I live in Downtown Bentonville and use these trails everyday, October is my favorite month here for weather. Also it must be said thanks to the Walton family for these trail systems, they have spent millions on them and are continuing the expansion of the trail systems.. people here are super nice and also we have many great restaurants for every pallet. It’s unbelievable the choice of bike shops we have, I just recently saw a new one getting built right downtown by my home. Everyday I meet people here from many states away to ride these trails, just recently a group from Florida. It’s actually becoming a Mecca for Texan bike riders I have notice,they seem to be very prevalent these days. Many end up moving here after their visit to Bentonville.
I live in Phoenix and I have driven there 3 times in the last 18 months. I stayed there for a week each time. It is the best place I have been to ride Mtb’s. The vibe in the area is great I love the place. 17 hour drive and I can’t wait to go back
Wow! That was pretty comprehensive and super fair. I live in St. Louis MO & am only 5 hours away. I've been more than 20 times. We've stayed at both AirBnBs and hotels (note: hotels are fine with you bringing bikes inside) and on our last trip tried the Bike Inn. All are great. AirBnBs are the cheapest way to go if you plan ahead and don't mind staying in someone's home with them. It can be a lil weird but its the cheapest. Since you've only been once you haven't experienced it but, one other cool thing about B-ville is that the trails are always changing and being added to. It's fun to see what new THIS time...but it can be a bummer too when they tear down a trail you loved. B-ville needs more camping areas and RV campgrounds. If you get to go again, do some TH-cam research and ride trails other than S.P. and Coler. Bella Vista has the Huntley Gravity Zone, there are great trails out at Hobbs S.P., you HAVE to visit The Railyard, don't forget Lake Leatherwood where they have shuttle service and Fayetteville has at least Four great places to ride. And remember, OZ Trails really reward progression. The better you are at tech, jumping etc. the more you'll get out of the trails.
I did go to the railyard while I was there. It was cool but riding on asphalt is really weird. The next trip I plan to go other places. Thanks for watching.
I spent 4 days in Bentonville. Made the 7-9hr drive out of Houston, Tx. It was amazing. Like Disney land. The town was super chill. Bella vista was nice. Ran in to a few local hecklers, but as outsiders we were totally lost lol. I HAVE to back. As soon as possible. But I need a week minimum 🥴
I live six miles north of Bella Vista so The Blowing Spring and all of the others Bella Vista trails are the closest to me, but Im mostly a Roadie 🚴 with some 5% mountain bike because I got suck into it going to locals bike shops and before my only experience MTBiking was back in the early 90s right around the Devils Den areaSouth of Fayetteville. Glad you liked around here.
Here’s the thing about considering a return trip to Bentonville. They’re always building new stuff and changing old stuff. Now, would you drive 10 hrs to just ride from the castle hub- probably not. Would you drive 10 hours once a year to ride the new and the old, there’s a decent chance the answer is yes. I’m a local (working at an LBS) and I helped the lady find a new helmet. Fast forward to yesterday, I finished my ride, and they’re parked next to me getting ready for theirs. They said that they come every few months (from a shorter distance away), and are always surprised at the changes. Now I still can’t do the cost/benefit analysis for you- only you can do that- I just wanted to point that out as a decision making factor. Part of the “mountain bike capitol of the world” slogan is that it refers to a long term commitment to the sport and the infrastructure for it. Thanks for visiting and we do hope you come back!
I will be back for sure. I think I said in my video that is why yall have the slogan and I very much agree with it. I never felt so at home as a mountain biker. It is built for us. I just have plenty of great trails around me and Jarrod's place. To make bentonville an every couple of years type place. It is a make the trip once for sure. I do think that the day I upgrade to a new bike I will go back because again, the town has a huge option for mountain bikers. Thanks so very much for watching.
@@MTBRideFree for sure! 10 hours is a long drive for anything and I’m usually tapped out at 6. The wealth of stuff here is why I haven’t actually traveled anywhere to ride yet (I want to, though!). It’s great to have options closer to home and be stoked about them! I forgot to mention that for your next trip, Handcut Hollow is at the northernmost end of J St Wonderland at blowing springs are fun options that could take a day put together (if you have the fitness). The Monument Trails at Hobbs are a scenic but not technically challenging day on the bike. South of Fayetteville, Devil’s Den is a fun option and so is Nebo (much farther south). An hour west of Rogers is Eureka Springs, home to Passion Play and Lake Leatherwood. In another year or so, who knows what there will be!
My next trip I will for sure go to some new places, it was very overwhelming with the vastness of trails yall have. I was very happy to end up riding with a local. He should me some trails I would have never found. Also I will be back for a witching hour burger.
14 hour drive for me, trip #6 in 3 years coming up next month. That's with having Marquette (2.5 hours) and Copper Harbor (3.5 hours) close by, which we enjoy those places as well.
All I need is awesome trails, a water spicket and a place to park my overland rig over night. I'm from the north 10 hours and one of the reasons I haven't been there yet is that I can't find places to boondock.
Nice commentary about your trip. My family and I live in the northern climates so our trip down is 10 hours from MN. We usually come down mid March for a week to get a reprieve from the snow and cold and ride some dirt. I am with you on the special trip. If I lived in a southern climate I am not sure if I would make a special trip just to go there especially if I had similar trails that were closer to home.
Thanks man, That was my overall point, as someone that loves the sport so much if I could live there I would. But a ten hour drive is a long drive for trails I have here. But without a doubt I will go back. I just will never go in the summer again. It was so hot. If I lived in a snowy climate I would make the trip more often just to get away from the snow. Thanks for watching.
We live in N TX, I went to Bentonville 9 times this year. I did the major races. Ruleof3, Little Sugar and Big Sugar. Is Bentonville awesome? Yes, but there are other places in AR that are amazing and when Mena gets built out, you will less and less of texans in Bentonville. Mena is 1.5 hours closer for Texans making it almost a day trip now. I know this isn't a popular thing to say but I would rather go to Hot Springs to ride and train. Being in Hot Springs gives you access to some of the best trails you have never heard of. Good review.
@@MTBRideFree My advice, stay out of Slautherpen. Bella Vista is blown up since you visited. People often overlook, Mt Kessler and HOBBS state part, best flow XC in the area. Slaugherpen gets congested on weekends. I would also check out Devil's Den, NEBO, etc...
Hey... for someone 10 hrs away I thought you made some really solid points. Traveling that far one should def stay a few days. I would add one should maybe give their body a rest and break up the mtb trip with other activities. One option is a kayak run on the Buffalo River (1.5 hr away There are other rivers closer but it's the best) Another option is taking advantage of Beaver Lake (25 min away). Fayetteville is a college town (University of Ark) and tends to get more bands and such (30 min away) Oh.. speaking of that if your into music and time it right you can catch a concert at a pretty cool venue called the Amp. in Bentonville / Rogers. The reason I like is is it has several bars, gets a few good headliners each year and because its small most every seat or even Gen Admin lawn has a close proximity to the stage.
Thanks for the suggestion. Without a doubt, a rest day would be a good idea. As a guy that loves to ride so much, I don't think I would rest, I would end up riding. Lol
18:20 - I had no problem with schroen trail on my 110mm XC bike... my gf rode shroen trail on a 110 hardtail. I dont think the bike is the issue. Its a sick trail for almost any bike!
I live about two hours away, I would say it is not the mountain bike capital of the world, they have tons of trails but they are mostly average trails. West side of the country has better trails, I also actually prefer the trails in fort smith and Mnt Nebo than Bentonville. And agreed the big they they have going it just amount of trails you can hit from downtown, which I rode from downtown to the back forty and could ride to several areas all by mostly bike trails. Also ya it is choo choo and I agree its a little weird, I was a little worried about crashing and getting some road rash
Yeah, I think the title is good if you encompasses all the mtb elements in the town. But yes I can find those trails right down the road from my house.
Yeah, I think the title is good if you encompasses all the mtb elements in the town. But yes I can find those trails right down the road from my house.
I don't think experience has anything to do with the enjoyment of the place. I enjoyed the place very much. The least experienced rider should be able to appreciate Bentonville.
@@MTBRideFree yes but with my experience being around yours, i wouldnt be able to enjoy features that unvolve high jumps etc because i dont do them. For example i have local friends that there favorite most fluid spot to double jump is that concrete S turns that you didnt care for. Because we dont have/want the experience to jump like that....we cant enjoy alot of features that bentonville has.
True, but it does not change enjoyment. Now if you wish you were at that level to hit those higher level trails then yeah you might be disappointed. But I have no desire at this point to try them. Also I was still able to ride some things that would be at a higher level, like masterpiece and shrane train. And enjoy every bit of them for my skill level. I very much appreciate the overall appeal of bentonville. I think any mtber would. But a ten hour drive and cost is what would keep me from going there more often. The s turns I still enjoyed, I did not like that they were paved. Overall cool place just not worth the drive and money. Again I live in north Georgia. We have the same types of trails. We also have jarrods place. Go check out videos about that place.
@@MTBRideFree yeh i want to go, but thats the only thing holding me back because my frie ds are in love woth it because the hit all the jumps etc and i dont. Its a 7 hour drive for me so ill prolly try it out at some point, but i already habe a sense of let down due to not being good at jumping. But ill at least go try it
I live in Downtown Bentonville and use these trails everyday, October is my favorite month here for weather. Also it must be said thanks to the Walton family for these trail systems, they have spent millions on them and are continuing the expansion of the trail systems.. people here are super nice and also we have many great restaurants for every pallet. It’s unbelievable the choice of bike shops we have, I just recently saw a new one getting built right downtown by my home. Everyday I meet people here from many states away to ride these trails, just recently a group from Florida. It’s actually becoming a Mecca for Texan bike riders I have notice,they seem to be very prevalent these days. Many end up moving here after their visit to Bentonville.
I get that, if Arkansas paid their teachers better, I would make moves. It is a really cool place, I am hoping to make my way back next spring.
@@MTBRideFree there are several private schools here, I’m not sure what their pay is.
I live in Phoenix and I have driven there 3 times in the last 18 months. I stayed there for a week each time. It is the best place I have been to ride Mtb’s. The vibe in the area is great I love the place. 17 hour drive and I can’t wait to go back
Oh boy. That is a long drive. So have you ridden Moab? And if so, are you saying Bentonville is better?
Wow! That was pretty comprehensive and super fair. I live in St. Louis MO & am only 5 hours away. I've been more than 20 times. We've stayed at both AirBnBs and hotels (note: hotels are fine with you bringing bikes inside) and on our last trip tried the Bike Inn. All are great. AirBnBs are the cheapest way to go if you plan ahead and don't mind staying in someone's home with them. It can be a lil weird but its the cheapest. Since you've only been once you haven't experienced it but, one other cool thing about B-ville is that the trails are always changing and being added to. It's fun to see what new THIS time...but it can be a bummer too when they tear down a trail you loved. B-ville needs more camping areas and RV campgrounds. If you get to go again, do some TH-cam research and ride trails other than S.P. and Coler. Bella Vista has the Huntley Gravity Zone, there are great trails out at Hobbs S.P., you HAVE to visit The Railyard, don't forget Lake Leatherwood where they have shuttle service and Fayetteville has at least Four great places to ride. And remember, OZ Trails really reward progression. The better you are at tech, jumping etc. the more you'll get out of the trails.
I did go to the railyard while I was there. It was cool but riding on asphalt is really weird. The next trip I plan to go other places. Thanks for watching.
I spent 4 days in Bentonville. Made the 7-9hr drive out of Houston, Tx.
It was amazing. Like Disney land.
The town was super chill. Bella vista was nice. Ran in to a few local hecklers, but as outsiders we were totally lost lol.
I HAVE to back. As soon as possible. But I need a week minimum 🥴
Yeah, you can get lost real easy. It will take time to learn the place real well. Thanks for watching.
I live six miles north of Bella Vista so The Blowing Spring and all of the others Bella Vista trails are the closest to me, but Im mostly a Roadie 🚴 with some 5% mountain bike because I got suck into it going to locals bike shops and before my only experience MTBiking was back in the early 90s right around the Devils Den areaSouth of Fayetteville.
Glad you liked around here.
Cool, I will be going back in April to check more stuff out.
Here’s the thing about considering a return trip to Bentonville. They’re always building new stuff and changing old stuff. Now, would you drive 10 hrs to just ride from the castle hub- probably not. Would you drive 10 hours once a year to ride the new and the old, there’s a decent chance the answer is yes.
I’m a local (working at an LBS) and I helped the lady find a new helmet. Fast forward to yesterday, I finished my ride, and they’re parked next to me getting ready for theirs. They said that they come every few months (from a shorter distance away), and are always surprised at the changes.
Now I still can’t do the cost/benefit analysis for you- only you can do that- I just wanted to point that out as a decision making factor. Part of the “mountain bike capitol of the world” slogan is that it refers to a long term commitment to the sport and the infrastructure for it. Thanks for visiting and we do hope you come back!
I will be back for sure. I think I said in my video that is why yall have the slogan and I very much agree with it. I never felt so at home as a mountain biker. It is built for us. I just have plenty of great trails around me and Jarrod's place. To make bentonville an every couple of years type place. It is a make the trip once for sure. I do think that the day I upgrade to a new bike I will go back because again, the town has a huge option for mountain bikers. Thanks so very much for watching.
@@MTBRideFree for sure! 10 hours is a long drive for anything and I’m usually tapped out at 6. The wealth of stuff here is why I haven’t actually traveled anywhere to ride yet (I want to, though!). It’s great to have options closer to home and be stoked about them!
I forgot to mention that for your next trip, Handcut Hollow is at the northernmost end of J St Wonderland at blowing springs are fun options that could take a day put together (if you have the fitness). The Monument Trails at Hobbs are a scenic but not technically challenging day on the bike. South of Fayetteville, Devil’s Den is a fun option and so is Nebo (much farther south). An hour west of Rogers is Eureka Springs, home to Passion Play and Lake Leatherwood. In another year or so, who knows what there will be!
My next trip I will for sure go to some new places, it was very overwhelming with the vastness of trails yall have. I was very happy to end up riding with a local. He should me some trails I would have never found. Also I will be back for a witching hour burger.
14 hour drive for me, trip #6 in 3 years coming up next month. That's with having Marquette (2.5 hours) and Copper Harbor (3.5 hours) close by, which we enjoy those places as well.
Good for you. Enjoy
All I need is awesome trails, a water spicket and a place to park my overland rig over night. I'm from the north 10 hours and one of the reasons I haven't been there yet is that I can't find places to boondock.
There has to be somewhere to do that. The Bike inn has spots for campers and what not.Check them out.
I really liked Fayetteville and Devils Den trails in NWA. DD has amazing trails and F'ville is hand cut gnarlyness
I will check those spots out one day.
Thanks for the honest review… they didn’t build this for the best in MTB, but there in the way to be awesome. Try whistler? Yeah it’s in Canada.
Gross, who wants to go to Canada. Thanks for watching. I will be back in Bentonville in April for another go.
Nice commentary about your trip. My family and I live in the northern climates so our trip down is 10 hours from MN. We usually come down mid March for a week to get a reprieve from the snow and cold and ride some dirt. I am with you on the special trip. If I lived in a southern climate I am not sure if I would make a special trip just to go there especially if I had similar trails that were closer to home.
Thanks man, That was my overall point, as someone that loves the sport so much if I could live there I would. But a ten hour drive is a long drive for trails I have here. But without a doubt I will go back. I just will never go in the summer again. It was so hot. If I lived in a snowy climate I would make the trip more often just to get away from the snow. Thanks for watching.
We live in N TX, I went to Bentonville 9 times this year. I did the major races. Ruleof3, Little Sugar and Big Sugar. Is Bentonville awesome? Yes, but there are other places in AR that are amazing and when Mena gets built out, you will less and less of texans in Bentonville. Mena is 1.5 hours closer for Texans making it almost a day trip now. I know this isn't a popular thing to say but I would rather go to Hot Springs to ride and train. Being in Hot Springs gives you access to some of the best trails you have never heard of. Good review.
Thanks for the info. I will return to Bentonville in April to check more out and do a part two review. Any trails you think are a must-try?
@@MTBRideFree My advice, stay out of Slautherpen. Bella Vista is blown up since you visited. People often overlook, Mt Kessler and HOBBS state part, best flow XC in the area. Slaugherpen gets congested on weekends. I would also check out Devil's Den, NEBO, etc...
Hey... for someone 10 hrs away I thought you made some really solid points. Traveling that far one should def stay a few days. I would add one should maybe give their body a rest and break up the mtb trip with other activities. One option is a kayak run on the Buffalo River (1.5 hr away There are other rivers closer but it's the best) Another option is taking advantage of Beaver Lake (25 min away). Fayetteville is a college town (University of Ark) and tends to get more bands and such (30 min away) Oh.. speaking of that if your into music and time it right you can catch a concert at a pretty cool venue called the Amp. in Bentonville / Rogers. The reason I like is is it has several bars, gets a few good headliners each year and because its small most every seat or even Gen Admin lawn has a close proximity to the stage.
Thanks for the suggestion. Without a doubt, a rest day would be a good idea. As a guy that loves to ride so much, I don't think I would rest, I would end up riding. Lol
18:20 - I had no problem with schroen trail on my 110mm XC bike... my gf rode shroen trail on a 110 hardtail. I dont think the bike is the issue. Its a sick trail for almost any bike!
That's awesome!!! Keep on riding. Thanks for watching.
Walton’s just bought 2700 acres here in Bella Vista. Hopefully for someone awesome in my backyard.
Really, I hope they build some epic stuff. Thanks so much for watching.
I live about two hours away, I would say it is not the mountain bike capital of the world, they have tons of trails but they are mostly average trails. West side of the country has better trails, I also actually prefer the trails in fort smith and Mnt Nebo than Bentonville.
And agreed the big they they have going it just amount of trails you can hit from downtown, which I rode from downtown to the back forty and could ride to several areas all by mostly bike trails.
Also ya it is choo choo and I agree its a little weird, I was a little worried about crashing and getting some road rash
Yeah, I think the title is good if you encompasses all the mtb elements in the town. But yes I can find those trails right down the road from my house.
Yeah, I think the title is good if you encompasses all the mtb elements in the town. But yes I can find those trails right down the road from my house.
Go to Bend OR to get your bike man. No stupid sales tax.
Well that is a good idea, but then again i would have to spend way more money to get there. Would defeat the pupose. Lol. Thanks for watching.
I think if you were a more experienced rider, then you would appreciate bentonville alot more.
I don't think experience has anything to do with the enjoyment of the place. I enjoyed the place very much. The least experienced rider should be able to appreciate Bentonville.
@@MTBRideFree yes but with my experience being around yours, i wouldnt be able to enjoy features that unvolve high jumps etc because i dont do them. For example i have local friends that there favorite most fluid spot to double jump is that concrete S turns that you didnt care for. Because we dont have/want the experience to jump like that....we cant enjoy alot of features that bentonville has.
True, but it does not change enjoyment. Now if you wish you were at that level to hit those higher level trails then yeah you might be disappointed. But I have no desire at this point to try them. Also I was still able to ride some things that would be at a higher level, like masterpiece and shrane train. And enjoy every bit of them for my skill level. I very much appreciate the overall appeal of bentonville. I think any mtber would. But a ten hour drive and cost is what would keep me from going there more often. The s turns I still enjoyed, I did not like that they were paved. Overall cool place just not worth the drive and money. Again I live in north Georgia. We have the same types of trails. We also have jarrods place. Go check out videos about that place.
@@MTBRideFree yeh i want to go, but thats the only thing holding me back because my frie ds are in love woth it because the hit all the jumps etc and i dont. Its a 7 hour drive for me so ill prolly try it out at some point, but i already habe a sense of let down due to not being good at jumping. But ill at least go try it