City of Searcy to Open First of the New Mountain Bike Trails at Riverside Park
The City of Searcy will officially open two new mountain biking trails at Riverside Park on Saturday, October 17, marking an exciting first step toward a larger trail system planned for the park.
The community is invited to help kick off the new trails with a group ride at 10 a.m. Riders should meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp.
The first two trails to open are Backwater, a 1.8-mile trail, and Monarch, a 1.6-mile trail. Both are designated green trails, offering an approachable experience for riders as they explore the new trail system.
Backwater and Monarch are just the beginning. Plans for the completed first phase of the park include a total of eight mountain biking trails, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities at one of Searcy’s most unique natural areas.
“This is an exciting milestone, but it’s really just the first look at what we’re building at the park,” said Searcy Mayor Mat Faulkner. “As the remaining trails are completed, we believe this will become a destination not only for people in Searcy, but for riders and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.”
As improvements continue, the City also plans to transition the park’s name from Riverside Park to Little Red Riverpark, reflecting the park’s connection to one of Searcy’s greatest natural assets, the Little Red River.
The transition to the Little Red Riverpark name will happen gradually as the City develops new wayfinding signage, maps, promotional materials and other collateral. During that transition, residents may see both names used.
The new identity will also help better position the park for regional promotion as its recreational offerings continue to grow.
“The river really makes the park special,” Planning & Development Director Richard Stafford said. “As we continue investing in trails and other opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, Little Red Riverpark gives us an identity that connects the park directly to the river and helps us tell that story to people beyond Searcy.”
The October 17 group ride is open to the community. Participants should bring their own bikes and meet at the parking lot near the Riverside Park boat ramp at 10am.
