This updated article first ran in Arkansas Money and Politics Magazine in August of 2025 and was written by Joe Jacobs.
A few years ago, my wife and I caught the real estate bug, dreaming of a property that could serve double duty: generating a reliable rental income and providing a personal vacation escape. Bella Vista, Arkansas, quickly rose to the top of our list. It wasn’t just a whim. My work frequently landed me in the region, offering the perfect excuse for regular check-ins on our investment. Plus, the seed of future retirement plans had been planted. But let’s be honest, the real lure? The buzz about those brand-new mountain bike trails carving through the landscape. We scoured the market, and when we stumbled upon a cozy home with a freshly minted trail practically in its backyard, it was game over. Sold! Fast forward three years, and life threw us a curveball, prompting a sale. What didn’t we expect? Our small investment had doubled in value, proving that following the trail doesn’t just lead to adventure, but can also lead to incredible returns.
Arkansas has quickly become a cycling mecca, where both mountain biking and gravel cycling are thriving, resulting in a surge of tourism dollars and an improved quality of life for local communities. From new trail systems in smaller towns to major projects like the Bella Vista Bike Park and the Mena Area Trails Expansion, Arkansas is proving that outdoor recreation can be a game-changer for the state’s economy and culture.
Economic Impact: Cycling Fuels Growth in Arkansas
The economic impact of cycling in Northwest Arkansas alone is impressive. A 2022 study by the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas found that cycling generated a total economic impact of $159 million, driven by tourism, local employment, and tax revenue. Biking businesses contributed over $100 million in revenue, supporting 743 jobs and generating $6.1 million in state and local taxes. Additionally, biking tourism brought in $59 million and created 587 jobs. Major events like the Walmart UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championship added another $9.9 million to the local economy.
“According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Arkansas ranks 6th nationally in cycling growth as a share of GDP since 2012. This includes company growth and the tourism component of cycling in the state. This analysis further confirms what we’ve known all along, Arkansas is growing as a powerhouse in cycling across the US and the globe,” says Katherine Andrews, Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Arkansas continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the cycling industry through innovation and entrepreneurship. In Bentonville, the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA) has completed multiple cohorts of cycling-focused startups from around the world, helping emerging companies bring new technologies, products, and mobility solutions to market. The program connects entrepreneurs with industry mentors, investors, and business leaders while leveraging Northwest Arkansas’s unique cycling ecosystem. Complementing these efforts, the new SGS bicycle and e-mobility testing laboratory opened in Bentonville in 2026, providing manufacturers with advanced testing and certification services. Together, these investments are helping transform Arkansas from a cycling destination into a center for cycling innovation, product development, and industry growth.
Trail Building Boom: Shorter Trails, Bigger Impact
Communities across Arkansas are investing in shorter mountain bike trails, making the sport more accessible to both residents and visitors. These smaller projects may not make headlines like the Oz Trails or Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville, but they are creating ripples of positive change in their towns.
For example, the new trail system near Ward Lake in Mena offers riders a family-friendly option that still provides a challenge for seasoned cyclists. Similarly, Searcy County has recently constructed its first mountain bike trail near the Buffalo River Airport, adding another gem to the region’s growing network of trails. Central Arkansas is also expanding its mountain bike offerings, with Boyle Park and the trails under construction at Allsopp Park continuing to attract riders eager for technical terrain and flowing singletrack.
The Big Players: The Mena Project, OZ Trails Bike Park, and Blue Mountain Expansion
While new trail systems continue to emerge across Arkansas, several major projects are poised to elevate the state’s reputation as a national mountain biking destination. In western Arkansas, The Mena Project took a significant step forward in 2025 when the U.S. Forest Service approved the special use permit for the ambitious development. Planned around the Ward Lake, Fire Tower, and Eagleton areas, the project could eventually feature up to 100 miles of trails and three lift-served access points. The first phase will include a mix of gravity trails, cross-country routes, skills features, and family-friendly riding opportunities, positioning Mena and Polk County as one of the most significant mountain biking destinations in the South.
In Northwest Arkansas, the OZ Trails Bike Park is transforming the region’s riding landscape. Opened in 2026, the park is Arkansas’s first lift-served mountain bike park, offering riders direct access to downhill and freeride terrain without the long climbs. Developed as part of the broader OZ Trails network, the bike park adds a new dimension to Northwest Arkansas’s already world-class trail system and is expected to attract riders from across the country seeking a true gravity-focused experience.
Central Arkansas is also seeing major growth with the expansion of the Blue Mountain trail system near Little Rock. New trail construction is extending the network westward, creating additional opportunities for mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers while improving connections to surrounding public lands. Combined with nearby projects such as the Maumelle Pinnacles Connector Trail and ongoing improvements at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, the Blue Mountain expansion is helping establish Central Arkansas as an increasingly important outdoor recreation destination.
Gravel Cycling: Exploring the Delta and Beyond
Gravel cycling is also booming in Arkansas, with new routes and events drawing riders eager to explore the state’s diverse terrain. The Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Route offers riders a scenic journey through one of the state’s most unique geological formations, while the Delta Heritage Trail is making significant progress as a premier gravel route through the Arkansas Delta.
Eastern Arkansas is emerging as a growing destination for outdoor recreation, driven by a combination of trail development, gravel cycling, paddling opportunities, and community-led tourism initiatives. Organizations such as StudioDRIFT have helped showcase the region’s unique landscapes through events, route development, and outdoor experiences that connect visitors with the Delta’s culture and natural resources. The continued expansion of the Delta Heritage Trail State Park, improvements to public access along the Mississippi River and other waterways, and increasing interest in gravel cycling are bringing more visitors to rural communities. These efforts are creating new economic opportunities for local businesses while introducing more people to the outdoor recreation assets of the Arkansas Delta.
Events Fueling the Cycling Surge
Arkansas is also home to a growing number of cycling events that draw participants from across the country. The Fat Tire Festival in Eureka Springs recently relaunched with an expanded lineup of enduro and downhill races, solidifying its place as a staple event for mountain bikers.
On the gravel side, the Arkansas Graveler has introduced exciting route changes for 2026, promising to offer even more scenic and challenging terrain for participants. Additionally, Jonesboro recently hosted the second year of Skirmish Delta Gravel Festival, showcasing the Delta’s gravel potential while providing a fun and competitive atmosphere for riders of all levels.
Tourism and Quality of Life: A Win-Win for Communities
The surge in mountain biking and gravel cycling isn’t just boosting tourism, it’s improving the quality of life for Arkansans. Communities that invest in trail infrastructure reap immediate benefits, including increased economic activity and healthier, more engaged residents.
Mountain biking and gravel cycling attract adventure-seeking tourists who spend money on lodging, dining, and other local services. In turn, this revenue helps fund further trail development and maintenance, creating a cycle of growth and sustainability.
According to Kalene Griffith, President of Visit Bentonville, “Cycling has transformed Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas into a global destination, boosting tourism, strengthening the economy, and enhancing quality of life. From world-class trails to a thriving outdoor culture, it’s not just about riding bikes, it’s about building a community that moves forward together as a cycling destination.”
But the benefits go beyond dollars and cents. Access to well-maintained trails encourages residents to adopt an active lifestyle, fostering a culture of health and wellness. Trails also provide a safe and enjoyable space for families to explore the outdoors together, strengthening community bonds and enhancing the overall quality of life.
E-Bikes: Opening New Doors
Adding to the excitement, the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have opened some of their International Mountain Bicycling Association, Epic mountain bike trails to e-bikes, making these rugged terrains more accessible to a broader audience. Riders who may have been hesitant to tackle long, technical trails can now explore Arkansas’s backcountry with confidence.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Cycling in Arkansas
As Arkansas continues to invest in trail infrastructure and promote cycling events, the future looks bright for mountain biking and gravel cycling in the state. With projects like the Mena Area Trails and Blue Mountain Expansion and OZ Trails Bike Park leading the charge and gravel initiatives like the Delta Heritage Trail connecting communities in the Delta, Arkansas is well on its way to becoming a premier destination for cyclists of all kinds.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for your next adventure or a newcomer eager to explore the trails, Arkansas has something for everyone. So, grab your bike, hit the trails, and experience firsthand how cycling is transforming the Natural State.
This updated article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
