Biking in the Upper Delta: Craighead Forest Park
If you're riding in the Delta, you're probably expecting flat terrain and easy miles. But Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro flips that assumption on its head.
Set into the folds of Crowley’s Ridge, a unique 200-mile-long geological formation that rises dramatically above the flat Mississippi Alluvial Plain, this nearly 700-acre city park offers 15 miles of mountain biking trails weaving through wooded hills, ridges, jumps, and flowy sections. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider used to flat Delta landscapes, it's an unexpected and energizing ride.
Ride the Ridge: What Makes Crowley’s Ridge Special
Crowley’s Ridge is a geological anomaly that runs from southeast Missouri down to Helena-West Helena, cutting through east Arkansas like a raised backbone.
Formed millions of years ago when much of northeast Arkansas was submerged under the Gulf of Mexico, Crowley’s Ridge remained untouched as ancient rivers shifted course around it, leaving it as an erosional remnant. Later, glaciers ground rocks into fine soil called loess, which wind deposited heavily on the ridge, up to 50 feet deep in places. Wind and water then helped carve sharp ridges and valleys that now support lush upland forests. This blend of geology and ecology makes Crowley’s Ridge a striking and varied natural playground.
Today, it offers some of the most scenic and unique elevation in this part of the state, rising 250 to 500 feet above the surrounding Delta’s flat landscape and measuring up to 10 miles wide.
That means more fun—and more challenge—for mountain bikers looking for natural terrain variety in the Upper Delta.
About half the trail system dates back to original handcut trails, appealing to those who appreciate natural, classic mountain bike terrain. Popular routes include Candy, Haybale, Nemesis, Dirt Surfer, and Flyway, each offering its own flavor of excitement.
More Than Biking: What Else to Do in the Park
Craighead Forest Park isn’t just for mountain bikers. It’s a full-day or weekend destination packed with activities for all ages:
- Walking, hiking, and running trails, including a 2.4-mile crushed gravel chat trail circling Craighead Lake and a 3.2-mile paved road loop
- Fishing in Craighead Lake, stocked with bass, bream, crappie, and tilapia by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- Camping options, including 26 RV sites with water and electrical hook-ups, tent sites, primitive camping areas, a modern bathhouse, showers, and laundry facilities
- Disc golf course, playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball, softball, volleyball, and horseshoes for family and group fun
- Dog-friendly trails and a dog jumping pier for furry visitors (dogs must be leashed)
- ATV trails in the northwest section and horseback riding allowed on designated trails outside the main loop road
- Access to the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center via three park trails for nature education and wildlife viewing
Whether you're traveling solo, with a group, or bringing the family, the park offers something for everyone.
Plan Your Trip
Craighead Forest Park is located just minutes from downtown Jonesboro, making it easy to stock up on gear, food, or anything else you need before hitting the trail. For the latest trail conditions, events, or seasonal updates, visit the Craighead Forest Park Facebook page.
Ready to ride? Pack your gear and head to Jonesboro for a Delta ride that climbs above the rest.