Autumn is a special time to visit the land of OZ. Autumn’s cooler temperatures and magnificent colors present a wonderful opportunity to find a destination that truly offers something for everyone. Leaves are changing, the air is cool and crisp, and there’s a buzzing energy around town. If you’re visiting Northwest Arkansas for the first time this fall to ride the trails, here’s an overview of what you can expect.
The weather is comparatively mild, especially in the autumn months. The average high temperature is about 68 degrees in October and averages in the mid-to-upper 50s throughout November.
Bentonville’s title of “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” is a well-earned moniker. The OZ Trails include a network of shared-use trails of about 500 miles of rugged terrain surrounded by the natural wonders exclusive to the Ozarks. From pitchy climbs and bumpy descents to jumps and tricks on breakaway singletrack, the trails of Bentonville and beyond offer thrilling, challenging rides. Whether it’s for an adrenaline rush or relaxing ride, OZ Trails provide something for everyone. Below is a brief overview of what kind of riding you can find at different trail systems across Northwest Arkansas.
DH = downhill, XC = cross country
Bentonville
- Slaughter Pen – DH, XC
- Coler Mountain Bike Preserve – DH, dual slalom, XC
- Handcut Hollow – technical, DH, traverse loop
Bella Vista
- Little Sugar – XC
- Huntley Gravity Zone – DH
- Back 40 – XC
- Blowing Springs – XC
Fayetteville
- Centennial Park – XC
- Lake Fayetteville
- Mount Kessler – XC, DH, rocky
Eureka Springs
- Marble Flats
- Passion Play – XC
- Lake Leatherwood – 7 downhill lines and XC loops
Rogers
- Lake Atalanta – XC
- Hobbs State Park & Conservation Area – XC
- Railyard Bike Park – paved skills park
Springdale
- Fitzgerald Mountain – technical, XC, flow, drops
- Runway Bike Park – world class pump track
If you’re looking for green/beginner-friendly trails, here’s a list of featured ones you’ll love:
Bentonville:
- All American
- Zeppelin
- Walter’s Whistler (DH)
- Heading Home
- Black Apple Creek & Burns Arboretum
- Uwabami (DH)
- Seed Tick Shuffle
Bella Vista:
- Through the Looking Glass
- Rabbit Hole Loop
- Tweety Bird
- Rendezvous (DH)
- Lago Vista West
Fayetteville:
- Tsa La Gi Bike Park
- Town Branch
- Learner’s Permit
- Trent Trail
- Pop Rocks
Eureka Springs
- DH6
- Genesis
- Happy Trail
- Revelation
Rogers:
- Karst Loop
- Wolf Den East & West
- Bashore Ridge
- The Grove
- Controlled Burn
- Billy Goat
Springdale:
- Broken Spoke
- Flow Train
- Quick Draw
Resources for lodging accommodations, restaurants, and things to do:
- Visit Bentonville
- Discover Bella Vista
- Experience Fayetteville
- Eureka Springs, AR
- Visit Rogers
- Explore Springdale
Resources for bike rentals:
- Bentonville
- Bella Vista: Phat Tire, Buddy Pegs
- Fayetteville
- Eureka Springs
- Rogers – Phat Tire, Highroller Cyclery
- Springdale – Phat Tire
Resources for shuttles:
We hope you have an amazing time when you visit the Land of OZ!
