The Most Scenic Mountain Bike Trails in Northwest Arkansas

by brent flanagan

1. Devil’s Den State Park - West Fork

One of the most popular destinations in Bentonville, Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Park offers a range of trails that provide both technical challenges and incredible vistas. Highlights include:

  • We can take it – Offers some awesome picturesque views of the valleys and creeks. This and the connecting trails offer plenty of variety with technical climbs and fast descents, all while being surrounded by beautiful scenery.

  • Fossil’s Flat – is one of the original MTB trails and is worth including in your route. It is part of the course of the  AMBCS Northwest XC Championships every year.  

The combination of well-maintained trails and stunning natural landscapes makes Slaughter Pen one of the must-ride spots for any MTB enthusiast visiting the region.

🔥 Flo Bikewear Tip: Plan on spending most of your day here to explore what the park has to offer. If you can get a spot, plan on camping.  

2.   Karst Loop at Hobbs State Park– Rogers, AR

Located just 15-20 minutes east of Downtown Rogers, the Hobbs is another hidden gem offering riders an unforgettable ride through the Ozarks. Known for its natural beauty, the park offers:

  • Karst Loop – A trail that provides stunning panoramic views of Beaver Lake and mature forests. As you ride, you'll encounter nearly 8 miles challenging climbs, fast descents and rock gardens mixed with amazing overlooks.

  • Visitor Center- is a great place to park to start your journey to explore the park and learn more about the local ecosystem in the nature area. You have about a 14 mile round trip to do Karst loop from here. 

Whether you're looking for scenic beauty, technical challenges, or a bit of both, Hobbs State Park delivers.

📌 Pro Tip: Park on Rambo road if you just want to ride the 8 miles of Karst loop. Also, look into the reserving a cool modern rustic camp area for your trip. 

3. Back 40 and Tunnel Visions – Bella Vista

Bella Vista, known for its rolling hills and sparkling lakes, offers some of the most serene trails in Northwest Arkansas. These trails are perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the region at a more leisurely pace while still enjoying the thrill of mountain biking.

  • Tanyard Creek Trail – This section of Tunnel Vision is a must-stop point to take a break and enjoy the roar of the falls.and the surrounding forest beauty.

  • Blowing Springs Trails – A network of trails that meanders through forested hills and offers views of bluff lines, valleys, and breathtaking lake views.

🔥 Flo Bikewear Tip:  Summer time heat got you beat.  Take advantage of the cool refreshing water to soak in the many creeks and lakes around Bella Vista offers. 

4. Spellbound at Mt. Kessler – Fayetteville

For those looking for a bit of everything—from flowy down hill tracks, challenging climbs to technical rock sections—Fayetteville’s Mt. Kessler has you covered. The region boasts hundreds of miles of interconnected trails, with several routes offering unbeatable views of the Ozark Mountains.

  • Spellbound – This one way bidirectional trail offers some magical  views on the North section.  This trail offers a variety of singletrack, rocky tech sections, and gorgeous views. Expect a few technical sections that will test your skills while riding through. Easily connect to other trails via the Kessler or Fayetteville Traverse. 

📌 Pro Tip:  Take some time to Explore the Fayetteville Traverse and plan your day around it.  Plenty of chances to eat and grab refreshments while exploring the trails in Fayetteville. 

 

Get Ready to Ride Northwest Arkansas!

With its blend of natural beauty, technical challenges, and scenic vistas, Northwest Arkansas is quickly becoming one of the premier MTB destinations in the U.S.

🔥 Flo Bikewear Tip: Don’t forget to outfit yourself in custom MTB jerseys from Flo Bikewear—designed for comfort, style, and performance, so you can enjoy the ride in style!

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