For years, Bentonville has been the undisputed "Mountain Biking Capital of the World." But just a few miles north, a new silhouette is rising against the Bella Vista skyline—one that promises to elevate the Northwest Arkansas riding scene to a global gravity destination.
The OZ Trails Bike Park is no longer just a blueprint or a rumor. With construction on the trails nearly complete and the infrastructure humming to life, the park is on track for a Summer 2026 opening. While an official announcement is slated for March, we’ve gathered the inside details from General Manager, Gary Vernon, on what Bentonville residents can expect from their new backyard playground.
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While the "OZ" brand is synonymous with world-class trails, the team behind the project is adamant about one thing: “It’s not just for cyclists, it’s for everyone.”
The heart of the park is a massive, window-wrapped lodge designed for uninterrupted views of the action. The exterior will be a work of art itself, encased in a vibrant Stevie Stevens mosaic inspired by the iconic OZ Trails sunset logo. Inside, the facility functions as a high-end community hub. Visitors can grab a coffee, browse a giant digital map of the park, or watch adrenaline-pumping footage on a massive monitor.
The building isn't just a pass-through; it’s a destination. The ground floor features a full-service bike shop for rentals and quick repairs, along with retail space stocked with exclusive OZ swag. Upstairs, the vibe shifts to "après-ride." A community room and bar, capable of seating 120 people, opens onto a patio overlooking the base of the lift. Whether you’re hosting a corporate retreat using their large-scale presentation screens or celebrating a wedding with the trails as your backdrop, the space is designed to be lived in.
The OZ Express:
The crown jewel of the park is undoubtedly the OZ Express. This Leitner-Poma chairlift is already installed, and the staff has completed their training. Stretching 2,600 feet, the lift whisks riders to the summit in under four minutes.
If you’re itching for a preview, keep your eyes on the Send it South bike and music festival at The Momentary. A select group of 150 community members will be the first to experience the lift, signaling the start of a new era for lift-accessed riding in the region.
From "Kiddy Zones" to Pro Lines
The trail network is currently 80–85% complete, with 18 miles of trail ready for the grand opening. But don't expect the digging to stop there. The philosophy here is one of constant evolution: “We’ll always be maintaining and building,” developers say.
The park’s layout is designed to progress with the rider:
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The Plaza: A paved area featuring art installations, outdoor seating, and a dedicated pump track and "kiddy zone" for the youngest shredders.
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The Slopestyle Course: This is the park's heavy hitter. It features a professional-grade jump line—one of only six of its kind in the United States. While there will be a "Blue" line for intermediate riders, the Black and Double-Black lines are built to attract the world's top pros.
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The OZ Drop: Perhaps the most "Instagrammable" moment in the park, riders will exit the slopestyle course by dropping through a massive "O" in the OZ Trails sign.
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The Shred Shed: Tucked away in the network is a reinforced building, possibly repurposed from an old homestead, serving as a unique mid-trail hangout spot.
While mountain destinations in the Rockies or the Alps might boast longer descents, the OZ Trails team believes their secret sauce lies in the details. “We have special features that will put us above even the bigger mountain places,” the team notes. “They’ve got longer downhills, but they don’t have these special features to play on.”
Community and Access
In keeping with the Northwest Arkansas spirit of accessibility, the park is leaning heavily into community integration. While there will be a variety of pricing tiers—including an annual pass—the park is offering unique ways to get on the mountain.
A volunteer program will allow locals to earn passes through "sweat equity," and a partnership with NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) will turn the park into a living classroom for their Trail Technician program, offering students internships and hands-on apprenticeships.
Looking Ahead
As the sun sets over Bella Vista, casting a glow on the Stevie Stevens mosaic, it's easy to visualize the future: riders cooling off on the patio with a drink, kids racing on the pump track, and pros back-flipping through the "OZ" sign.
Stay tuned for the official March announcement, which will include dates for soft openings and the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Until then, keep your tires pumped and your eyes on the horizon.