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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo Gallery
Click below for full-screen photo gallery.
Map
Fort Smith: Ben Geren Bike Trail | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ben Geren Park, Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas |
| Length/Type | 1.9 miles (each way). 3.8 miles out and back. |
| Difficulty | Mildly challenging (2 of 5) |
| Gpx file (by Mike) | Link |
| Date Hiked | November 2, 2019 (and many other times) |
| Directions | CLICK - Google Maps Directions to Ben Geren Bike/Walking Path Trailhead |
| Official Info (Links) | (479) 646-2444 Website |
Last revised: 8-15-2021.