MENA, Ark. – Arkansas State Parks dedicated newly enhanced trails at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, signaling another step forward in expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in the Ouachita Mountains. The improvements, celebrated during a special event at the park lodge, were praised as a model for how the state continues to invest in access, stewardship, and visitor experience.
The ceremony featured remarks from Deputy Director Jeff King, Secretary Shea Lewis, and First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, who each emphasized the value of connecting Arkansans to the outdoors through thoughtful trail design and recreation infrastructure.
The refreshed trails improve visibility and drainage along Rich Mountain’s scenic overlooks while adding new access for mountain biking. Visitors can now explore the mountaintop in fresh ways, whether by bike or on foot, with panoramic views of the Ouachitas unfolding along the route.
“Our work in Arkansas’ State Parks remains focused on stewardship, access, and the creation of unforgettable outdoor experiences,” said Secretary Shea Lewis. “The improvements made here at Queen Wilhelmina invite visitors to explore the mountaintop in new ways, reconnect with nature, and make lasting memories with family and friends.”
First Gentleman Bryan Sanders highlighted the connection between outdoor recreation and the state’s quality of life.
“Outdoor recreation is at the heart of Arkansas’ identity and a key driver of our quality of life,” said First Gentleman Sanders. “Through the Natural State Initiative, we’re strengthening access to the trails and parks that help fuel local economies and make Arkansas a premier travel destination. These trail improvements at Queen Wilhelmina State Park will invite even more visitors to explore The Ouachita Mountains, strengthen regional tourism and showcase one of the state’s most iconic views from The Lover’s Leap.”
A Mountaintop Gateway to The Mena Project
The improvements at Queen Wilhelmina State Park are part of a growing regional effort to turn the Mena area into a national-caliber outdoor recreation hub known as The Mena Project. This multi-phase initiative will eventually connect Queen Wilhelmina State Park and the City of Mena through a system of mountain bike and multi-use trails, including a planned lift-assist bike park with thousands of feet of vertical drop.
In 2024, the Ward Lake Trail System opened just north of Mena, marking the first major milestone in the project. Built by Progressive Trail Design, the system features stacked-loop trails for multiple skill levels, with options for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. Trail names like American Made, Liberty Ridge, Stars and Stripes, and Patriot’s Plunge celebrate local craftsmanship and community pride.
In November 2024, the Ouachita National Forest approved a Special Use Permit allowing construction across 8,196 acres of federal land, enabling up to 100 miles of trails and as many as three lift systems. Earlier this year, a final land-use agreement moved the state closer to groundbreaking on the lift-access park.
“Finalizing this special use agreement is a pivotal moment,” said Secretary Shea Lewis during the announcement. “It enables the state to develop a world-class mountain bike park featuring lift-assisted facilities—an undertaking that is a really big deal for Arkansas. We are incredibly excited about the transformative impact this project will have on the Mena region and the entire state.”
Once completed, the lift-access bike park will connect directly to Queen Wilhelmina State Park, providing riders with a seamless link between mountaintop views, technical downhill runs, and the trails near Mena. The integration of the Ward Lake network and the Rich Mountain corridor will position the region as one of Arkansas’ premier mountain biking destinations, joining Bentonville, Hot Springs, and other statewide trail centers as anchors of the Natural State’s recreation economy.
A Scenic Landmark With a New Chapter
Located along the Talimena Scenic Drive, 13 miles from Mena, Queen Wilhelmina State Park has long been a favorite stop for travelers. The original Victorian-style Wilhelmina Inn, built in the late 1800s, honored the Dutch queen for whom the park is named. Today, the site blends historic charm with modern amenities including a lodge, restaurant, campground, and a growing trail system that invites year-round exploration.
The park’s recent upgrades align with Arkansas State Parks’ century-long mission to preserve natural landscapes while enhancing public access. From Rich Mountain’s rocky summits to the forested slopes below, these projects demonstrate the state’s commitment to balancing conservation with recreation.
About Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, manages more than 55,000 acres of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. Established in 1923, the system preserves special places for future generations, fosters education and stewardship, and contributes to local economies through tourism.
To learn more, visit ArkansasStateParks.com and follow Arkansas State Parks on social media for updates on ongoing projects across the state.
More information on The Mena Project:
- Arkansas Moves Forward with Lift-Access Bike Park Near Mena
- Mena Area Trails Expansion Gains Approval
- Mena Celebrates New Trail System at Ward Lake
This 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!
