Gravel Riders Gear Up for the Chinkapin Hollow Race
The Ozarks have no shortage of scenic trails, but the Chinkapin Hollow Gravel Grinder takes you on a journey through some of the region’s most beautiful and overlooked terrain. Launching from Lake Wedington Recreation Area, this two-state gravel race winds through Arkansas hardwood forests before crossing into eastern Oklahoma.
THE DEETS
📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 8:00 AM
📍 Lake Wedington Recreation Area | 15689 Lake Wedington Entry Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72704
🔗 More info and Registration
Distances & Pricing:
Chinkapin 24: around $65-$75 for ages 12 and up.
Chinkapin 40: around $75-$85 for ages 14 and up.
Chinkapin 64: around $80-$90 for ages 14 and up.
Chinkapin 96: around $90-$100 for ages 16 and up.
Registration closes November 7 at 11:59 PM. All routes start together in a mass start format.
Why Your Weekend Should Include This Ride
The course starts under tree canopy at Lake Wedington, winding through hardwood forests before crossing into Oklahoma. The route passes historic communities that date back before the Civil War, with enough rolling hills to keep things interesting without getting overly technical.
The 96-mile route brings 5,500 feet of elevation gain for riders chasing a challenge, while the 40-mile option offers a more manageable 2,800 feet. Support stations are positioned along each route, and you’ll find hot food and cold drinks waiting when you cross the finish line back at Lake Wedington.
What Makes the Course Stand Out
Lake Wedington Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service park that offers a natural setting to base your weekend. The race organizers, All Sports Productions, have updated the 40, 64, and 96-mile courses to include less pavement at the start and more gravel throughout, so you’ll spend more time on the terrain you came to ride.
The roads themselves are well-maintained and surprisingly smooth for gravel, giving you a chance to settle into a rhythm and enjoy the scenery. Once you hit Oklahoma, the landscape opens up into long stretches of rolling backroads.
Cash Prizes for the 96-Mile Route
The 96-mile route includes a $1,500 cash purse split evenly between male and female categories. Winners take home $350, second place gets $250, and third earns $150.
Registration for the Chinkapin Hollow Gravel Grinder closes November 7, so sign up soon if you want to tackle gravel roads that cross state lines.
