The Ultimate Bentonville, Arkansas Cycling Guide

📍 Address: 203 NE 3rd St, Bentonville, AR 72712

🚴 Distance: ~23.2 miles (Slaughter Pen & Blowing Springs Loop)

⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~1,160 ft

⏱ Ride Time: 2–4 hours depending on pace

Difficulty: Beginner – Advanced (varies by section)

Slaughter Pen is Bentonville’s signature trail system, a world-class network of over 40 miles of singletrack that weaves through town, past public art installations, and even alongside the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Riders can link mellow green trails with flowy jump lines and techy rock gardens, making this one of the most diverse riding zones in the country.

The Slaughter Pen & Blowing Springs Loop is the go-to ride here, blending fast, flowy terrain with punchy climbs and stunning Ozark scenery. Start on Ozone before working through classics like 2 Stacks, Rocky Ridge, and Medusa, each offering a mix of smooth berms, rock features, and gravity-fed descents. When your legs need a break, hop onto the Razorback Greenway to spin between trail hubs, or stop for a coffee downtown before jumping back in.

With everything from family-friendly paths like Seed Tick Shuffle to expert favorites like Scott Allen Alley, Slaughter Pen truly has it all. The flow, variety, and community vibe make it the perfect introduction to Bentonville’s legendary mountain biking scene.

📍 Address: 2600 West Judge Cummings Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701

🚴 Distance: ~9-mile loop (20 miles total trail network)

⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~1,900 ft

⏱ Ride Time: 2–3 hours depending on pace

Difficulty: Intermediate – Advanced

Mount Kessler is Fayetteville’s crown jewel, a rugged, rocky trail network that delivers some of the toughest and most scenic riding in Northwest Arkansas. The nine-mile singletrack loop climbs through dense Ozark forest, weaving past limestone bluffs and hidden overlooks that explode with color every fall. The trails are raw and technical, offering a true backcountry feel just minutes from downtown.

Riders can expect punchy climbs, rock gardens, and steep descents that reward skill and precision. The Kessler Mountain Loop ties together fan favorites like Rock City, Crazy Mary, and Eggbeater, each packed with ledges, roots, and fast, flowy sections. Start from Kessler Mountain Regional Park, where you’ll find ample parking, restrooms, and a family-friendly trailhead.

With its challenging terrain and stunning views, Mount Kessler is a must-ride for those seeking a true test piece in the Ozarks, a trail that earns every climb, descent, and panoramic payoff.

📍 Address: 2500 NW 3rd St, Bentonville, AR 72712

🚴 Distance: ~22 miles of trails

⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft

⏱ Ride Time: 1.5–3 hours depending on pace

Difficulty: Beginner – Expert

Just two miles west of downtown Bentonville, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is a purpose-built paradise for mountain bikers of all levels. Though it feels like deep Ozark wilderness, this city-managed trail system combines flowy singletrack, massive jump lines, and rugged technical descents, all connected by scenic bridges, creeks, and rolling forest.

At the heart of the preserve stands The Hub, a 20-foot-tall steel-and-wood launch tower that serves as the gateway to Coler’s legendary downhill runs. Riders can drop into the blue-rated Fire Line for smooth flow and tabletops, or test their mettle on Cease and Desist, featuring the infamous “Drop the Hammer,” a 12-foot plunge followed by huge step-ups and doubles. Tech lovers will gravitate toward Rock Solid, a boulder-strewn descent packed with precision rock features and natural lines.

With over 30 trails ranging from mellow greens to double black diamonds, Coler has become the crown jewel of Bentonville’s riding scene. It’s a place where progression, community, and pure trail stoke come together, capped off perfectly with a post-ride coffee or beer at Airship Coffee, perched trailside among the trees.

📍 Address: Lake Ann Trailhead, Bella Vista, AR 72715

🚴 Distance: ~21-mile main loop (33 miles total network)

⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~2,000 ft

⏱ Ride Time: 3–5 hours depending on pace

Difficulty: Intermediate – Advanced

The Back 40 is a quintessential Ozark epic, a 21-mile loop that winds through dense forest, across ridgelines, and down into lush valleys on the east side of Bella Vista. Known for its flowy descents, punchy climbs, and endless scenery, this trail system offers a true backcountry feel just minutes from town. The main loop can be ridden in either direction, with several connecting trails crisscrossing the interior to build your perfect route.

Standout sections include The Ledges, where riders pick their way along narrow limestone shelves, and Rago, a reworked favorite featuring rock jumps and natural features that keep you on your toes. The ride feels remote and adventurous, yet it’s easy to link from Slaughter Pen via the Razorback Greenway and Blowing Springs.

Local “trail angels” often stash coolers filled with cold drinks along the route, a welcome surprise during those long Ozark climbs. Whether you’re chasing miles, testing your endurance, or soaking up the solitude, The Back 40 delivers a world-class ride that defines the Northwest Arkansas mountain biking experience.

📍 Address: 2909 NE J St, Bentonville, AR 72712

🚴 Distance: ~7-mile main loop (20+ miles of interconnected trails)

⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~900 ft

⏱ Ride Time: 1.5–3 hours depending on pace

Difficulty: Intermediate – Expert

Tucked into Northeast Bentonville, Hand Cut Hollow delivers some of the most technical and rewarding riding in the region. True to its name, this network was carved into the hillside by hand, creating a rugged, natural feel that contrasts with Bentonville’s machine-built flow trails. The Traverse Loop forms the core of the system, climbing steadily through tight, twisty switchbacks (roughly 75 of them!) before reaching the downhill hub where seven unique gravity lines await.

Riders can warm up on the blue-rated My Hero Zero or The Body Machine, then level up to School House Rock or No More Kings for steep, rocky chutes and big features. Mother Necessity doubles as both a green descent and the climb back to the top. For those seeking the ultimate test, Zone 4 throws down advanced black-diamond challenges, chunky rock gardens, massive flyovers, and expert-only obstacles that even pros find humbling.

Hand Cut Hollow also weaves in artistic flair, with several large-scale sculptures scattered along the trail. The result is a trail system that blends art, grit, and gravity into one unforgettable Bentonville experience, a must-ride for anyone who loves technical, hand-built singletrack.