A Quick Guide to Bentonville: Trails, Tacos, and Bike Shops
A travel guide to Bentonville, Arkansas—officially the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, where bikes, art, and good food meet just steps from the best trails you’ll ever ride.
Coach Kim of For The Love of Bikes demonstrating a feature at Slaughter Pen’s Jump Park at Phase I.
I came for the trails but quickly realized there’s way more to Bentonville than just mountain biking. Art galleries sit around the corner from singletrack, there’s a taco truck next to your trailhead (speaking of taco trucks, I’ve been to the same one two days in a row—so good), and the downtown feels like it was built for people who spend their days outside.
Bentonville surprised me with its creative energy, food scene, and walkable layout. You can ride straight from where you’re staying, hit the trails, and roll right back into town. This guide is about more than just where to ride—it’s about what it’s like to be here.
Table of Contents
Bike Culture + Trail Access
Bike Shops + Local Support
Where to Eat + Drink
Town Vibe + What to Do Off the Trail
Where to Stay
For Solo Travelers + Groups
What Surprised Me Most
Final Thoughts
Trail Systems Overview
You’ll hear a lot of names tossed around—Slaughter Pen, Coler, Little Sugar, Back 40—and the good news is, they’re all connected or just a short pedal away. Together, these trail systems make up over 100 miles of singletrack with everything from fast tech to jump lines.
Here’s a quick look at how each system adds to the riding experience in Bentonville:
Slaughter Pen: Right next to downtown. Great mix of flow and tech. Easy access and home to some of the most popular features in town.
Coler: More of a bike park vibe. Machine-built jump lines, wooden features, and a coffee shop right in the middle of the trails.
Little Sugar: Winding singletrack through wooded terrain. Great for longer loops and connecting to Bella Vista.
Back 40: Rugged, scenic, and quieter. Connects with Little Sugar for big-mile days.
Hand-Cut Hollow: A newer addition to the system that features hand-built trails with a raw, natural feel. Great for riders looking for a more traditional mountain bike experience.
We’ll dive deeper into each of these trail systems in our full mountain biking blog, but for now—it’s easy to find a great ride without going far.
Pro Tip: Download Trailforks before you arrive to help navigate each zone and link trails together.
Bike Culture + Trail Access
Bentonville is built for bikes—literally. You can pedal from downtown and be on dirt within minutes. Whether you're staying near the square or further out, trails like Slaughter Pen, Coler, and Little Sugar are just a quick roll away. Venture a bit farther and you’ll hit Back 40, which links seamlessly to Little Sugar for more mileage.
Not everyone here rides, but it is a town full of outdoor energy. I've met rock climbers and hikers and overheard a barista talk about finishing a 50 K. Nobody blinks if you walk into a café in dusty gear.
Quick Trail Tips
Ride from anywhere: Most trailheads are pedalable from town.
Use Trailforks: We recommend downloading offline maps, especially if you're linking zones.
Mix and match: Slaughter Pen and Coler can easily be stacked into one ride, as can Little Sugar and Back 40.
We’ll share our favorite routes in the Bentonville MTB blog, but for now, it’s easy to find good dirt here, no matter your level.
Bike Shops + Local Support
If you need a quick tune-up, rental, or just forgot a piece of gear, Bentonville has no shortage of rider-friendly shops:
Phat Tire Bike Shop in downtown Bentonville, located in a historic building on the square.
Phat Tire Bike Shop – Gear, repairs, rentals, and great trail advice.
Mojo Cycling – A local favorite with solid service and strong inventory.
Gearhead Outfitters – A Specialized retailer with a wide selection of nutrition products and a reliable stop for outdoor gear.
Yarrow Industries (Y Industries) – Rider-owned, German-made, has sharp service, and is highly involved in the scene.
Specialized Experience Center – Demo a wide range of bikes (including e-MTBs) and roll out from Main Street.
Pro Tip: Book a demo a few days ahead if you visit during peak season or on a weekend.
Having shops like this close by means you’re never stuck when plans shift or gear fails. Whether it’s your first time here or just your next ride, local support makes a difference.
Where to Eat + Drink
I enjoyed these places for food and drinks and often visited once or twice daily in town. The town is packed with local spots that are easy to reach on bike, on foot, or by car.
Quick Picks for Food + Coffee:
Yeyo’s The Yellow Truck – Downtown taco truck with killer chicken and brisket tacos. I went two days in a row.
Airship Coffee at the Pumphouse (Slaughter Pen) – Mid-ride stop with breakfast tacos, brisket burritos (with tots), and a small pumptrack out back.
Airship Coffee (Coler) – Tucked in the woods and built for trail users, still on my list.
Onyx Coffee Lab – Go-to for Southern Weather drip. Internationally known with a clean, modern vibe.
Pedaler’s Pub – Post-ride beer, burgers, and patio. Pizza was a miss for me.
The Witching Hour – This food truck is a hidden gem for killer burgers. The spooky theme plays through the menu, the music, and the vibe—and the food is really good. It's a fun, unique post-ride stop.
Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. – A local favorite in downtown Bentonville. Bagels are fresh, the breakfast sandwiches are great, and they also serve lunch sandwiches and salads.
Trash Creamery – A funky ice cream shop mixes candy, cereal, and nostalgia into every scoop.
The food scene here is casual, welcoming, and fits the pace of the town.
Town Vibe + What to Do Off the Trail
You don’t have to ride every minute you’re in Bentonville to feel like you’re part of the scene. The town is made for life outdoors—whether you’re biking, walking, or just grabbing coffee.
One of Bentonville’s many downtown murals, this floral piece by renowned muralist Ouizi brightens up the historic square.
Quick Picks for Off-Trail Fun:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Ride singletrack to this world-class museum.
The Momentary – Repurposed cheese factory turned art venue with free exhibits and community space.
Public Art – Murals, sculptures, and surprise art installations across downtown and the greenways.
Dog Parks – If you brought your dog, Bentonville’s park system has great off-leash areas for large and small dogs. I took Chloe, and she had a blast.
Downtown Walkability – Wide paths, signage, and bike racks make it easy to explore on two feet or two wheels.
Where to Stay
The iconic neon sign at The Bike Inn in Bentonville, Arkansas—an MTB-friendly stay with serious vintage charm
I stayed at The Bike Inn, which is perfectly set up for riders. It’s got everything you want post-ride—gear storage, bike wash stations, and a chill atmosphere where everyone seems to be in town for the same reason. If you’re curious, check out our review of The Bike Inn, Bike. Sleep. Repeat: My Stay at The Bike Inn in Bentonville. There is a discount code from the owner at the end.
That said, there are plenty of other great places to stay in Bentonville. You’ve got your typical hotels and lots of Airbnbs, and if you’re looking to camp, there’s even a campground right at Coler. You'll find it whether you want full service or something more low-key.
For Solo Travelers + Groups
I traveled solo and never felt out of place. The town is easy to navigate, and I met a lot of friendly locals—plus a surprising number of people from the Midwest. A steady stream of riders, runners, and outdoor-minded people is always around, making it easy to connect if you want to. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the day riding alone and still end up chatting with other riders over a beer at the end of the day.
While I was at The Bike Inn, there was a group of girls staying there too—about ten of them, all former Ultimate Frisbee teammates from the University of Texas in Austin. They planned a whole trip to ride and hang out in Bentonville. That’s kind of how this town works—it’s just as great for solo riders as it is for group getaways.
What Surprised Me Most
What caught me off guard was how much intentional design has gone into this place—not just the trails, but the town itself. Everything feels connected, thought out, and welcoming without trying too hard. You can tell that a lot of energy has gone into making this a place where outdoor people feel at home.
The murals, the greenways, the way trail signage starts in parking lots—it’s all part of it. Even small things, like how friendly the baristas are, or how many riders leave their bikes outside without worrying. It just feels easy to be here.
Pro Tip: Gear Guide
Bentonville might be a level up from what you're used to riding. Most of the greens are blues, which is where I come from, and the blues are blacks. I saw more than a few injuries while I was there. I had an incident myself on a trail named The Family Trail. Rookie move—I wasn’t wearing gloves and second-guessed bringing my full-face helmet. Things happen, no matter how experienced you are.
Helmet: The Smith Hardline Downhill Mips Bike Helmet has great ventilation, a secure fit, and integrates well with glasses. You can shop for it at REI.
Upgrade Option: Smith Hardline Downhill Carbon Mips Bike Helmet—For a little more, you can get a carbon version. It's also available at REI.
Gloves: Specialized Women's Trail Shield Gloves – These gloves are lightweight, breathable, and come with a reinforced palm, knuckle protection, and touchscreen compatibility. The low-profile D3O padding offers impact protection without bulk. Bentonville is rocky and granular, and gloves like these help prevent injury without sacrificing comfort. You can shop for them at Specialized.
Knee Pads: Fox Enduro D3O Knee Pads – Extra protection you won’t regret. You can shop for it at REI.
Elbow Pads: Fox Enduro D3O Elbow Pads – Same D3O padding tech. Lightweight but secure. You can shop for it at REI.
My bike: 2022 Specialized S-Works Epic EVO RS - I LOVE my bike. It rode beautifully in Bentonville. Shop Specialized Mountain Bikes. I highly recommend S-Works—it’s worth the money.
Why It Matters: These trails are legit. I had an accident at Coler on a simple green trail right out of the gate. A trip to the ER cleared me to ride but left me with bruises on my face and scratches on my hands. Rookie mistake: not wearing gloves, and I second-guessed bringing my full-face helmet. A full face would’ve helped avoid some of the road rash. No matter your level, being overprotected beats being underprepared.
Final Thoughts
Eli, one of the friendliest baristas I’ve ever met, behind the counter at Airship Coffee at the Pumphouse.
I loved my time in Bentonville so much that I want to move there. When I told my brother, he asked, “Just for the mountain biking?” I said, “No—the people, the culture, the art… and the mountain biking.” I felt at home here, and I have no doubt I could build a community in this town.
Bentonville’s one of those places where the pieces fit together—great trails, good food, and a town that supports outdoor life. Whether you're here to ride, explore, or take it all in, it’s easy to settle in quickly. I’m already thinking about the next trip back.
Explore More: Bentonville Blogs + Trail Videos
Bike. Sleep. Repeat.: My Stay at The Bike Inn in Bentonville
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