April 13, 2024

The annual Hazel Valley Rally returns to Fayetteville, AR for a day of gravel grinding in the Ozark National Forest on Saturday, April 13th.

Beginning from and finishing on a stunning 300-acre private ranch east of Fayetteville, the Hazel Valley Rally (formerly the Hazel Valley Gran Prix) has long been a rite of passage for local cyclists, with the inaugural event dating back to 2011! The first race saw only a few dozen participants, but the Hazel Valley Rally has exploded in popularity since, welcoming cyclists to the challenging gravel and forest roads southeast of Fayetteville every year for more than a decade - long before the current gravel cycling boom began.

Gravel cyclists considering the event can expect a day of challenging but rewarding gravel riding where lengthy climbs give way to breathtaking views of the sprawling Ozark Mountains! April in the Ozarks brings a bounty of spring colors as our Dogwood and Redbud trees pop with vibrant flower buds while water flows freely from the mountainsides. It’s no wonder that the Hazel Valley Rally is known as “the most beautiful gravel course in Northwest Arkansas” - and the most demanding.

Participants can choose between 45 and 64 mile route options. Both routes send cyclists deep into the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozarks where rugged mountain scenery and spectacular rock bluffs are common. The shorter ‘This Ain’t Easy’ option tasks riders with over 4,200 feet of climbing. The longer ‘Have Mercy On Me’ course boasts a whopping 7,500 feet of climbing – the equivalent of climbing the Empire State Building SIX times! Both routes are comprised of 100% rural gravel roads with minimal traffic. 

Tucked away in the mountains east of Fayetteville, the Hazel Valley Rally is the true hidden gem of gravel events in Northwest Arkansas. Presented by the Rule of Three, this “gravel bonanza” of a race includes multiple aid stations to support participants on course and a post-race party complete with camaraderie, chili, and beer back at the ranch – which is a welcome sight after a challenging day spent riding in the beautiful Ozark National Forest.

For additional event information or to register for the race, visit the event registration page. We’ll see you at the Hazel Valley Rally!