Wolf Pen Gap trails in Arkansas open March 6

The 2020 riding season starts March 6 at the Wolf Pen Gap trails in the Ouachita National Forest near Mena, Ark.

The trails offer everything you could want for a great day of riding, including fantastic views and a down-home friendly atmosphere.

There are 35 miles of trails that feature terrain for everyone, from beginner to experienced riders. The difficulty of each trail is marked from easiest to “most difficult,” and the “most difficult.”

The area has many small crystal-clear rivers and streams, and numerous picturesque waterfalls. If you want to take some time out from riding, you can try some fishing. There are also areas where groups stop and swim.

Remember to always stay on the trails. That means no off-highway vehicles in the streams, and only cross streams at designated crossings.

Mena, the closest town, is only nine miles west of the trails. Here you will find just about everything you need from groceries to fast food to full-service restaurants.

Directions: To get there from Mena, take state Route 375 south for eight miles to the trailhead near CR 277. There are additional trailheads farther south on 375 and south on FR 38. All three separate trailheads offer parking and primitive camping.

Contact:  U.S. Forest Service Mena/Ogden Ranger District, 1603 Highway 71 N, Mena, AR 71953. Phone: (479) 394-2382.

Website:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ouachita/recarea/?recid=10797.