Photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism
The U.S. Forest Service has announced the allowance of electric bikes (e-bikes) on the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail following the release of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests’ final environmental assessment. Full implementation of the decision is planned to take effect in January to allow for posting of signage at trailheads and incorporation of e-bike use authorizations on Forest Motor Vehicle Use maps.
The Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail is a network of interconnected loops and spurs on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests ranging from around 300 to 1,000 feet in elevation. According to the Forest Service, the total trail mileage to be managed for mountain biking and e-bike use will be approximately 51 miles, with the exception of a portion of the Jack’s Branch Loop of the Syllamo Trail System that falls within the designated Wild and Scenic River corridor of North Sylamore Creek. The Comprehensive River Management Plan for North Sylamore Creek states no new motorized use will be authorized within this corridor. Authorization for e-bike use in this area will be deferred until the Comprehensive River Management Plan is updated.
E-bikes are also being allowed on the Womble Trail in the Ouachita National Forest in western Arkansas.
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