Bentonville Crowns Itself Mountain Biking Capital of the World™

Today Bentonville, Arkansas proclaims itself the premier global destination for mountain biking.
Slaughter Pen Area, Bentonville, AR. Photo: Greg Heil

Bentonville, Arkansas has been on a tear over the past several years, building out a massive network of high quality mountain bike trails easily accessible from town. As a result, an entire industry and mountain bike infrastructure has sprouted in the northwest portion of the state, bringing tourists and transplants alike. Today, Bentonville mayor Stephanie Orman says, “It’s true that Bentonville has become the new Mountain Biking Capital of the World. Over the past decade, our community has built a reputation among mountain biking enthusiasts and athletes as the premier global destination for the sport.”

Having hosted the IMBA World Summit in 2016 and countless professional riders and visitors from all over the world, Bentonville is on many mountain bikers’ radars, though riders will certainly debate whether it is the premier global destination for mountain biking. The region claims its resort-quality trails can be ridden year-round, unlike some better known North American mountain bike destinations like Moab and Whistler. Of course there are mountain bike destinations outside the Americas, like Finale Ligure and Rotorua, that boast similarly temperate climates, drawing large events like Crankworx and EWS races each year.

According to a press release shared on behalf of Visit Bentonville:

Bentonville has approximately 130 miles of singletrack connected to downtown Bentonville, with access to more than 250 miles of unrivaled regional trails in a network that sits at the heart of the state’s OZ Trails system. Hospitality opportunities abound – whether it be award-winning restaurants, a vibrant coffee scene, or a boom of daring and bold craft brewers.

Check out the announcement video below.