Between the rugged summits of the Rockies and the swooping crests of the Appalachians, the Ozarks seem to barely spring out of the ground. However, these relatively unassuming mountains, which cross from Arkansas into southwestern Missouri, hide more than 300 miles of mountain biking trails that cater to both beginner and expert riders alike.
In Northwest Arkansas, an ever-increasing number of these trails weave through hills, valleys and bluffs that characterize the Ozark region, allowing for year-round riding. Over the past decade, cycling and trail advocacy nonprofits, such as the Ozark Off-Road Cyclists along with the heirs of the Walmart retail empire, have united to transform Northwest Arkansas into a mountain biking hub under the banner of OZ Trails.
Four Must-Try Trail Systems in Northwest Arkansas
An Urban Mountain Bike Playground
Bentonville is recognized as the home base of Walmart; however, the town is also becoming notable for its investment in quality of life. This initiative is reflected in the creation of one of the earliest mountain-biking trail systems in the area, Slaughter Pen. The name pays homage to the agricultural business that once thrived there. Presently, this hollow just below the revitalized downtown is crisscrossed with over 20 miles of trails, featuring names like Apple Turnover and Boo Boo.
You can park on the Bentonville square in the morning and grab coffee on your way to the bike shop. Then descend into Slaughter Pen on the iconic All-American Trail, which sends riders past the gleaming copper roofs of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. From there, spend the day playing on flowing downhills, jumps, technical rocks, and wooden features. Once you’ve had your fill, head back to the square to refuel at one of the many restaurants serving delicious local brews and meals. Conclude your day with a stroll through the world-class art museum you spotted from the trail.
Moreover, riders can explore an additional 15 miles of trail at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve just west of the city. It features cross-country trails as well as several downhill-specific lines emanating from a raised steel platform designed to blend into the surrounding woods. Alternatively, take a three-mile ride on a paved greenway to the neighboring city of Bella Vista, where you can find more than 40 miles of riding on the Blowing Springs and Back 40 trail systems.
A Backcountry Escape Within City Limits
Tucked into the southwest corner of Fayetteville, just 10 minutes from the University of Arkansas campus, Kessler Mountain Regional Park packs a backcountry riding experience into 11 miles. The park has preserved some of the first community-developed mountain biking trails in the region, which mostly consist of hand-built single track. Jutting rocks combined with off-camber roots give trails like Spellbound and Crazy Mary an old-school rawness, while more recent, professionally built lines like Chinkapin Oak provide contrast with new-school flow.
Take a break for lunch on the Fayetteville square or Dickson Street to experience this college mountain town, known for its organic funkiness shaped by a mix of artists, students, and Razorback sports fans. Then, for more backcountry riding, head half an hour south to Devil’s Den State Park, considered the birthplace of the mountain biking scene in Northwest Arkansas. Conclude your riding adventure at one of Fayetteville’s seven local breweries.
A Masterpiece in Dirt and Stone
Imagine ribbons of dirt punctuated by stretches of boulders expertly knitted into undulating waves of trail. You’ll find this at Fitzgerald Mountain, just east of downtown Springdale. The whole network of trails sums up to 11 miles; however, the technical terrain, rocky descents, and punchy climbs make it feel like 20 miles.
Fitzgerald Mountain may be small, but its many features range from a ‘strider’ course designed for children who are just learning to ride bikes to some of the largest expert-level features in the country. Trails such as Stage Coach, Coyote Cave, and the affectionately named Best Trail Ever are worth riding for their stone masonry alone. The challenging advanced and expert sections of the trail also include easier ‘go-around’ options for less experienced riders. After hitting the trails, grab a snack at one of the taquerias on Emma Avenue and wash it down with a cider at Black Apple Crossing, the only cider brewery in Arkansas.
Get Shuttled Up to Get Down
The quirky town of Eureka Springs is home to seven mile-long, downhill-only trails of varying difficulties that traverse one of the steep hillsides at Lake Leatherwood City Park. For a fee, which contributes to trail maintenance, a shuttle service expedites riders and their bikes up the mountain to two stone platforms serving as launching pads for each trail. There are smooth, flowing trails for beginners, rocky descents for intermediate riders, and massive jumps and drops for the experts.
Additionally, riders can explore the 1,600-acre park on the other 20 miles of trails developed largely through volunteer work over the past two decades. The trail system weaves up and down the hillsides, taking visitors around Lake Leatherwood to one of the must-see spots: the 1940s limestone dam that created the lake. Afterward, venture into Eureka Springs’ main drag to appreciate the crooked streets, Victorian homes, and haunted hotels in a town that’s part bohemian shops and restaurants and part motorcycle bars and barbecue joints.
Trail Tips and Etiquette
When mountain biking in Northwest Arkansas, it is crucial to ride within your limits. The trails are graded from green to black for difficulty, similar to ski runs, so pay attention to the signs and ensure you scout features before attempting them. Since most trails are multi-use, yield to those who are not on a bike. Each trail holds up differently after rain or a cold snap. To gain insight on conditions, try checking in with a local bike shop or riding group. Consequently, you may need to adjust your plans, but even when some trails aren’t rideable, many others can handle it. Utilize websites and smartphone apps like MTB Project and Trailforks to navigate the trail systems. Be sure to check back often; approximately two miles of new trail are being built in Northwest Arkansas each week.
