A Cyclist's Paradise: Explore Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville has more than its fair share of beginner- and family-friendly biking trails. Start at the popular Coler Mountain Bike Preserve to explore 27 kilometers of trails and downhill runs through the beautiful Ozarks. The Westside is geared toward beginner to intermediate riders, while the Eastside offers more for experienced cyclists. Need a little more guidance? Sign up for guided group rides led by experienced local bikers. The Slaughter Pen Trails are another area where the whole family can bike together. New cyclists can stick to the paved Razorback Greenway, while more experienced members can ride nearby, tackling the drops and jumps of the park’s dirt trails. Little cyclists will love Bentonville Bike Playground, a small bike park geared towards the youngest and most novice of riders. There’s even a child-sized pump track so little ones can get the full cycling experience.

Bentonville also has countless trails for more experienced bikers. Located within the grounds of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The Masterpiece route may be the most popular of them all, with high-octane jumps juxtaposed with intricate cycling-inspired metal art pieces. The Arkansas High Country Route Northwest Loop is a strenuous 383-kilometer-long gravel route that requires multiple days of biking to fully complete. Along the way, you’ll get to admire some of the area’s most beautiful waterfalls, plateaus and hills. This particular route is ideal for bikes adapted for offroad riding, like a gravel or hardtail mountain bike, given the path’s steep gradients and gravel stretches. For an even longer biking adventure, consider combining the Northwest Loop with the South and Central Loops.

Electric bikes (also known as e-bikes) and adaptive cycling options make it easier for riders of all ability levels to enjoy Bentonville’s scenic trails. Many rental companies around town offer e-bikes, which make it easier to bike longer distances with less physical effort. The Ozark Adaptive Sports Association can help visitors who use wheelchairs or have other mobility needs secure an adaptive bicycle in advance via email. Many trails in town, such as Slaughter Pen and Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, have trails equipped to accommodate these alternative and accessible options. If you’d like to experience a bit of the local biking community, the free Northwest Arkansas Ozark Adaptive Off-Road Cycling Adventure takes place each October, offering inclusive group rides and skill building sessions.

Once you’re on two wheels, it’s easier than ever to explore the town of Bentonville and beyond. Protected bike paths in town connect you to bike-friendly local businesses and lodging. Pedal downtown to Bentonville Square for seasonal events, public art, boutique shopping and mouthwatering dining. Many museums and art spaces are located along the Razorback Greenway, making it easy to bike to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 21c Museum Hotel, the Walmart Museum, the Momentary and more. For a unique excursion, head to Airship Coffee at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, a coffee shop only accessible via biking and hiking paths. Visit during May to take part in Bentonville Bike Fest, a community festival featuring six competitive cycling events for bikers of all ages.

Bentonville is well-connected to many nearby towns thanks to the Razorback Greenway. This 64-kilometer multi-use path connects the town squares of Bentonville and Fayetteville, with attractions like the beautiful Botanical Garden of the Ozarks along the way. Trail spurs connect the Greenway to other Northwest Arkansas locales, such as Bella Vista, Springdale, Rogers and Lowell, for even more exploration.

Just a 30-minute drive or taxi ride away from Bentonville, Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Fayetteville offers connecting flights from many major U.S. airports. Alternatively, fly into Tulsa International Airport (TUL) in Oklahoma and rent a car for the two-hour drive to Bentonville.