The OZ Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista is set to open on June 12, and it’s already creating a buzz. On Friday, the park offered a sneak peek of its impressive facilities, featuring a chairlift and more than 20 miles of purpose-built trails. This makes it the first chairlift-served bike park in Northwest Arkansas. Located at U.S. 71 and Mercy Way, the 200-acre park promises to be a game-changer for cyclists of all skill levels.
During the media preview, journalists and biking enthusiasts from the nonprofit Friends of Arkansas Single Track and OZ Mountain Bike Patrol had the chance to test the trails and the fully operational chairlift. The park, developed by the Runway Group—a holding company founded by Tom and Steuart Walton—aims to offer a unique biking experience that complements the existing trail systems in Northwest Arkansas.
The chairlift is a highlight, providing easy access to the trails and allowing riders to focus on the downhill experience. It’s a feature that families, solo adventurers, and biking groups are likely to appreciate, as it caters to all levels of riders. With plans to open more than 20 miles of trails, the park is designed to accommodate everyone from beginners to seasoned mountain bikers.
Jackie Fink, 9, and her father Adam Fink were among those who tried the chairlift during the preview. Their excitement reflects the broader anticipation in the region for this new facility. The park not only promises to enhance the local biking scene but also aims to draw visitors from surrounding areas, contributing to the growing reputation of Northwest Arkansas as a biking destination.
The OZ Trails Bike Park is part of a broader initiative to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in Northwest Arkansas. With other projects like the e-Mountain Bike Paradise at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch already in place, the region is quickly becoming known for its investment in biking infrastructure.
As the opening day approaches, anticipation is building. The park’s blend of accessibility and adventure is expected to appeal to a wide range of visitors. Whether you’re a local family looking for weekend fun or an avid biker seeking new challenges, the OZ Trails Bike Park is poised to become a must-visit spot in Bella Vista.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
