Discover the best Bentonville mountain biking trails and routes in this complete guide. Also learn where to eat, sleep, and more!
After hearing a lot about the mountain biking in Bentonville we took our first trip there back in 2016. We were so blown away by the riding, the town, the culture, the food, and the people that we almost moved there. Bentonville should definitely be on your list of places to mountain bike as the trails are never ending and really well-built.
Bentonville is also the (disputed) Mountain Biking Capital Of The World because of their focus and funding of new mountain bike trails and parks. I can’t think of any town that moves this fast building trails while also making them first class quality.
Bentonville has a lot of events, activities, and places to eat. Use this guide to plan your adventures.
What to Know about Mountain Biking in Bentonville
The Walton grandsons love cycling. They love it so much that they have invested millions into their hometown trails to build Whistler quality trails on Arkansas quality terrain. It pretty crazy but it works! In doing this they have turned Bentonville into a world class destination to ride bikes.
Bentonville mountain biking consists of cross-country style singletrack with quick ups and downs, pro-level jump lines, feature rich obstacles, and trails through town and neighborhoods. It also seems like they have bike parks almost everywhere you look and some of them like Railyard in Rogers are the best in the world. Also, don’t blink or miss a year of riding there because new trails are developed monthly.
Here are some things to keep in mind before booking your trip:
The Weather
I’m not going to lie, the weather can be terrible there especially if you’re from the West and enjoy riding in sunny weather or loamy trails. Sunny days there seem to bring humidity and rain does not bring loam. The good news is you can ride in both here. The soil holds up well to rain and if it’s hot there’s a lot of lakes to jump in after your ride.
The best time to visit is during the Spring and Fall. Yes, sorry it overlaps with desert season. The temps are usually ideal, flooding is less likely and it’s not as humid.
Professionally built trails
There are two places where 100% trust the trail: Whistler and Bentonville. That could be because both of these places employ the best trails builder in the world. Don’t let your guard down and be cautious but also be confident that these trails are not going to suprise you with sketch features or deteriorating conditions. Also everything is really well signed.
Friendly locals
Bentonville is a unique mountain bike town because the locals don’t have the typical “get our of my town” attitude that plagues most of the best places to ride. Even their local Facebook page is almost always friendly, welcoming and positive. Keep that vibe going when you visit.
Trails Systems, Routes, and Bike Parks
Bentonville has done a nice job of locating trails systems and parks around the city and surrounding areas like Bella Vista. You can usually connect up at least 2 or 3 areas to get the most out of your rides.
There are currently 6 main mountain bike trail networks in Bentonville and Bella Vista that we focus on here.
Bentonville on Trailforks.comSlaughter Pen
Slaughter Pen trails are the original trails in Bentonville. There’s 40+ miles of singletrack along the Razorback bike path and adjacent the Crystal Bridges Museum. Check out cool art like Sally the Sasquatch, made from bike chains and fur during your ride.
Beginners and kids can check out and lap the All-American and Seed Tick Shuffle trails while expert can detour to Scott Allen Alley and Medusa trails. Trails connect so you can branch off and them meet up with your family.
»Kid Friendly: A 5 mile beginner version of this route can be found here.
»Go Big: Link this up with Coler or Back 40.
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is built on Walton purchased land and designated as a mountain bike preserve near downtown. It has a very backcountry feature yet close to town and homes. The trails there go from flow and jump lines to more challenging tech sections with rocks, drops and gap jumps.
The “Hub” is at the top of the mountain, and you can’t miss the 20-foot-tall steel structure with ramps to the trails. If you want downhill style jumps and drops take Cease and Desist. “Drop the Hammer” is a double black alt line dropping you 12 feet over a gap and into step-up jumps and more drops.
Kids will be happy with Fire line off the Hub or Family Flow down lower. Check out this great map for details. Bonus: There’s a cafe (Airship Coffee) in the middle of the preserve and if you have a small van or tent there’s also a campground.
»Kid Friendly: You can stay low and not climb up to the Hub
»Go Big: Add in Cease and Desist and Rock Solid
Hand Cut Hollow
If you’re looking for more old school hand cut trails this is the place. It’s brand new! The Traverse Loop goes around the downhill trails and has 75 tight switchbacks.
»Kid Friendly: Might not be as fun for kids unless they love climbing.
»Go Big: Add in Hub Of Heavy & Hairy Huckin
Blowing Springs
Blowing Springs is home to The Back 40 and is home to most of the earlier trail development around Bella Vista. There is a lots of ways to ride these trails and staying at the Blowing Springs campground is your best bet to get on and off the trails quickly. Check out The Ledges for challenging features with rocks, tight turns, and off camber exposure.
»Kid Friendly: If you’re staying at the campground you can do an out and back or check out the small bike park by the entrance to the campground.
»Go Big: Add in some interior trails like Ragu.
Huntley Gravity Zone
Huntley Gravity Zone is within Little Sugar in Bella Vista. You feel like you’re in Whistler here with the quality of trails and features. There are five downhill trails with green, blue, and black options. This place is all about berms and jumps and it’s easy to do multiple laps. Not surprisingly, it was built by Gravity Logic, who built the Whistler Bike Park.
For families start on Rendezvous, then over to Air-Raid.
Little Sugar
Little Sugar is a 40-mile trail system along Sugar Creek and over to a waterfall. Expect lots of steeper ups and downs making this ride seem a lot longer and harder than the elevation and mileage show. Take time to stop and take in all the scenery along the way such as lakes, creeks, waterfalls, caves. Like the Back 40, the Little Sugar is made up of an outer loop with other trails on the inside.
Little Sugar trail system is also your go-to trail in the rain.
»Kid Friendly: These trails have a lot of roller coaster climbs which makes it tougher on little legs.
»Go Big: Stop at Huntley Gravity zone and add in Down Under.
Bentonville Bike Friendly Lodging
Looking for a bike-friendly lodging? Luckily the Mountain Bike Capital of the World has lodging options that cater to mountain bikers. These two options have bike storage, bike washing, and close to trails.
Let’s start with the Bike Inn. The Bike Inn Bentonville is located on Walton Boulevard south of downtown on the way to Bella Vista. The location is along a busy road so not the best but you’ll find cozy rooms, there’s a few vans spots, a shuttle and ebike rentals. Also, it’s owned by a local couple so you can feel good about supporting them. Click here to check rates.
Where the Bike Inn is budget the 21c is luxury. Located right in downtown Bentonville you’re biking distance to the Slaughter Pen Trails, the Crystal Bridges Museum, and all the restaurants. Click here to check rates.
Bentonville Camping
Bentonville doesn’t actually have a ton of camping. There’s a rumor the Walton brothers are building a large RV type campground near Coler but for now it’s just a rumor. Until then…there are still two great options near trails.
Blowing Springs RV Park – This is the only campground we’ve stayed and it’s wonderful. On the trails, close to downtown Bentonville, affordable, and friendly. We love it there. You do have to call and talk to a person to book.
Coler Campground – If you have a small rig or van this is an ideal spot. On the trails, next to the coffee shop and immaculate bathrooms.
Bike Shops and Rentals
The Hub: Warm, welcoming, great for service, gear and information. Crow’s Feet: Knowledgeable, great service, high quality rentals, large gear selection
Restaurants
Here are so many places we love to eat when in Bentonville. Here are a few that hit the spot after a day of riding.
Pedaler’s Pub – bicycle-themed bar pub in downtown Bentonville. It is a fun scene for pizzas, salads, burgers, as well as a variety of beers. A must stop!
Oven and Tap – Focuses on yummy wood-fired pizzas and salads. I like the modern interior there.
Bike Rack Brewing – Located at 8th street market this is agreat place to grab a beer and hit a food truck or nearby restaurant.
Yeyos – Also in 8th street market. I love this mexican restaurant, almost SoCal quality!
Bentonville Bike Events
If you check out the Visit Bentonville Biking Events calendar it seems like there an event every week. We’ve been there during a few events and the town goes all out. A few to check out include Outerbike, Bentonville Bike Fest, and OZ Trails town series.
Have you ridden in Bentonville? If so, are you on team love it or not worth the hype? Planning a trip? Happy to answer questions…leave a comment below!