This Southern Town Is the 'Mountain Biking Capital of the World'-and It Has Access to 400 Miles of Trails

"The city has nearly 70 miles of trails-an amenity unmatched by other marquee biking destinations-with seamless connections to a 400-mile, award-winning network across Northwest Arkansas. Along the way, riders can encounter everything from public art installations to bike bars that double as popular gathering spots. Bentonville is also an International Mountain Biking Association Silver Level Ride Center (a recognition shared by only a handful of destinations worldwide) and it's home to the U.S. National Mountain Bike Team."

"In addition to a renowned biking scene, Bentonville is a growing hub for the arts and for dining. This year, it was the only city with two finalists in the James Beard Best Chef: South category, and it welcomed two new eateries in June 2025: Wu Zhao, an elevated Chinese restaurant, and Ryn, a farm-to-table restaurant serving eight to 10-course meals on a farm outside the city."

"Bentonville is also home to the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. In addition to housing five centuries of American art, Crystal Bridges is located on 120 acres of Ozark forest (a must-visit in the fall) and offers tours of a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, the Bachman-Wilson House. Entrance to the museum is free, though you will need a reservation to see certain special exhibitions, such as the Bachman-Wilson House."

Bentonville offers nearly 70 miles of mountain-bike trails with seamless connections to a 400-mile award-winning network across Northwest Arkansas. Riders can encounter public art installations and bike bars along the trails. The city is an International Mountain Biking Association Silver Level Ride Center and hosts the U.S. National Mountain Bike Team. Cooler fall weather and autumn colors make biking ideal, and October features the Life Time Big Sugar Classic mountain bike and gravel race. The arts and dining scene has grown, with two James Beard Best Chef: South finalists and new restaurants Wu Zhao and Ryn opening in June 2025. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art sits on 120 acres of Ozark forest and offers free admission with reservations required for certain special exhibitions.

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