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Mountain Biking Arkansas
Sponsored by Arkansas Tourism
Arkansas has and continues to build a wide variety of mountain bike trails for every kind of rider including flow trails, backcountry singletrack, bike parks, pumps tracks and even unique and rideable trail art. Today there isn’t a mountain bike destination quite like Arkansas that has the appeal and accessibility to some of the world’s best mountain bike trail systems.
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Must-Ride Arkansas Mountain Bike Trails
Slaughter Pen
This accessible trail system has it all! Don’t miss All American, The Masterpiece, and Oz Castle.
Northwoods
Visitors to Hot Springs can spend a full day exploring all the trails ranging from beginner to expert.
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
IMBA Epic trail with a backcountry feel and incredible views.
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
Don’t miss the Karst Loop at this Monument Trail system. There are even bike-in campsites.
Devil’s Den State Park
Ride a trail under a waterfall and ride the rocks at this Monument Trail system.
Mount Nebo State Park
Flowy, beginner-friendly trails on top offer long range views while advanced riders will love the steep, technical descents.
Back 40 / Little Sugar
Mountain bikers will find miles of endless cross-country trails to explore.
Handcut Hollow
The natural, hand-cut trails offer experienced riders a fun challenge both climbing and descending.
Upper Buffalo
This IMBA Epic is remote, wild, and natural which makes it the perfect way to experience the Natural State.
Lake Leatherwood
For enduro-style riding and big jumps, head to Lake Leatherwood and the Passion Play trails in Eureka Springs.
Arkansas Monument Trails
The Monument Trails are located within four Arkansas State Parks and each one offers a uniquely different ride experience. At Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area you’ll find scenic, high-quality trails plus one-of-a-kind bike-in campsites. Mount Nebo State Park recently hosted the Big Mountain Enduro Series and has steep and rowdy descents mixed in with beginner loops offering incredible 360º scenic views.
Ride behind a waterfall at Devil’s Den State Park which hosts numerous bike festivals and events throughout the year. And Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock has purpose-built trails that everyone will enjoy, especially new riders.
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Mountain Biking Bentonville
Access hundreds of miles of trail from the town of Bentonville. Known as the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World,” the world-class trails and bike culture of Bentonville are hard to match!
Flow trails and singletrack abound with endless options to session and play on from sun up until sun down. It’s also great for year-round mountain biking with relatively mild winters and numerous trails suitable for riding during the wet seasons.
The town itself is full of friendly mountain bikers, small local businesses, art galleries, and great restaurants!
Where to Eat, Drink and Wrench
Planning a mountain biking trip to Arkansas? While the trails may be the highlight of the trip, there are many great restaurants and breweries for pre- and post-ride nourishment. Here are a few local picks to try!
If you’re staying in Bentonville, start (or end!) your day at The Meteor Cafe where they pour coffee in the morning, offer bike services throughout the day, and serve beer and wine in the evenings. Other good coffee and breakfast spots include the Onyx downtown and The Airship cafe at Coler.
For other meals, we recommend YeYo’s food truck for tasty tacos and burritos, or fresh, wood-fired pizza at Oven & Tap. Enjoy burgers and beer or the extensive vegan menu at the Pedaler’s Pub.
And finally for a taste of Arkansas local brews, check out Bentonville’s Bike Rack Brewing Co for drinks on their patio with live music from April to October. In Hot Springs try the unique flavors at Superior Bathouse Brewery with beverages made from their local thermal spring water.
Arkansas Mountain Bike Rentals
Where can you rent mountain bikes in Arkansas? Most of the local bike shops rent modern, progressive mountain bikes, kids bikes, and yes, e-bikes. Be sure to call or make an online reservation ahead of your trip!
- Bike Route, Fayetteville
- Encore, Delivery within Bentonville to Bella Vista
- Gearhead Outfitters, 6 locations
- High Roller Cyclery, Fayetteville & Rogers
- Mojo Cycling, Bentonville
- Oz E-Bikes, Bentonville
- Phat tire, 7 locations
- Rise and Ride, Bentonville
- Smiley Bike Rentals, Bentonville
- Specialized Experience Center, Bentonville
- Spoke Adventures, Bentonville
Where can I ride an e-bike in Arkansas?
Arkansas is perhaps the most e-bike friendly destination in the USA today. Bring your Class 1 e-bike, or rent one, and ride from downtown Bentonville to access hudreds of miles of mountain bike trails without having to drive at all! The Monument Trails are also a great place to ride an e-bike and enjoy longer trails amidst Arkansas’ natural beauty. Also, the Northwoods trail system near Hot Springs has 30+ miles of e-bike friendly mountain bike trails. Like the rest of the country, e-bikes are still not permitted in National Forests, however, all other trails are open to e-bikes unless noted at the trailhead.
Arkansas in Photos
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