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Mile Zero
Mile Zero: Delta Outdoor Festival
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Mile Zero is a weekend celebration of the Arkansas Delta’s beautiful landscape. Formerly known as the Delta Grind, this rebrand reflects a new chapter rooted in Helena’s identity as the "gateway to the Delta"—where trails, rivers, history, and culture converge.
Join us for a rally-style celebration blending world-class gravel and road riding with the region’s vibrant soul: live music, local food, and heritage.
“Mile Zero is more than an outdoor festival — it’s a strategic step toward positioning Helena as a hub for recreation, culture, and community vitality,” — Ammen Jordan, Director of studioDRIFT.
Our goal is to make outdoor recreation accessible to all. Through partnerships with local public schools and the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail Project, we are breaking down barriers, fostering sustainable growth, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, APRIL 10: Shakeout & Socialize
Kick off the weekend at Delta Dirt (430 Cherry St).
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM:Social Spin (10 - 25 miles, mixed route) - Free.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM:Running Tour of Helena (2-3 miles, murals & Civil War history) - Free.
Evening: Art show and concert at 430 Cherry St.
Bonus: Head over to the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, MS (jukejointfestival.com).
SATURDAY, APRIL 11: Main Event
All Saturday events staged at Kelley Courtyard (415 Cherry St).
The Low Road Marathon
7:00 – 8:00 AM: Check-in
8:15 AM: Bus Departs
9:00 AM: Race Start (Marianna to Helena via sandy gravel and spring-fed bayous)
Road & Gravel Cycling
8:00 – 9:30 AM: Check-in
9:45 AM: Pre-ride Meeting
10:00 AM: Start (choose your own adventure - from flat and scenic paths to gnarly gravel )
Half Marathon, 5K, & Mural Mile
8:00 – 9:30 AM: Check-in
10:10 AM: Start (Historic landmarks and St. Francis National Forest)
Post-Race Celebrations
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM:Community Bike Celebration (Helena Fire Dept. grilling, bike giveaways, and kids' activities).
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM:Delta Dirt Distillery Birthday Party (Spring menu launch & return of Deep Roots & Sweet Roots).
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM:Moonlit Magic Kayak Tour at Horner Neck Lake. Limited space; pre-register at (870) 295-4040. ($18 Adults / $12 Children).
SUNDAY, APRIL 12: Explore & Restore
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM:Guided Birding Outing
Free guided excursion during peak migration.
9:00 AM:Casual Group Ride/Run from Delta Dirt (430 Cherry St).
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM:Buck Island Canoe Adventurewith Quapaw Canoe Company.
Exploration of the wildest freshwater wetlands. ($75, RSVP via email).
Route Options
Cycling Routes:View on RideWithGPS
Running/Walking Routes:View on RideWithGPS
Bikepacking to the event:Collection of regional bikepacking routes
What to Expect:
Routes are Unmarked: You MUST have a GPS app or printed directions.
Zero Waste: Bring your own bottle/hydration pack. Water jugs will be available on the course.
Self-Supported: Bring your own tire repair kits and tools.
Support: Rolling SAG for DNF (Did Not Finish) only. Aid stations provided (bring cash for convenience store treats).
Raffle Prizes:
Courtesy of THE RIDE in Conway:
Salsa Journeyer (Size L, Ruby Red) - $750 retail
Gravel tires, handlebar tape, tool wraps, torque wrench sets, and CO2 pumps.
Stay & Play
Lodging:
Camping: Storm Creek Lake Campground (Full-service sites & camper cabins).
Boutique: The Edwardian Inn Bed & Breakfast.
More Options:King Biscuit Blues Festival Lodging List
Top 10 Things to do in Helena:
Delta Cultural Center Museum: Music heritage (9 am-5 pm).
Harbor View Trail: One-mile loop in Helena River Park. Link
DIY Mural Tour: Explore city-wide art on wheels or foot. Link
History Sites: African American & Confederate Cemeteries.
Big River Loop Trail: Visit Buck Island Beach. Link
Delta Dirt Distillery: Nation’s only Black-owned farm-to-bottle distillery.
Delta Heritage Trail: Log miles and spot migratory birds.
Delta Fish Market: World-famous fried catfish (10 am-8 pm).
History Buff Tour: Civil War and Underground Railroad landmarks. Link
DIY Paddling: Rent gear via phone at Mississippi River State Park.
Event Partners
Helena-West Helena
Ecological Design Group
The RIDE Conway // Thrive, Inc. // Mississippi River State Park
NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT US
If you can’t make it out, consider making a donation!
All proceeds from this event go to support the mission of studioDRIFT and our events. These events attempt to bring awareness to the incredible delta region of Arkansas. Specifically, our efforts in DeValls Bluff focus on creating a hub to anchor our vision for a Delta where local communities might thrive again. If you cannot attend one of our events, consider making a donation.