Just west of Fayetteville, the 16,000 acre Wedington Wildlife Management and Lake Wedington Recreation Area is home to 18+ miles of diverse singletrack, long runouts of scenic gravel, and remote ribbons of double track – all winding through beautiful hardwood timber forests. From the Lake Wedington Recreation Area and public parking – our 27-mile ‘Mrs. Robinson’ route cruises along popular gravel roads that descend into unincorporated communities dating back to the 1800s.
While 60% gravel, the route begins with a few miles of pavement along State Highway 16. Although popular with cyclists, extra caution along this shared roadway is advised. The first section of gravel comes next, a 10 mile stretch beginning on Robinson Road. A short kicker of a climb leads to a fast rolling segment that drops down to the Illinois River and across the Illinois River Bridge at Phillips Ford – a nearly 100 year-old concrete arch bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A turn onto Yell Cemetery Road begins a couple mile climb up to a rolling ridgeline of gravel. A short section of pavement leads to a local favorite – a steep, milelong gravel descent down Savoy Road and towards Savoy, Arkansas. Originally settled in 1892, Savoy was long known for its mill until a double disaster in 1960 - starting with a flood and then fire - ended its operation. The mill’s old dam is all that exists today, leaving a small waterfall along the creek that once fed the community’s commerce.
A stretch of scenic pavement along the Illinois River leads to the last of the gravel and one final climb. A brisk section of pavement descends back to the Lake Wedington Recreation to complete the route.
Consisting of 60/40 gravel, this figure 8 shaped loop is rated Mild - a good option for the beginner gravel rider or avid cyclists looking for a couple hours in the saddle. With no services available on route, cyclists should plan to carry the hydration and nutrition necessary to complete the experience.
Where to Park
Although much of the Lake Wedington Recreation Area and access to facilities (i.e. restrooms, camping) remains closed during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, paved public parking is still available at a popular mountain bike trailhead on the northside of the highway right past the campground.
