Bentonville, nestled in the heart of the Ozarks in Northwest Arkansas, has become a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary biking experience.

With its extensive network of trails, diverse natural beauty, and a culture that embraces innovation, riding an electric bike (eBike) in Bentonville is all about fun, adventure, and exploration.

And the really great part is that many of the trails in and around Bentonville are open to electric bikes. Whether you're an avid rider or a casual cruiser, an eBike is a great way to explore Bentonville with its dense network of trails, scenic vistas, and the city's unique charm.

First of all let’s take a look at the riding options.

Fun Rides in Bentonville

Razorback Greenway: This is a 40 mile pathway that connects 7 communities from the Bentonville and Bella Vista area down to Fayetteville. The route provides access to art, culture and commerce in addition to traveling by 23 schools, the University of Arkansas, and some of the corporate headquarters in the area such as Walmart, JB Hunt, and Tyson Foods. Class 1 and 2 electric bikes are allowed on the Greenway.

Here is a map of some other shorter trails that are available in the Bentonville area.

Mountain Bike Rides

Bentonville boasts an extensive network of well-maintained mountain biking trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. From beginner-friendly paths to advanced technical trails, there is something for everyone.

And again one of the big highlights of Bentonville is that many of the trails are open to electric mountain bikes. To get familiar with these trail systems checkout Trailforks or MTB Project and use the “E-Bike” filter to see how many trails are open to eMountain bikes!

Here is a video about the mountain bike scene in Bentonville to give you an idea of what it's like. Note that many of the trails they show are fairly challenging and there are easier places to ride if that suits your riding style.

The 40+ miles Slaughter Pen Trail System, is a labyrinth of interconnected trails winding through lush forests, with some challenging rock features, and great views. The trail system is near the Razorback Greenway and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where the path features public art.

For the more daring riders, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve presents thrilling jumps, drops, and flowy descents. This is 2 miles west of downtown and there is a campground in the preserve.

The Back 40 Trail, a 21-mile loop through rolling terrain has some steep climbs and swooping descents. There are a number of other trails to checkout within the loop itself.

Those are the highlights because there are plenty of trails there to keep you riding for days! There are more trail systems in the Bentonville area to explore if you have time.

Electric Bike Tours & Rentals

E-Bike Bentonville rents high quality electric mountain bikes and they are located within a 5 minute ride of the Slaughter Pen or Coler Preserve trail systems.

OZ E-Bikes rents a wide variety of electric bike types such as cruisers, commuters, cargo, and eMountain bikes. They also have eBike tour options available.

Phat Tire Bike Shop rents full suspension electric mountain bikes and city style eBikes.

Planning a trip? Call or stop by the Denago dealers like the Woodsman Company (Fort Smith, Arkansas) so they can make some recommendations.

Other Fun Things to Do in Bentonville

Beyond riding your eBike there are a lot of other fun things to do in Bentonville. Here are some ideas:

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Explore world-class artwork in a stunning natural setting. The museum features an impressive collection of American art spanning various periods, and its unique architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding Ozark landscape.

Museum of Native American History: Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans through artifacts, art, and exhibits that highlight their history, traditions, and contributions.

Visit Downtown Bentonville: Stroll through the downtown area, where you'll find boutique shops, local galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Don't miss Bentonville Square, a hub of community events and gatherings.

Amazeum: If you're traveling with children, the Scott Family Amazeum offers hands-on, interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy outdoor activities at local parks like Lake Bella Vista, where you can fish, kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax by the water.

Food and Dining: Indulge in Bentonville's culinary scene, which includes a variety of dining options, from farm-to-table restaurants to food trucks. Explore local flavors and savor diverse cuisines.

Breweries and Distilleries: Experience the local craft beverage scene by visiting breweries and distilleries in and around Bentonville. Take tours, sample unique drinks, and learn about the brewing and distillation processes.

Ozark Mountain Ziplines: For an adrenaline rush, soar through the treetops on a zipline adventure that offers exhilarating views of the Ozark Mountains.

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks: Enjoy a peaceful stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring native plants, themed areas, and seasonal events.

Live Music and Entertainment: Check out local venues for live music performances, theater productions, and other entertainment options to experience Bentonville's cultural scene.

Historic Sites: Explore historic sites like the Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens to learn about the history and heritage of the region.

Festivals and Events: Depending on the time of your visit, you might have the chance to attend festivals and events that celebrate art, music, food, and local culture.

These are just a few of the many fun activities you can enjoy in Bentonville. The city's vibrant blend of art, nature, and community ensures that there's always something exciting to do and explore.

Accommodation and Hospitality

There are many options to choose from in Bentonville. For hotels there are the chain options in addition to boutique hotels and unique bed and breakfasts. Then there are the vacation rental options usually found on AirBNB or VRBO.

For those with RVs or who prefer camping, there are several RV parks and campgrounds nearby that offer a natural setting.

Some establishments cater specifically to cyclists, providing amenities such as bike storage, repair facilities, and trail maps.

How to Get to Bentonville

Getting to Bentonville is relatively straightforward, and there are several transportation options available depending on your starting point and preferences. Here's a general guide on how to get to Bentonville:

By Air: The closest major airport to Bentonville is Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA), located in Highfill, Arkansas, approximately 15 miles from Bentonville. Once you arrive at XNA, you can rent a car, take a shuttle, or use rideshare services to reach Bentonville.

By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can reach Bentonville via major highways and interstates. Some of the key routes include:

From the North: Take I-49 South from cities like Joplin, Missouri, and Kansas City, Missouri.

From the South: Take I-49 North from cities like Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Fort Smith, Arkansas.

From the East or West: Depending on your location, you can connect to I-40 and then take I-49 to reach Bentonville.

By Bus: Long-distance bus services, such as Greyhound or regional bus lines, might offer routes to Bentonville or nearby cities like Fayetteville. Check with bus companies for available routes and schedules.

By Train: While Bentonville itself doesn't have a train station, you can take a train to a nearby city like Little Rock, Arkansas, or Springfield, Missouri, and then continue your journey to Bentonville by bus, car rental, or other transportation options.

Rideshare and Car Rental: Once you've reached a nearby transportation hub, you can use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get to Bentonville. Additionally, car rental agencies operate at airports and major cities, providing you with the flexibility to drive to Bentonville at your own pace.

Bentonville Has It All

As you can see an eBiking vacation to Bentonville offers a lot of riding options as well as many other fun activities. If you are traveling with a family or group of friends with varying interests there is something for everyone.

It is very impressive to see how many trails (both on and off road) are open to electric bikes. That alone makes Bentonville a great destination for riding your electric bike. If you are looking for a place to ride your electric mountain bike with many trail options, Bentonville is the place!

And after the rides there are many places to relax, enjoy some good food and beverages. Not to mention all the other recreation and cultural activities to check out.

Enjoy your rides!

-Pete