Trails at Mena project clears biking hurdle with federal permit

Calling it a “landmark event” for Arkansas outdoor recreation, Gov. Sarah Sanders and state officials on Friday (June 6) officially signed a U.S. Forest Service permit authorizing construction of The Trails at Mena project, a one-of-a-kind lift-served mountain bike and adventure park that will connect the city of Mena to Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

When complete, it will be the largest lift-served mountain bike park in the world, built from the ground up exclusively for biking, according to officials.

“It is absolutely amazing how many people are here and have come from literally every corner of the state, which shows what an important project this is, but more importantly how many people have come together to make it happen,” said Sanders. “I am very proud to be here and join you in this celebration and excitement.”

Held at Carver Grand Hall in the Ouachita Center, the ceremony marked the completion of a years-long environmental and planning process culminating in a signed Special Use Permit under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The permit, granted by the U.S. Forest Service, allows construction to begin on a world-class recreation destination that will redefine adventure tourism in Arkansas and the region.

“This is the next chapter in The Natural State’s outdoor legacy. We are entering a bold new era of trail development, park investment, and adventure infrastructure,” said First Gentleman Bryan Sanders. “The Trails at Mena will not only put Mena on the map — it’ll keep Arkansas at the forefront of outdoor recreation in America.”

The project includes:

• 1,200 feet of elevation drop for epic descents;
• A range of trails from beginner flow to expert jump lines;
• Raw, technical, and steep terrain for advanced riders;
• 18–20 miles of fully designed and flagged trail in Phase I; and
• Year-round riding made possible by climate and terrain.

“The new lift-served downhill mountain bike park here in Mena is more than a recreational asset, it’s a game-changer,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “This is more than a moment, it’s a movement. And we’re proud to be part of it. We know that when we invest in our natural spaces, we’re investing in the health, happiness, and prosperity of our people.”

The project is anchored near the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, a 223-mile thru-hike connecting Queen Wilhelmina State Park to Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock. The project is being led by Arkansas State Parks, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation, the City of Mena, and supporters across state and federal government.

“This is a dream come true for Mena. This bike park will connect our city to the mountaintop, open new tourism opportunities, and create something that families from across the country will come to experience,” said Mena Mayor Seth Smith.

With the permit now finalized and signed, design and development will begin this summer. As a permitted project on Ouachita National Forest land, the development was subject to a comprehensive environmental review, including wildlife, water quality, scenic value and cultural resources assessments as outlined across the 21-page permit. Costs for the project were not immediately available.