The LOViT trail was built in the mid-2000s, and it is the most accessible of the three IMBA Epics in the region. The roughly 38-mile trail runs near the southern shore of Lake Ouachita, occasionally climbing high into the mountains to get the acclaimed “vistas,” before dropping back down to the shoreline. In addition to out-and-back rides, mountain bikers often create loops with segments of the trail, thanks to connecting dirt roads and Highway 270 nearby.
While the LOViT trail was built more recently than the other two nearby IMBA Epics, it “was almost all built by a volunteer hiking group,” according to Meredith. “As a volunteer and hiking group they didn’t necessarily care as much about the grade on some stuff. There is some hike-a-bike in there.”
Portions of the trail swoop and flow along the shores of the lake, but when it comes time to climb the mountains… well, the climbs are steep, and not necessarily bike-friendly.
Still, the accessibility makes the LOViT popular — and the amenities can’t be beat, either. “There’s like seven or eight really good campgrounds with shower houses and all that on the Vista trail,” said Meredith. “It definitely gets used more.”
 | Lovit: Bear Mountain |   | 13 mi |
 | Lovit: Crystal Springs | | 9 mi |
 | Lovit: Section 1 | | 10 mi |
| Lovit: Section 2 | | 14 mi |
4
not enough reward for the climbing
| ThankI did this trail a few months ago with a friend. We went from Crystal Springs to Blakely Dam. There was a very steep climb that my rear tire (and legs) couldn't handle. If you're on XC tires, expect to be walking your bike up some of the climbs. Also, this trail is best ridden by someone who is in good physical shape. If ridden in the summer, beware of spiders. I will be riding this trail in the fall from now on. Overall, it was a quality trail. It was challenging, but rewarding to know I made it about half the length of the lake.
| ThankModerate to strenuous ride. Great views. I rode Brady - Crystal - Brady one day during Thanksgiving week 2016.
| ThankThis trail has a wide variety of sections. Generally, the west end is easier. It is noticeable at the Joplin trail head. I rode Denby Bay to Tompkins & back 2016-11-24 (in preparation for 2 Thanksgiving meals ????). That section is fast & flowing with only a few short steep climbs. When wet & leaf covered traction was an issue. Highly recommend for a short easy ride. Be safe.
| ThankRode Joplin to Pipe Spring & back 2016-11-23. Hickory Nut Mtn is BRUTAL both directions. Mostly due to apple-size loose rocks. Some technical tight switchbacks. Hard workout. Great ride. Very challenging.
| ThankRode Joplin-Tompkins-Joplin 2016-11-22. Moderate ride. Fast & flowing.
| ThankRode Brady-Crystal-Brady 2916-11-21. Strenuous in places. Good workout. Epic ride. Some technical places. Highly recommended.
| ThankRode Brady-Crystal-Brady 2016-11-21. Some hard climbs. Fast descents. Moderately technical in places. Great workout. Epic ride. Highly recommended.
| ThankBrady-Crystal-Brady 2016-11-21. Great ride. Steep, technical in places. Hard climbs. Fast descents. Several tight switchbacks.
| ThankGreat trail! Rode from Brady Mtn TH to Blakely Mtn Dam and back - 15 miles and 2000' of climbing...will be back to ride more of the LOViT soon!
| ThankStarted at Denby, the first 3 miles to Tompkins has some steep, short climbs. Wife and I had to push a few of the climbs. The next 5 miles on the peninsula was much flatter with no real buster climbs. Sweet. You can make a loop out of that section.
| ThankNever got a chance to ride more, but I think the bigger climbs are there to the east.
Still, very nice flowy singletrack.
Highly recommended.
Brady to Avery. Out & back. Great ride. Some steep sections. Some sections with grapefruit size rocks.
| ThankCrystal Springs to Hickory Nut Mtn. Hickory Nut Mtn ascent from east is steep & rocky. From the west may not even be rideable (not sure - did not try). I rode it in the rain 2015-12-27. Very slippery. Spun out several times & had to walk bike in places. Switch backs are tricky to treacherous. Overall an AWESOME ride.
| ThankI haven't ridden any portion of the trail yet, so I will not give it a rating. I'm looking forward to riding the entire trail some early winter in the future. I just wanted to point out here that the Ouachita has been given IMBA Epic status as of this year 2015. 108 mi of Ozark Mountain ST should be quite a challenge. And the great thing is that the trail was completed long before various land agencies went crazy with machine cutting trails. This should be a classic epic and backpacking epic for a longtime. Plus you can add Womble to it and some other trails to extend the epic if you like. Here is an excellent .pdf file about the trail prepared by the Forest Service http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_039448.pdf
| ThankExtremely remote cross country trail. Many areas of very technical rock features and insanely steep tread. Crosses several roads that can be used as bailouts or pickup points.
| ThankThis trail is a true cross country experience. We did an out & back from the dam trailhead. Many twists and turns, climbs & descents. The old logging roads were too steep and not interesting but the singletrack was great fun.
| ThankA challenge reward type trail. Incudes five mountains with tough uphills then rewards with rewarding downhills and great views of lake & Mountains. Lots of trailhead access and good places to stay. An IMBA Epic well deserved.
| ThankI've ridden the LOVIT from Denby to the top of Hickory Nut. It is such a sweet trail. From Denby to Joplin is mostly singletrack with some great flow and good views of the lake. I park at Denby, where there are now nice bathrooms, and for a quick ride take the road back from Joplin, which is only a few miles. Past Joplin is a dirt road climb, then down across Iron Creek (I think) which is a pretty technical area. The trail then tees into a double track. Take a right to continue to Hickory Nut Mtn. The climb up is pretty brutal, especially near the top where it's steep with lots of loose rock.
| ThankI can't wait to ride the rest of this trail, especially the new stuff on Bear Mtn.
Also, pair a ride on the LOVIT with with the Womble for a truly epic weekend (both are epics now).
I love this trail, 100% singletrack! This trail is really under appreciated. I have spent 100s of hours riding this trail particularly Hwy 7 (west)and Hwy 27 (E&W).
This is a "put on your big boy pants" kind of ride. If you want a true backcountry bike experience this is it. Due to remoteness in sections the trail is like a ghost as it reveals its self to your front wheel 15 yards at a time. Super tech rock gardens ,flow, and climbs that are miles long and 2000 ft gains. You will not see another biker, so you never have to stop for anybody. :D You may see a hunter or backpacker but rarely.
This trail is raw, If you don't like trails that are covered in leafs and animal sh!t you better stay in the park.
There is a 3 side hut system on the 137 mile gem so you can pack light and camp on your bike.
| ThankFun ride (loop) with lots of descents and climbs, much more than I was use to coming from Florida. Intermediate level course in a beautiful area. Many trailheads where one can ditch the trail and return to the start via paved road. Increased enthusiasm after riding this trail!!!!
| Thank