A new chapter in Arkansas’ mountain biking scene begins June 12 with the public opening of OZ Trails Bike Park, the state’s first chairlift-served mountain bike park.
Located in Bella Vista on the edge of Bentonville at the intersection of Highway 71 and Mercy Way, the new destination features more than 20 miles of professionally built gravity trails and a high-speed quad chairlift designed to serve riders of all skill levels.
The opening comes as part of the Bentonville Bike Fest and follows a month-long access period for founding members.
“The best thing about this park isn’t the trails, it’s the culture our community is building around them,” said Tom Walton, who led the vision behind OZ Trails. “We built OZ Trails Bike Park to welcome everyone in, from first-timers to lifelong riders, and to give Bentonville and Bella Vista a place to come together.”
The park was designed and built by Gravity Logic, a company known for creating mountain bike parks around the world. Trails range from beginner-friendly green routes to more advanced blue and black trails. An on-site bike patrol team will monitor the park throughout operating hours.
At the center of the experience is OZ Trails HQ, which serves as a gathering space for riders and visitors. The facility includes bike rentals, a retail shop, a bike school offering lessons and clinics, and Ozzy’s Ride + Dine, an on-site restaurant serving pizza, sandwiches, appetizers and other menu items.
“The lift changes how the whole day feels. You can lap from open to close, and every ride up is a chance to catch up with friends, swap stories, or meet someone new on the chair next to you,” said Gary Vernon, general manager of OZ Trails Bike Park. “But you don’t have to ride to make a day of it. People come to hike, grab a meal at Ozzy’s, ride the lift up for the views, no bike required, or just post up at the base and watch the action.”
The park’s celebration begins June 11 with the HYPER Jump Jam, featuring BMX and mountain bike athletes performing tricks, a $500 Best Whip Contest, giveaways, a live DJ and open riding throughout the park for lift-ticket holders.
Grand opening festivities continue June 12 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Activities throughout the day include guided rides, vendors, plaza activities and a two-hour group ride led by Christian Peper for intermediate and advanced riders.
The evening will feature a performance by Black Pistol Fire and conclude with the Bosch Hill Climb Challenge, a Bentonville Bike Fest competition that challenges riders to tackle a steep technical course on Class 1 pedal-assist eBikes. The event is free to enter and watch and includes a $1,500 prize purse.
OZ Trails Bike Park is open Thursday through Monday. Grounds are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the chairlift operates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Day passes are $59.99, half-day passes after 3 p.m. are $34.99, and single chairlift rides are available for $10. Monthly memberships are $129 for individuals and $249 for families. For more information, click here.
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