If you're planning a mountain bike trip to Bentonville, these are the trails you MUST hit. I would describe my favorite style of riding as "tough tech". Big climbs and big descents. Not every trail on this list has a ton of elevation, but every single one is a ton of fun. Although my channel is called BKXC, riding 40 miles and only getting 2,000 feet of elevation is not my idea of a fun day.

#1 - Mt. nebo

Dardanelle, Arkansas - 2.5 Hour Drive from Bentonville - Official Website

If you only have time to do one ride in Arkansas, this is it. Mt. Nebo is the TOTAL PACKAGE of amazing views, tough tech, big features, amazing flow and everything else we love about mountain biking. This is one of the best rides in the world, not just Arkansas.

Start your ride at the Ox Pull Parking Lot.

Check out the Trailforks ridelog below to see how we rode the trails.

Ponca, Arkansas - 1 hour 35 minute drive from Bentonville - Official Website

Progressive Trail Design took 1,000 feet of elevation and turned it into one of the best rides in Arkansas. This ride is neck and neck with Mt. Nebo for the most fun you can have on the Oz Trails. There's definitely a LOT more bang for your buck out here than anywhere else. We did three shuttles and I was toast, but I think with proper pacing and rest breaks you could get five or six AMAZING runs in.

This ride is done as a shuttle. Buy your day pass at the store, then drive your car up to the top. Once you finish your run, go back into the store and tell them you’re ready for the shuttle ride back to the top.

We did three runs at the BOC. The first two were INTENSE and the most fun. Run 3 was pretty weak overall, I wouldn’t do it again.

Trailforks ridelogs:

• Run 1 (took a wrong turn and started climbing the wrong way, data is not to be trusted. Check the other runs to see the proper finish)

• Run 2

• Run 3

Check current mountain bike shuttle prices at the Buffalo Outdoor Center.

You can also rent a canoe from the Buffalo Outdoor Center and float the Buffalo. I’ve been told it’s a bucket list trip!

#3 - Coler Preserve

Bentonville, Arkansas - Official Website

Every town in America needs one of these. What an amazing playground in the heart of the OZ Trails. Every trail was tons of FUN. Tough stuff, easy stuff, all kinds of stuff.

Thunder Dome is an amazing wild ride. Family Flow is ACTUALLY fun for the whole family. Fire Line is the classic intermediate jump line. Drop The Hammer is where the baddest mamma jammas get their kicks.

#4 - Slaughter Pen

Bentonville, Arkansas - Official Site

Most trips to Northwest Arkansas are spent riding in Slaughter Pen. It’s just so easy to pedal from your vacation rental or hotel and directly on to the trails. This is where the Bentonville mountain bike BOOM started oh so many years ago and will continue for many years thanks to the Walton Family Foundation and an army of volunteers and upstart businesses.

The All-American Trail is the best showcase, gateway, flagship trail I’ve ever seen. It gives you the most warm welcome to the OZ Trails. Take your time and explore, you’re going to find some real fun stuff.

#5 - The Great Passion Play

Eureka Springs, Arkansas - 1 hour from Bentonville - Official Site

This is the place that I’d like to get back to the most and explore and put together a solid route. The enduro race was six stages, but we only ended up riding 11 miles! There’s a lot of good stuff, it just needs to be linked together.

Modern Bentonville guesthouse:
Steps to Trails

When you spend five weeks in one place it’s got to be comfortable. We found a fantastic AirBNB that was affordable, comfortable and close to downtown Bentonville. Highly recommended!