Ride wild. Fuel strong. Celebrate together in nature.

The 21st Annual Buffalo Headwaters Challenge, set for January 30–February 1, 2026, is a three-day, all-inclusive, 'off the grid' mountain bike and trail running festival in Pettigrew, Arkansas. Hosted in the stunning Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, the event welcomes mountain bikers and trail runners with a festive weekend of backcountry adventure, camaraderie, great food, libations, and live music. Participants can enjoy semi-supported rides and runs, meals, tent and RV camping, and a unique celebration of the outdoors community.

The Challenge ride covers approximately 35 miles of semi-supported backcountry singletrack with steep climbs and rocky sections, ideal for adventurous riders. Trail running options of 30k and 15k are also available. The course features significant elevation gain through some of the Ozarks’ most scenic and challenging terrain.

• Three-day mountain biking and trail running festival
• Five all-inclusive meals and libations
• Primitive tent and RV camping accommodations
• Live music and outdoor festival atmosphere
• Scenic Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area in the Ozarks
• Community celebration beyond just racing