FATMAP by Strava

Syllamo: Scrappy Mountain Trail

The most technical trail in the Syllamo Trail system, with a long, fast descent at the start.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
19 km
Ascent
485 m
Descent
486 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
98 m
High Point
300 m
Gradient
Syllamo: Scrappy Mountain Trail Map

The Scrappy Mountain Loop (SML) is one of five trails in the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail System. Together these interconnecting loops make up 50 miles of mountain bike trail that IMBA recognized as being an outstanding, destination-worthy mountain bike trail to assign it Epic status.

Description

Most of the Syllamo trails are singletrack; however, there are sections where the trails follow old abandoned ATV trails. Over 70% of the trails are over rocky, rugged, and demanding terrain.

The trails can be accessed from four different trailheads, plus using a connector trail out of Blanchard Springs Recreation Area and Campground. Three trailheads are on Green Mountain Road and the fourth is on AR Highway 5 North.

The SML trailhead is located on Green Mountain Road. The trail follows BLUE markers on brown carsonite posts.

The recommended ride direction is clockwise so you will be riding down the Stairway to Heaven rather than up it. The Stairway is a stack of rocks they had to haul in to create a way to route the trail up a tall rock bluff. It’s climbable, but much more fun to ride down.

This trail has some sketchy, techy, rocky, bench-cut sections. It is the most technical trail in the Syllamo Trail system. There is a long descent when you leave the trailhead on Green Mountain Road. Portions of this follows doubletrack that has some smooth, rounded water bars built across it that you can get some air on.

When you reach the bottom, almost to State Highway 5, you will have two creek crossings. The first will normally get your feet wet, but the second you can usually stay dry.

On the return half of the trail, Scrappy overlaps with Bald Scrappy Loop (ORANGE).

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area