Bentonville: Mountain Biking Capital of the World

Bentonville’s expanding hospitality opportunities – bolstered by award-winning restaurateurs, a vibrant coffee scene and a boom of daring and bold craft brewers –offer local and visiting riders serious options for fun.

from the trails –whether it’s bikefriendly lodging, restaurants, craft brews or art museums.

Bentonville has staked its claim as Mountain Biking Capital of the World, an incredible distinction that comes after years of intentional work by city leaders, innovative trail designers and builders, maintenance teams, new and seasoned riders and countless others.

Industry leaders and mountain bicyclists are calling Bentonville a mountain bike “mecca” and “Disneyland,” where only a block from downtown is access to 40+ miles of urban trails and hundreds more of an unrivaled regional trail network.

“It’s true that Bentonville has become the new Mountain Biking Capital of the World,” Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman said. “Over the past decade, we’ve built a reputation among mountain biking enthusiasts and athletes as the premier global destination for the sport. We’re the heart of the trailhead in the Ozarks, and headquarters to the most innovative mountain bike trail designs built anywhere.”

The local economy has embraced Bentonville’s role as a leader in mountain biking tourism, and developed and attracted a number of quality bike shops, rental and retail vendors, bike guides and manufacturers, along with professional riders and outdoor enthusiasts. Everything a rider could want is within a short ride

“This incredible [Mountain Biking Capital of the World] distinction has come after years of intentional work from Bentonville’s city leaders, trail builders, maintenance teams, new and experienced riders, and countless others in our great community,” said Tom Walton, co-founder of Runway Group, a lifelong patron, and avid mountain biking enthusiast. “From the outset of our shared vision to transform our city as a mountain biking paradise unique from other destinations, the city government and community leaders provided the support and balanced leadership we needed to help make the dream become a reality.”