Slaughter Pen Trail: Bentonville's Urban Mountain Biking Oasis

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Explore over 40 miles of urban mountain biking trails at Slaughter Pen in Bentonville, Arkansas, a unique blend of outdoor adventure and art.

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Slaughter Pen Trail

Slaughter Pen Trail in Bentonville, Arkansas, offers a unique urban mountain biking experience with over 40 miles of trails for all skill levels. Flowing alongside the Razorback Regional Greenway and near Crystal Bridges Museum, it combines outdoor adventure with art and culture.

A brief summary to Slaughter Pen Trail

203 NE 3rd St, Bentonville, Downtown Bentonville, Arkansas, 72712, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Slaughter Pen Trail.

Park at 2400 N Walton Boulevard, south of the Bark Park, for convenient access to the trails.
Visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which is bike-friendly, after your ride.
Check trail conditions before heading out, as machine-built trails may close after rain.

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Getting There

Walking

From downtown Bentonville, Slaughter Pen Trail is easily accessible by foot. Head north on Main Street, then turn left onto NE 3rd Street. Continue west, and you'll find trailheads within a short walk. This approach is free.
Driving

If driving, several parking areas are available. One option is at 2400 N Walton Boulevard, just south of the Bark Park. From downtown, take NW A Street north, then turn right onto N Walton Boulevard. Parking is free. Limited parking is also available at Compton Gardens on Main Street and NE A Street and NE Cub Circle.
Ride-Share

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Bentonville. A ride from downtown to the N Walton Boulevard parking area will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand.
Shuttle

Several shuttle services cater to mountain bikers in Bentonville, including Shuttle Hound and Shore Line Shuttle. These services can pick you up from your location and drop you off at the trailhead of your choice. Prices vary depending on the service and distance, but expect to pay around $20-$40 for a one-way trip.

Discover more about Slaughter Pen Trail

Slaughter Pen Trail has transformed from a cattle grazing area known as Slaughter Pen Holler in the 1940s to a premier mountain biking destination. The last slaughter pen closed in the 1970s due to regulations around animal waste. In 2002, the NWA Trailblazers acquired the property to create a paved path, and the surrounding land's potential soon became clear.Today, Slaughter Pen is an IMBA Silver Level Ride Center, boasting over 40 miles of single-track trails that cater to beginners and experts alike. The trails feature log rides, drops, jumps, berms, and a free ride area. The trail's location near downtown Bentonville and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art creates a unique experience, blending outdoor recreation with art and culture. Riders can enjoy clean flow, major downhills, technical rocks, and huge berms. The Razorback Regional Greenway also runs alongside the trail.Slaughter Pen is a key part of Bentonville's identity as the "Mountain Biking Capital of the World". The trails are easily accessible from downtown, making it convenient for locals and tourists. The Walton Family Foundation has invested heavily in developing the trails, helping to connect communities and promote outdoor recreation.