Unridden: the Crowley's Ridge Gravel Trail Project

Words and Photos by Ammen Jordan

The Unridden Ridge

Do you ever feel like every gravel road has been conquered, every scenic byway mapped, and every bikepacking route in the Ozarks documented? That is until we looked east and found ourselves on Crowley's Ridge.

This isn't your typical Midwest landscape. Crowley's Ridge is a hidden geological gem, rising abruptly from the flat Mississippi River Delta. A spine of ancient sand and gravel capped by thick loess creates a topography of steep hills and rolling contours unlike anywhere else in the continental U.S. More than just a place to ride, it's living Arkansas history. Think woolly mammoths and direwolves—that's how far back this story goes. What remains is land carved by water, glaciers, and wind, equally rich in beauty and culture.

A Project to Put the Ridge on the Map

The Crowley's Ridge Gravel Trail Project is a vision to transform this unique landscape into a world-class bikepacking destination and build a sustainable future for Ridge communities. By attracting gravel cyclists and adventure tourists worldwide, we can help revitalize local economies and improve quality of life for residents. The trail is an amenity for all—an outdoor escape that fosters physical activity, highlights local culture, and connects directly to the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Easily accessible within a 3-5 hour drive of St. Louis, Memphis, and Little Rock, it makes world-class bikepacking attainable for a wide audience.

We've been quietly building this route, connecting remote, hilly, well-maintained gravel roads that wind through hardwood forests and small Delta towns. Pedal past a Pulitzer Prize winner's writing retreat and pull up a chair at a James Beard Award-winning restaurant. This is what adventure tourism can be: physically demanding and deeply enriching.

Of Note

• Crowley's Ridge Gravel Trail spans 249 miles and 10k of elevation
• Remote, hilly, well-maintained gravel roads winding across rugged terrain and fertile farmlands
• 7 state parks, 1 national forest, and 18 Delta towns
• Majestic hardwood forests dominating the Ridge landscape and bottomlands along river basins
• The confluence of the St. Francis & Mississippi Rivers
• Steep, windy loess canyons and chunky levees
• A region rich in agricultural, Civil War, and Blues Music history—the sound that birthed Rock and Roll
• Hidden upland hardwood forests containing rare plant species found nowhere else in Arkansas

The Birdeye 500: A Showcase of What's Possible

The Birdeye 500 isn't just a ride; it's the premiere test of this incredible terrain. This grueling, unsupported ride challenges riders to become part of something bigger. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shines a light on this ambitious project and the potential future of the Arkansas Delta. The riders who conquer the 500-mile odyssey are ambassadors for a movement, helping establish Crowley's Ridge as a go-to Southern destination for those seeking the extraordinary. And it's free. If 100 people participate, there's a $1,500 cash purse.

Picture this: Sunset is approaching, a live band is on stage, dinner is about to be served, and you hear the swarm of cheering friends and family as you return from a 500-mile odyssey on Crowley's Ridge—just in time for your chance to win $500.

500 Miles Not Your Thing? Check out Birdeye Gravel Festival

• Group rides on rolling gravel routes traversing the ridge, farmland, levees, and historic country roads are the main event.
• Rewarding Gravel Rides - Explore beautiful terrain with beginner, intermediate, and advanced routes.
• Local Flavors - Savor farm-to-table cuisine and regional culinary delights.
• Distinctive - Crowley's Ridge offers authentic charm and outdoor adventure in a geographical and ecological anomaly.
• Warm Hospitality - Experience genuine Arkansas Delta warmth, house-party style.
• You Don't Have to Ride - Relax, explore… just be! Enjoy yoga, bocce, guided hikes, hammocking, cocktail-making, photo walks, or simply relaxing in serene farm surroundings.
• Learn more and register here - https://www.bikereg.com/birdeye

The House Party

What sets this event apart is its unique, house-party style celebration. After conquering the miles, unwind in a warm, welcoming atmosphere at the farm in Birdeye. This legendary celebration is a communal gathering built on authentic Delta hospitality, featuring farm-to-table dinner with local flavors and locally made drinks. The evening's soundtrack includes vibrant live music showcasing local talent: Andy Ratliff, Lazy Daisy, and Curtis B. Scott & Deion James. Connect with fellow riders and the community, creating genuine bonds beyond the trail.

Get on the Ridge

The Crowley's Ridge Gravel Trail Project is in its early stages, with dedicated partners building infrastructure and promoting the region. By riding events like the Birdeye 500, you're helping put this special place on the map, improve health outcomes, create jobs, and build a lasting legacy.