The Buffalo Headwaters Challenge Is Part Race, Part Campfire Party

The Buffalo Headwaters Challenge is part race, part outdoor adventure, and part excuse to eat grilled cheese in the woods while a DJ plays your favorite tracks. The 21st annual BHC returns to Red Star with the same formula that’s worked for two decades: make it challenging enough to feel accomplished, but fun enough that you’ll want to come back next year.

THE DEETS

📅 Friday, February 20, 2026 | 3:00PM – Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 2:00 PM
📍 Headwaters School, 139 Madison 3605, Pettigrew, AR 72752, USA
🎟️ $40 – $110 (Depending on the category) | RV spots- $25.00
🔗 More info and Registration

Pack Your Tent and Your Appetite

You’ll camp primitive style at Headwaters School, where the amenities are minimal but the atmosphere makes up for it. If you’re bringing an RV, limited spots are available for an extra $25 with no hookups. Your ticket gets you five meals, free beverages, live bands, and access to trails that volunteers have spent over 10,000 hours maintaining each year.

This weekend serves as the annual fundraiser for the Ozark Off-Road Cyclists, with most proceeds going directly into trail maintenance at Headwaters. Because of that, tickets are non-refundable. If weather forces a change, the event will be rescheduled to a later date.

Saturday’s Main Event

The Challenge ride launches on Saturday, January 31st with about 35 miles of backcountry mountain biking. You’ll find marked bailouts along the way if you need them. This year also brings the new Challenge run with 30k and 15k options. Both routes are semi-supported, so you’re not entirely alone out there.

During your ride or run, you might encounter DJs set up in the woods, and you’ll definitely reach the fire tower where grilled cheese and tomato soup are waiting. This is a ride, not a race. Finishing is the goal. Complete the challenge and you’ll get a custom patch when you check back in. Everyone who shows up gets a pair of event socks.

Post-ride yoga happens on Saturday for anyone who needs to stretch out after spending hours on the trails.

Sunday’s Choice

On Sunday, you can join the gravel challenge group ride heading to the Buffalo Outdoor Center. If you’d rather skip the ride, your wristband gets you free shuttles for downhill runs all day at the Buffalo Outdoor Center.

The Ozark Off-Road Cyclists have been organizing this event for 21 years, and it shows. Your registration covers five meals, live music, free drinks, well-maintained routes, and a community of people who genuinely enjoy being outside. Tickets are limited and registration is open now.

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Update: OORC has made the decision to postpone the Buffalo Headwaters Challenge from Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1 to Friday, February 20 through Sunday, February 22 due to snowfall and expected temperatures. Stay tuned to their social media page for future updates.