Bicycle path proposed at Pea Ridge Military Park

The National Park Service is proposing to allow bicycle use on two new multi-use trails connecting the park with other proposed trail routes in adjacent communities linking to the regional trail network, which is identified in the Northwest Arkansas Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The trails were originally proposed as part of a Trail Master Plan/Environmental Assessment which is available for review at parkplanning.nps.gov/peri.

The first trail would be a 0.55-mile section from U.S. Highway 62 to the visitor center. The second would be a 1.17-mile trail from Arkansas Highway 72 to the Sugar Creek Greenway on the western edge of the park.

National Park Service regulations require the publication of special regulations, or rules, that designate new trails for bicycle use off park roads and outside of developed areas. Currently, bicycle use in the park is limited to the tour road, which connects visitors to the park’s key interpretive sites, and Ford Road, which is currently designated as an administrative road. The proposed rule is available for public review and comment online at regulations.gov. Search for the regulation identifier number “1024AE41.” Comments may also be mailed to Pea Ridge National Military Park, 15930 U.S. Hwy. 62 East, Garfield AR. 72732, Attention: Superintendent.

Pea Ridge National Military Park, established in 1956, preserves and commemorates the site of the March 1862 Civil War battle that helped Union forces maintain physical and political control of the state of Missouri. Administered by the National Park Service, the 4,300-acre battlefield is located six miles east of Rogers, just off of U.S. Highway 62.