Trail to Town: Bentonville, Arkansas
If you ride bikes, you’ve probably heard the name Bentonville more than once. What was once a quiet corner of Northwest Arkansas has become one of the most talked-about mountain biking destinations in the country, and for good reason. With world-class trails that start right from downtown, a thriving food and art scene and a community that lives and breathes biking, Bentonville is proof that trail and town can coexist perfectly.
Start at the Hub: Phat Tire Bike Shop
The beauty of Bentonville is that you don’t have to drive anywhere to start your ride. Roll straight out of the downtown square, grab a quick coffee at Onyx Coffee Lab, and in just a few pedal strokes, you’re on singletrack.
Stop by Phat Tire Bike Shop for trail beta or a tune-up before heading out. They’re right in the mix and always happy to point you toward the good stuff.
Top Trails Around Bentonville
Slaughter Pen
The gateway to Bentonville riding. Winding right through town, Slaughter Pen is a massive network of flow trails, wooden features, and rock gardens that suit every level of rider. It’s the perfect warm-up spot and gives you a real taste of Bentonville’s creative trail building.
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Pro Tip: Hit the All-American Trail for a classic Bentonville loop that connects straight into Coler.
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
Just minutes from downtown, Coler feels like a mountain bike amusement park—but in the best possible way. With trails like Rock Solid you can session jumps, berms, and drops to your heart’s content. Ride to the top, refuel at the Airship Coffee outpost tucked in the woods, and drop back in for another lap.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip Cease and Desist, it’s one of the area’s most talked-about lines.
Back 40 & Blowing Springs
For a longer ride, head out to Back 40, a 22-mile loop of flowy cross-country trail that weaves through rolling terrain and limestone bluff views. Pair it with a stop at Blowing Springs Park to cool off in the shade or hit a few more miles of fun singletrack.
Where to Refuel
The HUB Bike Lounge
Bike shop meets bar meets restaurant. Grab a burger, a beer, and catch trail stories from locals and travelers alike.
Pedaler’s Pub
A staple for riders. It's got great pizza, cold beer, and plenty of patio space for muddy legs.
Table Mesa Bistro
For something a little more refined, this downtown favorite serves up killer tacos and craft cocktails.
Other Things to Do in Bentonville
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: A world-class art museum surrounded by trails and architecture worth the stop.
- The Momentary: Contemporary art and live music in a converted factory.
- Thaden Fieldhouse: Watch planes take off, grab a coffee, or take a scenic flight over the Ozarks.
- Bentonville Brewing Co.: Locally loved beers and often a live
Wrap It Up
Bentonville has rewritten what it means to be a “bike town.” Here, biking is the connecting thread to it all. You can crush laps at Coler in the morning, grab a farm-to-table lunch downtown, and end the day with live music and a cold pint. Whether you’re a gravity junkie, gravel grinder, or just love a good post-ride hangout, Bentonville delivers.
Ride. Refuel. Repeat. That’s life in Bentonville.






