OZ Trails Bike Park - Lift Assist Announced.

OZ Trails Announces First Chairlift-Served Mountain Bike Park in Northwest Arkansas

Jackalope

BELLA VISTA, Ark. (February 4, 2025) — OZ Trails™ unveiled plans today for a chairlift-served downhill mountain-biking destination in Bella Vista, marking a significant expansion of Northwest Arkansas’s cycling infrastructure.

The OZ Trails Bike Park, featuring more than 20 miles of gravity trails that showcase innovative trail design, will be located at the junction of Bella Vista and Bentonville along Highway 71, with easy access from Interstate 49. The park will offer unprecedented daily access to riders across the region.

The development integrates a state-of-the-art Poma-Leitner high-speed chairlift system, providing year-round, purpose-built lift access for riders across all skill levels. The facility will seamlessly connect with the existing OZ Trails network, which showcases the region’s distinctive Ozark terrain. Construction will commence in spring 2025.

Key amenities will include:

  • OZ Trails HQ with full-service dining facilities
  • Comprehensive bike shop and rental center
  • Community plaza and gathering spaces
  • Purpose-built pump track
  • Dedicated hiking trail
  • Art installations throughout the property

“What sets the Bike Park apart is its integration into the ever-expanding OZ Trails network,” said Tom Walton, Runway Group CEO. “As Northwest Arkansas’s first purpose-built gravity cycling facility, the park’s location strengthens the natural connection between Bella Vista and Bentonville, positioning both communities as premier global cycling destinations. Its focus on progression ensures everyone from beginners to experts will find their place here.”

Women riding a mountain bike on a natural surface trail.
The Tunnel Vision Trail is just one of the major trails in the area.

At the heart of the park, the OZ Trails HQ will establish a new social hub for both active participants and casual visitors. Beyond cycling, the park will feature an integrated hiking trail and art walk, creating moments of discovery throughout the property.

“The OZ Trails Bike Park represents a pivotal moment for outdoor recreation in Bella Vista,” said John Flynn, mayor of Bella Vista. “With direct access to the Razorback Greenway and the Little Sugar Trail System, the park’s position at the crossroads of existing trail networks makes it a central hub, strengthening Bella Vista’s position as a key destination for world-class cycling infrastructure.”

Governor Sanders Announcement

As part of Natural State Day at the Capitol, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced legislation that lays the groundwork for bringing lift access downhill mountain bike parks to Arkansas. Senate President Bart Hester (District 33) and Representative John Maddox (District 86) are sponsoring the bill in the legislature.

“Arkansas tourism is at an inflection point, uniquely situated to offer world-class outdoor recreation to millions of Americans, 365 days a year. Investments like the Mena Trails will help us continue to improve quality of life for Arkansans, break tourism records and invite more visitors than ever to our state,” said Governor Sanders. 

“The Mena Trails have the potential to rival anything offered in Colorado or Utah, and this legislation creates the rules of engagement that will further establish Arkansas as a leading destination for mountain biking and outdoor recreation,” said First Gentleman Bryan Sanders.

“Arkansas is quickly becoming a national destination for outdoor recreation. I am pleased to do my part in encouraging companies to invest in Arkansas, booming tourism,” said Senate President Bart Hester.

“This is a great opportunity to work with the Governor and First Gentleman to move the Mena Trails Project forward and grow my district’s outdoor economy. Arkansas is quickly becoming a year-round, world-class outdoor recreation destination and Mena is proud to lead the way,” said Representative John Maddox.

Watch the announcement on Facebook.

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Lift-assist at the base of Whistler Mountain in Canada.
Lift-assist at the base of Whistler Mountain in Canada.

The project team includes:

  • Hufft (architecture)
  • Gravity Logic and Rock Solid (trail design and construction)
  • Crafton Tull (engineering)
See also  From Gravel to Paddle, studioDRIFT Brings Adventure Recreation to the Arkansas Delta

Large-scale plans were submitted on Jan. 27 for the March Bella Vista planning commission meeting. For additional information and construction updates, visit www.oztrails.com.


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!

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