BELLA VISTA, Ark. — Trail users in Bella Vista will soon see a welcome improvement to their riding and hiking experience as Trailblazers, a Northwest Arkansas-based nonprofit, secures funding to repair and maintain water spigots along two of the area’s most popular trail systems.
Hydration station upgrades on Bella Vista trails
The project will focus on fixing 13 broken hydration stations located throughout the Little Sugar and Back 40 trails, which are part of the broader OZ Trails™ network. Repairs are scheduled to begin by May 26, with full restoration expected by June 10.
“This project represents a meaningful investment by members of our community who are passionate about trails and outdoor recreation. It’s truly inspiring to see this group come together to get all the water stops back up and running,” said Victor Gurel, CEO of Trailblazers. “Water access isn’t just a convenience—it’s a critical feature that allows riders and hikers of all skill levels to enjoy these world-class trails without carrying excessive weight or risking dehydration.”
The funding will also cover 24 months of maintenance for the spigots. According to a technical assessment, high water pressure contributed to seal damage in the current hydrants. The repairs will include new pressure regulators to prevent future breakdowns.
Spigot locations serve key access points across the Bella Vista trail system, including intersections and trailheads near Lake Ann, the Metfield Pump Track, and Blowing Springs. Once the upgrades are complete, an updated spigot map will be available on the Trailblazers website and the Trailforks app.
The timing is crucial as Bella Vista and the city’s Property Owners Association have embraced Class 1 e-bikes on local trails—many of which accommodate only a single bottle cage.
“What makes these water stations particularly valuable is their strategic placement throughout both the Little Sugar and Back 40 trail systems, allowing users to plan longer adventures with confidence,” Gurel said. “The repairs and upgrades will ensure these resources remain reliable for years to come.”
The Bella Vista POA is partnering in support of the project.
“The Bella Vista POA is appreciative of the Trailblazers organization and looking forward to getting the trailside hydrants operational again. They continue to be a great partner to the POA in helping provide amenities for our members and the larger community of trail users,” said Trey Anson, Bella Vista POA trails manager. “The POA is committed to doing what we can to make sure these amenities stay available for the community.”
Lorenzo, a visiting rider from Nova Scotia, Canada, praised the existing water access on Bella Vista trails.
“The water access is huge for me,” he said. “To be able to ride for hours and only have to carry a single bottle is amazing. Nowhere else I have ridden has such a cool feature as part of the trail system.”
The Bella Vista trails—Little Sugar and Back 40—feature more than 100 miles of singletrack and are part of the 500-mile OZ Trails™ network that connects communities across Northwest Arkansas.
For updates on the repair progress or more information about trail hydration locations, visit wearetrailblazers.org.
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!
