The Hardest MTB Trails in Bentonville—Are You Up for the Challenge?

by brent flanagan

1. Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Park

If you're looking for a trail that will push your skills to the limit, here are some challenging trails at Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Park.  This area has some of Bentonville’s most exciting challenges. Here’s  some highlights by features:

  • Technical rock gardens:  Dragon Scales. 

  • Big Sends:  Barn Burner 

  • Technical climbs: North side of Schroen Train.

  • Technical line: Tatamagouche above the skills park. 

  • Longest climb:  Downhill connector from All-American to Medusa. 

  • Hardest climb: Bush Push. Name after a former president. 

  • Biggest Drop: Check out the update skills park.

  • Favorite Flow Line: Jesse’s Last Stand and All American jump line. 

🔥 Flo Bikewear Tip: Take time at the skills park to for some laps to improve your skills. Bentonville has something for everyone. 

2. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

For expert riders who want to experience a challenge with incredible views, the Backbone Trail at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is one of the hardest trails in Bentonville. Here's what makes it a tough ride:

  • Technical rock gardens:  Hardway to the cafe all down hill.  

  • Big Sends:  Cease and Desist.  New Cleared for Take that features a 35’ gap. 

  • Technical climbs: Esther’s loop lower section by Airship. 

  • Technical line:  Rock Soft

  • Longest climb:  Pedal Assist is a paved steady grade climb to the hub. 

  • Hardest climb: Copperhead road from Airship to the hub. 

  • Biggest Drop:  Drop the Hammer. 

  • Favorite Flow Line:  Fireline 

📌 Pro Tip: Riders looking to conquer the cleared for take out  should really be careful you need to have the right speed to get through this. Take time to stop and refuel at Airship coffee. 

4. Handcut Hollow 

While the Blowing Springs Trails are known for their flowing sections, the downhill section provides a much more challenging experience for advanced riders. This section of the trail features:

  • Technical rock gardens: Body Machine 

  • Big Sends:  Interplanet Janet. 

  • Technical climbs:  Zone 4

  • Technical line: 

  • Longest climb:  Traverse loop next to J street. 

  • Hardest climb: Zone 4

  • Biggest Drop:  Schoolhouse rock 

  • Flow Line: Ready or Not.

📌 Pro Tip: Be ready for tight and techy terrain—Handcut hollow is perfect for those looking to push the limits of their riding. Take a break after at the historic school house at the base of the lines. 

5. Wonderland 

While the Blowing Springs Trails are known for their flowing sections, the downhill section provides a much more challenging experience for advanced riders. This section of the trail features:

  • Technical rock gardens: Sally along the cliff 

  • Big Sends:  Area 51

  • Technical climbs: Wonderland

  • Technical line: Smuggler’s Run

  • Longest climb:  Rabbit hole 

  • Hardest climb: 1st section of Sally head up to the RV 

  • Biggest Drop: Mad Hatter  

  • Flow line: Ace of Spades

📌 Pro Tip: Be ready for some climbs to get to Area 51 and Wonderland it’s worth it. Lot of rock faces and views to be had.   Take advantage of Little Sugar creek to cool off when its hot. 


 

Ready to Conquer Bentonville’s Toughest Trails?

Bentonville is quickly becoming a mecca for mountain biking, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to every skill level. For seasoned riders looking to test their limits, the trails at Slaughter Pen, Coler, Handcut Hollow, and Wonderland will provide the ultimate MTB challenge. Whether you’re tackling technical rock gardens or flying down fast flowy descents, Bentonville has something to push your skills to the next level.

🚴♂️ Get ready to take on these tough trails in style with custom MTB jerseys and t-shirts from Flo Bikewear. Designed for comfort, performance, and style, our jerseys are made to handle the toughest trails and keep you looking great while you ride.

 

Back to Blogs