OZ Trails Bike Park
Photo courtesy of Russell Walters
Distance from Bentonville: 15 minutes
Best For: All skill levels
Time Needed: Half to full day
Just north of Bentonville in the hills of Bella Vista sits OZ Trails Bike Park. OZ Trails Bike Park features downhill trails with chairlift access to maximize the fun. The park’s design philosophy focuses on flow, meaning you can point your bike downhill and let momentum carry you through one smooth, connected feature after another.
Jeff Nicholas, our Outdoor Recreation Sales and Event Manager, loves the new bike park. He said:
“The sense of community around the OZ Trails Bike Park opening is real, riders from every background coming together to celebrate and ride like no other trailhead I have seen before. My wife and I do not reach out to our friends to ride the park, we simply arrive and ride and run into all of them there!”
What to Expect:
Take the lift to the top hub, and look for trail signage. The park is organized by difficulty level. Beginner zones have rolling berms and confidence-building features. Intermediate areas feature medium-sized jumps, step-ups, and technical turns. Advanced sections include massive doubles, hip jumps, and creative lines that reward creativity.
The best part? You can spend the morning sessioning one feature, improving your skills with every lap, then move on to a different zone when you want a change of pace. By afternoon, your legs might thank you for the nearby breweries and restaurants in downtown Bentonville. You’ll be back in town in less time than it takes to drive most urban commutes.
Plan Your Visit
Price ranges: Single lift ticket $10, Half-Day Pass $34, & Full-Day Pass $59
Parking: OZ Trails has convenient parking on site.
What to Bring: Your bike, helmet, water, and preferred protective gear
Best Time: Weekday mornings are less crowded; weekends draw out the Bentonville riding community
Fitzgerald Mountain
Distance from Bentonville: 30 minutes
Best For: Climbers & Mountain Bikers
Time Needed: Half Day
A part of the Oz Trails system, Fitzgerald Mountain in Springdale, Arkansas, is known by mountain bikers for its stonemasonry between the ribbons of dirt. However, there is a cliff band here that has been calling rock climbers since its opening a few years ago.
The Rock Climbing
With over 70 sport routes available, ranging from 5.4 to 5.12 in difficulty, there is something for every skill level of climber here. Many of the routes on the Swing Station wall are permadrawn, which means the draws are fixed into the wall, easing accessibility for newer climbers.
Avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast, who also happens to work for Visit Bentonville, Mer Wilder, Communications and Marketing Manager, had this to say,
“My family and I love to get out to Fitzgerald Mountain. The walls there range between 25 and 50 feet, making it easy to tick off many climbs in one day. It’s also a great place to bring friends, because of the diversity of difficulty.”
Plan Your Trip
Price ranges: Free admission
Parking: Park at Bayyari Park
Hiking in: Follow the Stage Coach Trail loop east, cross the private drive, then find the technical climbing sign and take the trail south to the cliff.
What to Bring: All rock climbing gear, including ropes, quickdraws, harness, helmet, climbing shoes, etc., and plenty of water.
WOKA Kayak Park in Siloam Springs
Photo courtesy of WOKA White Water Park
Distance from Bentonville: 45 minutes
Best For: Paddlers of all levels
Time Needed: Half to full day
If you want to experience Northwest Arkansas from a completely different perspective, WOKA White Water Kayak Park in Siloam Springs offers world-class kayak features without requiring a full river commitment. The park is designed around the natural current and geology of the Illinois River, with sculpted eddies (calm pockets of water where paddlers can practice maneuvers), wave gardens, and defined play spots. It’s truly a kayaker's playground.
What To Expect
The Illinois River through Siloam Springs offers that rare combination of beginner-friendly sections and world-class whitewater features. The park infrastructure—boat launches, riverside amenities, and parking—makes accessing the water easy and stress-free.
Planning Your WOKA Visit
Price ranges: Rent all the gear you need for your water adventure, from tubes and kayaks to paddleboards and surfboards. Prices range from $15 to $75. More info here.
Skill Level: Beginners can float on a tube; intermediate paddlers can practice strokes in eddy lines; advanced kayakers can session trick spots.
Weather Matters: Check water levels before heading out. Visit the WOKA real-time weather conditions page.
Half-Day Option: Many paddlers do a quick morning or evening session (90 minutes to 2 hours), making it the perfect warm-up activity before heading back to Bentonville
Pro Tip: Rentals are available on site. Combine with a lunch stop in historic Siloam Springs, known for its natural springs and charming downtown square.
Devils Den State Park
Photo courtesy of AR State Tourism
Distance from Bentonville: 50 minutes south
Best For: Hikers, mountain bikers, campers
Time Needed: Full day to overnight
If you’re looking for a destination that does it all and does it beautifully, head south to Devil's Den State Park near West Fork, Arkansas. This 2,000+ acre park delivers dramatic geology, multiple outdoor disciplines, and the kind of scenery that makes you understand why the Ozarks capture so many people’s hearts.
The Hiking Experience
With trails established by the CCC beginning in the 1930’s, it’s easy to see why hiking here has been a favorite activity of locals for generations. Alison Nation, an avid hiker and the Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Bentonville, had this to share,
“Heading down to Devil's Den State Park for a day of hiking has been a favorite family activity at our house for years. The drive is so pretty, especially once you're winding down into the park (so definitely a priority for leaf peeping in fall!).”
“Our routine is to stop at the Visitor Center to check on trail conditions, then head out on the Devil's Den Trail, an easy loop with cool rock and cave features and a twin falls waterfall. It's our kids' favorite trail and fun in all seasons. For a more strenuous hike, the Yellow Rock Trail offers a gorgeous scenic overlook.“
The Mountain Biking
The park has become a serious destination for mountain bikers, with trails that combine the natural Ozark topography with thoughtful trail design. Routes flow through scenic woodlands and technical rock gardens. Devils Den’s singletrack feels more wild and remote. You’re riding through a landscape that feels like a true adventure.
The Camping Options
With developed campgrounds plus backcountry camping options, you can make Devils Den a full overnight escape. Tent camping under the park’s towering bluffs or enjoy the cabin amenities.
Planning Your Trip to Devil's Den
Price ranges: Free admission
Technical Skills: Some trails are legitimately technical; this isn’t just scenic walking. Wear hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and make sure to tell someone where you are headed!
Waterfall Season: Visit in late spring (May-June) when creeks are running for the full waterfall experience.
Camping Reservations: Overnight spots book up during peak season; plan accordingly.
Swimming: No swimming is allowed in the natural waters of Devils Den State Park; however, there is a pool available during the summer season!
