Originally Posted by Chisa Boonmee for Global Travel Media | Jan 21, 2023
On this new six-day family mountain biking tour of Bentonville, Arkansas, guest will have the option to explore over 140 miles of bike trails while staying in a luxurious vacation home equipped with an oasis pool, water slide, hot tub, and a fleet of bikes and tools. Escape Adventures trip leaders will prepare meals and provide itineraries based on age and skill level. The Walton Foundation has poured millions of dollars into Bentonville to build world-class mountain bike trails and help transform the town into a fantastic vacation destination, with amazing restaurants, museums, and public spaces. This tour is offered: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct and starts at $2,399 per person. Highlights include meals prepared by private chefs, the Slaughter Pen trail system, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Hobbs State Park, Coler Park and Bella Vista. For more info, visit https://escapeadventures.com/tour/bentonville-intro-mountain-bike-tour/.
“Thanks to its existing natural beauty, and a thoughtful rebrand, Bentonville is blossoming into a delightful haven for mountain biking adventurers,” said Jared Fisher, Director of Escape Adventures. “From paved trails to mountain bike trails, bike parks, and pump tracks, Bentonville and the surrounding area has a little bit of everything for every style and level of rider.”
DAY 1 | Bentonville
We initiate our stay in this historic town with a tour of Bentonville and Walmart headquarters. After we get our bearings, it’s time to hit one of the many trails accessible from town. Lunch is enjoyed trailside or at one of the eateries in downtown and then ride back to home base. Here, a gourmet meal from private chefs will highlight the evening.
DAY 2 | Slaughter Pen
After breakfast, we hop on our bikes and take on the Slaughter Pen trail system. Don’t worry about the name! There is no slaughter happening on this singletrack. From beginner to expert, there is something for everyone; clean flow, major downhills, huge berms, and technical rocks. This unique urban mountain biking experience is further punctuated by the hidden gem of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Artwork is dotted along the trail, with even more to be found inside. In the evening, we enjoy a relaxing relaxing session by the pool if desired, as well as a handmade pizza using the outdoor ovens.
DAY 3 | Hobbs State Park
We explore Hobbs State Park. This new network features downhill-only trails in the form of some gorgeous dirt ribbons. Through the short-leaf pine trees, we take in glittering views of Beaver Lake. We pause to enjoy a trailside lunch while in the state park. After taking in all that we can of this truly gorgeous area, we head back to home base for a delicious meal prepared by our trip leader chefs.
DAY 4 | Coler Park
Spending the day in Coler Park feels like we are in the deep, deep backcountry, instead of two miles from downtown Bentonville. Three trails of varying technicality are connected at the top by a “hub” where you may choose your own destiny. There is a small eatery and coffee shop nestled conveniently in the middle of Coler Park. Spend the evening as you wish either downtown Bentonville or relaxing at home.
DAY 5 | Bella Vista
We venture out a little further from town to the city of Bella Vista and enjoy some excellent trail riding. Bella Vista boasts a staggering 100 miles of singletrack, the majority of which is brand new. In the trail system, we find that beauty is all around us; including Blowing Springs Loop, which is one of the most scenic rides in all of Arkansas.
DAY 6 | Bentonville
Today, for the last hurrah, we finish up on some fun local trails. For those looking for a real urban biking experience, we can even try out some of the flow trails near downtown. A stop at Walmart malt shop for a good old-fashioned treat is a must. After that it’s a quick ride back to the house to pack up before the shuttle back to the airport.
About Escape Adventures: Since 1992, Escape Adventures has been blessed to shape and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Building on over 100 destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type. From road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels, Escape Adventures looks forward to many new and exciting adventures with you. https://escapeadventures.com/
