If your idea of a great weekend includes barreling down on a mountain on two wheels, then you need to check out the Natural State’s newest biking haven. Mountain biking in Bentonville, Arkansas has become a craze for outdoor enthusiasts in recent years, and the number of both elite and family-friendly trails has grown exponentially.
It’s no surprise to locals why this area is booming. The mountains and ever-changing forests of Northwest Arkansas are exceedingly beautiful, and bikers can combine their trail rides with excellent hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, waterfall chasing, camping, and even ale trails! Sound appealing? Well, let’s find your next mountain biking adventure!
Mountain Biking in Bentonville, Arkansas: Bike Rentals and Gear
Before you check out Bentonville’s best trails, you’ll need the right equipment. Bentonville boasts several bike shops that cater to riders of all levels. These include:
- Phat Tire Bike Shop: Located in downtown Bentonville, this shop offers bike rentals, repairs, and a wide selection of gear. Their staff can help you choose a bike that matches your skill level and trail preferences.
- Mojo Cycling: Known for its friendly service, Mojo Cycling provides high-quality rentals, including e-bikes, mountain bikes, and kids’ bikes. They also carry helmets, gloves, and other essentials.
- Bentonville Bicycle Co: Perfect for families, they offer a range of bikes and accessories for sale or rent and an in-house mechanic for quick fixes.
Once you’ve got your gear, you’re ready to explore Bentonville’s family-friendly trails.
The Best Mountain Biking in Bentonville, Arkansas
When I said mountain biking in Bentonville, Arkansas, is popular, I wasn’t exaggerating. Bentonville has actually been dubbed the mountain biking capital of the world! It boasts one of the most unique urban trail systems on Earth—more than 40 miles of trails that begin in the heart of downtown. These are linked to more than 550 miles of award-winning trails crossing the bluffs and ridges of Northwest Arkansas’s famous Ozark Mountains.
For an inclusive explanation of the trails, downloadable maps, and all current information, check out Oz Trails. This organization is responsible for showcasing the development of the trails and is the primary biker information station for the region’s multi-use tracks.
1. Slaughter Pen Trails
- Location: Trailhead at 2400 NE J St, Bentonville, AR 72712
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to difficult
- Best For: Families, beginners, and intermediate riders
Slaughter Pen Trails is indisputably some of the best mountain biking in Bentonville, Arkansas. It offers over 40 miles of diverse single-track, perfect for all skill levels. It’s one of the oldest and most respected trail systems in the area. The trails wind alongside the Razorback Regional Greenway (more on that in a minute) and pass by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, featuring public art installations along the way. Beginners will enjoy smooth routes like All-American and Seed Tick Shuffle, while experienced riders can tackle challenging trails like Scott Allen Alley and Medusa.
As an IMBA Silver Level Ride Center, Slaughter Pen delivers everything from flowing tracks to technical sections and thrilling downhills. Its connection to a world-class art museum, Crystal Bridges, makes it easy to combine a ride with a visit to the museum’s stunning architecture and art.
The trails are well-maintained, with plenty of entry and exit points. You’ll find picnic spots and benches along the way, making it easy to take a break. Plus, its proximity to downtown means you can grab a meal or snack after your ride.
Nearby Campgrounds:
2. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
- Location: Main trailhead at 11850 Peach Orchard Rd, Bentonville, AR 72712
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to advanced
- Best For: All skill levels, with dedicated areas for families
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, established in 2016, was developed on land previously used for farming and timber. Over 17 miles of trails wind through the Ozark landscape, offering a range of features for all skill levels.
The Flow Trail is designed for smooth, fast riding, while more advanced routes like Cease and Desist and Rock Solid challenge riders with steep descents, large drops, and rocky technical sections. The preserve is also home to unique features like the “Hub,” a 20-foot-tall steel-and-wood structure marking the start of three downhill runs, and gravity-oriented jump lines that cater to enduro and downhill riders.
- Esther’s Loop: A 4.5-mile cross-country trail designed for beginners and intermediate riders, also serving as a NICA training course.
- Thunder Dome: A 0.4-mile dual slalom track designed for competitive downhill racing, featuring rollers, jumps, berms, and drops.
- Here’s Johnny!: A 0.6-mile technical singletrack with rocky terrain and elevated wood features, challenging even for skilled riders.
- Fire Line: An intermediate jump/flow trail starting from The Hub, offering a mix of jumps and flowy sections.
- Rock Solid: A downhill technical trail abundant with rocky features, suitable for advanced riders seeking a challenging experience.
- Cease & Desist: An advanced jump trail featuring large gap jumps and technical sections, recommended for expert riders, with the iconic “Drop the Hammer” feature—a double black line featuring a 12-foot drop and 10-foot step-ups.
Coler is an all-around destination with bike repair and wash stations, excellent eateries, a fantastic campground, and stunning scenery.
Nearby Campgrounds:
3. Razorback Greenway
- Location: Trailhead at Compton Gardens, 312 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Best For: Families, casual riders, and those seeking scenic views
The Razorback Greenway isn’t just a trail—it’s an experience. If you’re visiting the area, this trail is the ideal path for tourists. With more than 40 miles of paved path, it connected seven NWA cities. It passes The University of Arkansas, the corporate headquarters of Walmart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt, and beautiful wooded scenery. Start at Bentonville Square and head south to enjoy parks, sculptures, and rest stops along the way.
While it’s not a traditional mountain biking trail, the Greenway is perfect for introducing kids to cycling and is wheelchair accessible. It’s a great way for an active family to explore what NWA has to offer! Plus, the Slaughter Pen Trails are accessible from Greenway, so you can pop off for a more technical adventure any time! You’ll also pass splash pads, city parks, and bike skills parks.
4. Blowing Springs Park Trails
- Location: Trailhead at 700 Blowing Springs Rd, Bella Vista, AR 72714
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best For: Families and nature lovers
When mountain biking in Bentonville, Arkansas, you’d be remiss not to visit the trails in nearby communities. Blowing Springs Park is located just north of Bentonville in the gorgeous town of Bella Vista. It offers a mix of singletrack and paved trails surrounded by lush greenery. Mountain bikers can explore over six miles of multi-use off-road trails that wind along cliffsides adorned with caves, waterfalls, and springs.
These trails provide a mix of flowy sections and technical elements, catering to riders of varying skill levels. Additionally, Blowing Springs serves as a gateway to the extensive Back 40 trail system and connects to the Greenway and Slaughter Pen at multiple points.
For those looking to extend their stay, Blowing Springs Park offers convenient camping facilities. The park features 64 full-service RV sites and 11 primitive tent sites, accommodating both RV travelers and traditional campers. Amenities include modern restrooms, showers, and easy access to the trailheads, ensuring a comfortable and immersive outdoor experience. We recommend this campground if you’re riding Blowing Springs, The Back 40, or Little Sugar Trails.
After a day on the trails, visitors can unwind at the Gear Garden, an on-site beer garden offering cold beverages and a relaxed atmosphere. The park also hosts live music and events, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
5. The Back 40
- Location: 3 Euston Rd, Bella Vista, AR 72714
- Trail Difficulty: Beginner to advanced
- Best For: Adventure seekers looking for thrilling descents, tough climbs, and stunning natural features, including bridges, bluffs, caves, and lake views.
The Back 40 Trail System in Bella Vista, Arkansas, is a nearly 40-mile network of singletrack trails designed for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. The Back 40 is anchored by a 21-mile outer loop that showcases the best of the terrain, winding through wooded ravines, rocky outcroppings, and scenic creeks.
Interior connector trails like Flo-Ride and Pinyon Creek add variety with features like berms, jumps, and creek crossings. Trails such as The Ledges challenge advanced riders with rugged rock sections and narrow passages under overhanging bluffs, while smoother trails like Mulligan offer a more relaxed ride for beginners.
With multiple trailheads, including connections to Blowing Springs and Slaughter Pen, the Back 40 combines a remote, natural feel with convenient access.
6. Hand Cut Hollow
- Location: 1200 N Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712
- Trail Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
- Best For: Riders looking for a unique, hand-crafted trail system with a combination of technical features, switchbacks, and thrilling descents.
The Hand Cut Hollow Trail System offers some of the most unique mountain biking in Bentonville, Arkansas. It features challenging and immersive hand-built trails, all designed to provide a backcountry feel.
Hand Cut Hollow’s main attraction is the Traverse Loop, a 7-mile trail that winds through approximately 75 tight switchbacks, offering both a physical challenge and a chance to test your technical skills.
At the downhill hub, you’ll find seven distinct downhill lines, ranging from blues to black diamonds. The hand-built design of the trails creates a more intimate riding experience, with narrow corridors and natural elements like rock gardens and flowing creek crossings integrated into the trails.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Mountain Biking in Bentonville, Arkansas: Time to Ride!
There you have it folks—the best mountain biking in Bentonville, Arkansas. If you’re a local, we encourage you to get out and enjoy our excellent trails today. We’re lucky to have them. If you’re visiting NWA, we assure you, there is no better way to explore the region than on foot or on bike!
For more excellent adventures, check out our votes for the best hiking trails in the region!