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OZ Trails To Build First Chairlift-Enabled Mountain Bike Park in NWA

OZ Trails™ is taking Northwest Arkansas’s cycling scene to new heights with plans for the region’s first chairlift-served downhill mountain bike park.

The OZ Trails Bike Park, featuring more than 20 miles of gravity trails that showcase innovative trail design, will be located at the junction of Bella Vista and Bentonville along Highway 71, with easy access from Interstate 49.

Crafton Tull

The development integrates 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 facility will seamlessly connect with the existing OZ Trails network, which showcases the region's distinctive Ozark terrain. Construction will commence in spring 2025.

At the heart of the park, the OZ Trails HQ will establish a new social hub for both active participants and casual visitors. Beyond cycling, the park will feature an integrated hiking trail and art walk, creating moments of discovery throughout the property. Other amenities include:

  • OZ Trails HQ with full-service dining

  • Bike shop and rental center with top-tier service

  • Community plaza for events and socializing

  • Pump track for skill-building and fun

  • Dedicated hiking trail for non-riders to explore

  • Art installations woven 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's 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 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."

The project team includes: 

  • Hufft (architecture) 

  • Gravity Logic and Rock Solid (trail design and construction) 

  • Crafton Tull (engineering)

Large-scale plans were submitted on Jan. 27 for the March Bella Vista planning commission meeting. For additional information and construction updates, visit www.oztrails.com.

OZ Trails Bike Park Plans19.24 MB • PDF File

About OZ Trails™

OZ Trails is Northwest Arkansas's signature trail system, a world-class network that showcases the distinctive terrain of the Ozarks while connecting communities throughout the region. The system features purpose-built trails that integrate with the natural landscape, offering experiences for cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Through strategic trail development and maintenance, OZ Trails has established Northwest Arkansas as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, combining natural beauty with accessible infrastructure to create unique outdoor experiences that reflect the region's character.

About Runway Group

Runway Group is a holding company investing in real estate, outdoor initiatives, and hospitality businesses in Bentonville and Arkansas. The company's operating businesses include Blue Crane, Ropeswing Hospitality Group, Legends Air Center at Thaden Field, and OZ Trails.