cabin. If you are looking for an epic adventure, ride the “Ozark Grinder Trail” which is 120 miles of steep grades and creek crossings. Much of this trail follows along the Buffalo National River and provides breathtaking views. It begins at the Tyler Bend campground on the Buffalo National River.