Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail – 4 mi (o&b)

Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
Paved Bike Trail, Ben Geren Park, Fort Smith.

The 1.9-mile (each way) Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail (Fort Smith, Sebastian County) is a cool mostly wooded multi-use trail for bikes, walkers, and runners.

This is one of a number of walking and bike trails that have been built in the area southeast of Ben Geren Regional Park that was formerly part of Fort Chaffee.

Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
Trailhead in Ben Geren Park.

Getting to Ben Geren Trailhead

Ben Geren Regional Park is on Zero Street (Hwy 255) in Fort Smith between Old Greenwood Road to the west and Massard Road to the east.

Once in the park, head toward the playground, then on toward the back of the park. The trailhead is about .7 miles past the playground (past the ball fields).

There is parking at the trailhead.

Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
Paved Bike Trail, Ben Geren Park, Fort Smith.

The Trail

The Paved Bike Trail a pretty easy path to follow. Most of it is wooded which makes it a scenic walk year-round.

The first .7 miles is a pretty easy gradual uphill walk. Then there is a steeper stretch for 1/3 mile that goes up 100 feet in elevation. (Be sure to take the curve to the right as it goes uphill.)

The trail high point is around 1 mile where the trail crosses a landfill access road.

From there the trail gradually winds downhill for another .9 miles to the intersection with Massard Road.

Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
Paved Bike Trail.

At about 1.7, there is a section that splits off to the right. I usually keep going straight.

At 1.9, the trail hits Massard Road. At this point, I turn around and head back.

There is less climbing on the return journey, but be prepared for some limited climbing as you head back toward the high point.

Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
This is in the first (north) half of the trail.

Final Notes

The entire walk is about 3.8 miles.

These photos are from November 2, 2019.

I had AT&T cell service on the whole trail.

Click here for the trail profile of the Ben Geren Fitness Course.

Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
Paved Bike Trail.
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
There was some fall foliage when he did our November 2 walk on the trail.
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
This stretch, around the midpoint, is the most challenging climb on the trail.
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
This and the photos below are from the second (south) part of the trail near as it approaches Massard Road.
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
Paved Bike Trail, Ben Geren Park.
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
There are some uphill/downhill stretches in the south part of the trail.
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
Paved Bike Trail.
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
The intersection at Massard Road.

Photo Gallery

Click below for full-screen photo gallery.

Map

Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Bike/Walking Path – Contour Map. (Click to enlarge.)
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail - 4 mi (o&b) photo
Approx. Elevation Profile for Ben Geren Paved Bike Trail.

Fort Smith: Ben Geren Bike Trail

LocationBen Geren Park, Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas
Length/Type1.9 miles (each way). 3.8 miles out and back.
DifficultyMildly challenging (2 of 5)
Gpx file (by Mike)Link
Date HikedNovember 2, 2019 (and many other times)
DirectionsCLICK - Google Maps Directions to Ben Geren Bike/Walking Path Trailhead
Official Info (Links) (479) 646-2444 Website

Last revised: 8-15-2021.

By Mike Newman

Mike Newman, editor and creator of Arklahoma Hiker, likes to day hike and walk outdoors in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

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