A Few Days in Oz
Trip Guide for Oz Trails Singletrack Mountain Biking
Bentonville, Arkansas
Ever since Sam Walton opened his 5-10 in 1950, Bentonville trajectory was set. Home to one of the largest companies in the history of the world, Bentonville today is charting a new path forward. Or, shall we say, is charting a new single-track path forward.
Oz Trails Back 40
What should I expect?
Bentonville has been our home for more than 30 years, and I assume it will be for the next 30. We are biased, but we have reason to be.
Expect to fall in love with this little town where the days can be filled with some of the best single-track mountain bike trails in the world, the largest American Art Museum you may have seen, and trendy dinner spots surrounded with a slow Southern Charm.
Practice your “Yes, maam’’s” and “No, sirs,” and remember that “y’all” can sometimes mean one person or everyone you came to town with.
What can I do?
Plan on spending at least three days in Bentonville to truly experience its’ charm. Whether you are coming for the hundreds of miles of single-track mountain bike trails, running events, Crystal Bridges Modern Art Museum, or the great restaurants around town, you will find a thriving community centered on the Arts and the Outdoors.
We have put together a great four-day itinerary below that will give you a local's viewpoint of this great community.
When should I go?
Bentonville is typically a great year-round destination. January & February can be pretty cold and August can be pretty hot; however, Bentonville sits on the Northern edge of the Ozark Mountains which means that weather can be pretty great all year.
Typically, outdoor life starts to come alive in mid-April and lasts through the end of October. You can enjoy Farmer's Markets, First Friday Town Festivals, Friday Evening Picking on the Square, Running Festivals, Film Festivals, Beer Festivals, and...well, there's just about a festival for everything now. Check our "What Else Should I know?" section below for links to community calendars and events.
If you want to hang with the Bike culture when it’s on full display, come during the annual Bentonville Bike Fest or Oz Trails Off-Road. Bike NWA has a great events list…there are just too many quality events to mention them all.
May
October
June
October
Where should I stay?
There a lot of great options to stay in Downtown Bentonville, but here are our favorite. They are close to the square (walk or ride), are super comfortable, and you'll find great people who will make sure your stay is perfect. If these are not available, try to find an AirBnB option within a mile of the Square and you will be really happy.
BENTONVILLE BUNGALOW
DOWNTOWN TOWNHOUSE
21C MUSEUM HOTEL
What's a great itinerary?
There is so much to do in Bentonville, you can easily become overwhelmed and miss some of the best parts tucked into the unique places of this community.
If you are looking for a way to see this town through the eyes of someone who has lived here for thirty years, here you. This is our plan for spending four days in Bentonville; we hope you enjoy it!
Day 1 (Arrive)
Unload your bikes, unload the car, stretch your legs, and breathe. Try to arrive by Lunch.
Lunch at Pedaler's Pub for Burgers or Pizza (ride your bike over)
Ride over to Downtown Bentonville Square and grab a coffee at Onyx Coffee.
Get your game plan together for trails tomorrow or grab a slow hour ride on the trails North of Crystal Bridges (see Slaughter Pen Phase 3).
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is just now beginning to open & promises to be one of the jewels of mountain biking in NW Arkansas, so today may be a great day to also head over there to see what’s coming.
For dinner, ditch your bikes, freshen up & head to Tavola just off Bentonville Square (take advantage of their priority seating options on website).
After Dinner, find some live music (use Leisurelist to find local happenings). Ramo d'Olivo has a great wine bar, and Scotch & Soda has the best whiskey selection in NW Arkansas (both are right in Downtown Bentonville within easy walking distance).
Sleep well.
Day 2
Waking Up with Breakfast at Pressroom (ride your bike over)
Head out to ride. I'd recommend starting with the Slaughter Pen Mountain (23+ Miles) trails, and don't miss the Park Springs area. The iconic entry starts just north of the Bentonville square on the All-American Trail.
Lunchtime is a great opportunity for one of the many food trucks spread throughout Downtown Bentonville.
If your legs have had enough for the day, a great way to spend the afternoon is at Crystal Bridges American Art Museum. You'll be on your feet, but it will work that lactic acid out so you'll be ready for tomorrow's ride.
Dinner at 8th Street Market (YeYo's, Food Trucks, etc.). Catch an Uber.
After Dinner, stay at 8th Street Market and sit outside at Bike Rack Brewery (there may be live music), or even the chocolate experience at Markham & Fitz Chocolate Makers.
Catch an Uber Ride home and sleep well.
If your legs have had enough for the day, a great way to spend the afternoon is at Crystal Bridges American Art Museum. You'll be on your feet, but it will work that lactic acid out so you'll be ready for tomorrow's ride.
Dinner at 8th Street Market (YeYo's, Food Trucks, etc.). Catch an Uber.
After Dinner, stay at 8th Street Market and enjoy The Holler, sitting outside at Bike Rack Brewery (there may be live music), or even the chocolate experience at Markham & Fitz Chocolate Makers.
Catch an Uber Ride home and sleep well.
Day 3
Early breakfast at Ozark Mountain Bagel Company (just off the square) is a great way to start the day...especially this day.
Today's the day for The Back 40 Loop and/or Little Sugar Loop (hope you slept well). Those trails are tire eaters, so plan accordingly. Blowing Springs is a great place to park & start the Back 40 Loop. Best to go clockwise your first time out. Now get out there and have fun.
Lunch Time...well, you're probably not back yet, but once you are back (and cleaned up)...grab a big meal over at Blu Fresh Fish Market (you can ride your bike if your legs are still good).
After lunch, it may be time for a nap :-) or walk through The Momentary Contemporary Art Museum for an incredible experience. The Tower Bar at the Momentary for Sunset is straight legit.
After a big day on the trails, put on your Sunday best and enjoy the rooftop bar at Preacher's Son before dinner at the Preacher's Son, and then slip downstairs to the Undercroft for some specialty cocktails (it's behind an unmarked down at the bottom of the stairs just past the upstairs bar). You will most likely need to make reservations which are easy via OpenTable.
If you stayed in Downtown Bentonville (see our recommendations below), stretch those legs for a walk around the Square, and head over to the Spark Cafe for ice cream.
Day 4 (Depart)
Take it slow this morning as I'm sure your legs are feeling yesterday's ride.
If you're headed out, early head over to the Buttered Biscuit for a great Southern breakfast before hitting the road. Otherwise, feel free to wander back over to Onyx Coffee Lab (or one of the other great coffee shops) Downtown.
Spend the morning at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, don't head home without hitting Fire Line, Thunder Dome, and Cease and Desist and trails from the Hub. It's best to drive up there, and there's plenty of parking. This is one of my favorite rides.
Lunch at Wright's Barbecue (208 NE 3rd Street, Bentonville) is always a great meal before you leave.
...if you're headed home, thanks so much for making the trek. We truly hope you loved your time here. There's a lot you didn't get to do, so plan on coming back again soon.
...if you're here for longer, now is your time to explore. Find some music, duck your head into a nearby restaurant or pub, or watch for whatever the newest addition to our town will be. There is a lot of great things on the way.
What should I bring?
Your Bike (Obviously), Your Friends, and Your Friends Bike
Your taste for craft beers on the Northwest Arkansas Ale Trail
Your sense of art and design (don’t miss Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art)
Guide Services & Local Experts
You will find a lot of great people ready to help make your time in Bentonville just perfect. Below are some great resources for planning out your trail rides, making sure your bike is in top form, friendly trail guides, and gear outfitters in case you left something at home.
Trail maps & info to help plan your rides.
Best place to start your trail descriptions & route info (download the app as well)
Specialized Bikes, Clothing, hammocks, travel accessories, and more gear for your travels.
Trek and Salsa Bikes, Full service bike shop in Downtown Bentonville.
Great people who will build custom trips and programs for all kinds of groups and skill levels.
Tours, Services, Shuttles, Skills Coaching to show you best places to ride.
Facebook Groups with Real-Time Trail Condition Reports
Bella Vista Back 40 & Blowing Springs Trail Conditions
What else should I know?
Here are a few great "extras" that may peak your interest and help give more options for food, drink, music, events, and an overall great experience. Spend a few minutes on these sites to find event calendars, live music, and other fun things that are happening during your stay.
Bentonville's First Brewery & great to sit outside with food trucks and live music
Find all the local happenings while you are here.
A little love for our local Chamber of Commerce who has a lot of great information for your stay.
Info on Farmer's Markets, First Friday Events, Notes at Night, and much more.