Mountain bike parks in Bella Vista, Mena to feature ‘lift-access’

OZ Trails will open a mountain bike park with more than 20 miles of trails in Bella Vista, the organization announced Tuesday (Feb. 4) following remarks from Gov. Sarah Sanders. The OZ Trails Bike Park is expected to include a chairlift system.

In her remarks Tuesday for Natural State Day at the Capitol, Sanders noted the new bike park and likened the system to a ski lift. She also highlighted the Trails at Mena project that’s expected to break ground soon and will feature biking and hiking trails near Mena.

Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, and Rep. John Maddox, R-Mena, will sponsor a bill “that lays the groundwork for bringing lift-access downhill mountain bike parks to Arkansas,” Sanders said.

“I’m also thrilled to announce that Mena will not be the only lift-access bike park coming to Arkansas,” Sanders said. “OZ Trails Bike Park is coming to Bella Vista thanks to Tom and Steuart Walton and the Runway Group, who have taken mountain biking and outdoor recreation in our state to the next level. This is very exciting. We will be putting ourselves further and further on the map when it comes to this industry.”

Construction of the OZ Trails Bike Park will start this spring at the junction of Bella Vista and Bentonville along Highway 71, near Interstate 49. The development will include 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 release noted. “The facility will seamlessly connect with the existing OZ Trails network, which showcases the region’s distinctive Ozark terrain.”

Amenities include the OZ Trails HQ with full-service dining, a bike shop and rental center, a community plaza and gathering spaces, a pump track, a dedicated hiking trail, and 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’ 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.”

The project team comprises architect Hufft, engineer Crafton Tull, and Gravity Logic and Rock Solid, handling trail design and construction. The project plans were submitted on Jan. 27 and are set to come before the Bella Vista Planning Commission in March.

“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.”

According to Bentonville developer Blue Crane, the OZ Trails Bike Park is not part of the approximately 2,700 acres of undeveloped land it purchased in May from Cooper Communities Inc. of Rogers. Blue Crane is the real estate acquisition and development arm of Runway Group, a diversified holding company that invests in real estate, outdoor initiatives, hospitality, and businesses. It’s also based in Bentonville and led by Steuart Walton and Tom Walton. They are the grandsons of Walmart founder Sam Walton and the sons of Arvest Bank Group Inc. chairman and CEO Jim Walton.