We spent the week between the 2025 Little Sugar MTB Race and the Big Sugar Gravel race in Bentonville. Apart from running and riding on the great trails and gravel roads and connecting with several of the athletes we coach we also got a sneak peak of the Bentonville OZ Trails Bike Park that is under construction and slated to open in 2026.
A Year-Round Lift-Serviced Bike Park
If you thought Bentonville’s trail scene couldn’t get any better get ready for more! Construction is underway and several sections were rideable during our preview! We even got to put tires to trail and test out some of the runs and stand a top their MASSIVE rock drop. The new OZ Trails Bike Park is located at the border of Bella Vista and Bentonville, just off Highway 71, very close to the Blowing Springs Campground (and the Mercy Hospital). This year-round bike park will usher in a new era of lift serviced cycling for all ability levels.
A Lift Without the Snow
The park will feature a high speed 4 bike/person chair lift designed to carry bikes and riders year-round. Without winter the bike park designers can start from scratch and maximize the use of the terrain.
Trails for Every Rider
The plan is for the park to incorporate over 20 miles of purpose-built gravity trails, all integrated with the existing OZ Trails network (Little Sugar) and in close proximity to the greenway city paths. Importantly, the design isn’t solely about high-end downhill trails but is planned so that ~75 % of the trails will be built with beginner and everyday riders in mind, with lots of optional and variable features on those trails to keep them interesting for advanced riders who might jump something a beginner rolls.
Enduro and fitness oriented riders can also choose to earn their turns on a climb trail, at least for some of their laps!
One of the big advanced features is a rock drop off with a machined transition. You can see the size of the drop in the image below. Riders will come across the rock from right to left and drop ~12-15 feet vertically and travel at least double that distance horizontally.
Is 300 foot vertical enough for a lift serviced bike park?
While the vertical drop might be modest compared the big names in DH Lift operated resorts, the designers suggest that the custom build design, free of any ski-runs or winter considerations will maximize the 300ft of elevation change. They also noted that their research has suggested that many resorts have service road crossings or natural stopping points about every 300ft of drop to allow riders to regroup and rest.
The below video is some go–pro footage we captured for Oz Trails Bike Park. Even at the early stages there are so many whoops, corners and jumps expertly woven into the unique rocky Arkansas landscape that each run really maximizes the vertical and fun!
Things to Watch
We are interested to watch a few things with the Bentonville Oz Trails bike park and for Arkansas generally.
a) How will the community and tourism respond to pay-to-play riding in an area that has been built on free trails
b) How will the Mena Bike park add to the draw to Arkansas? Planned at 1200 foot vertical and 2-3hrs to the south of Bentonville. When this is built (2028?) it is likely that many will be traveling to Arkansas, whether that is for XC, Gravel or Downhill biking.
c) Will other ‘purpose-built’ bike parks with lifts be undertaken after these projects are completed? or will e-bikes create competition that reduces the need for lifts?
It will be exciting to watch and to ride!
