Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
4.9(396)google
5.0(6)yelp
NatureHiking
Overview
A world-class, purpose-built mountain biking paradise located just minutes from downtown, this innovative park offers over 17 miles of diverse flow, dual-slalom, and technical rock trails. The preserve caters to all skill levels from toddlers to elite athletes, featuring a spectacular hub structure for launch drops, campsite rentals, and a secluded open-air coffee shop accessible only by bike or foot.
Practical Info
MonOpen 24 hours
TueOpen 24 hours
WedOpen 24 hours
ThuOpen 24 hours
FriOpen 24 hours
SatOpen 24 hours
SunOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeLate October foliage peak is phenomenal as changing oak forest coats the downhill flyovers, while spring offers wild blooms. The untouchable golden hour is 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the preserve's hidden heart—Airship Coffee; morning canyon mist rolling over the open-air wooden architecture under sunrise rays provides a surreal visual.
Getting ThereLocated in northwest Bentonville. Personal cars are strictly banned from driving inside the inner ecological sanctuary valley lanes; Airship Coffee is pedestrian-only via a 1-mile trail walk. Drivers must park for free at the high-capacity South Trailhead lot situated directly along SW 14th Street (AR-102 W).
Travel Tips
- Coler Preserve is an auto-free bike sanctuary; no motorized transport can access 'The Hub' or the deep-woods 'Airship' coffee shop. Vehicles must deploy strictly at outer flanking parking lots on Barker Road or Peach Orchard Road, requiring a 1-mile approach hike or ride.
- Coler houses extreme double-black diamond jump features and massive structural timber drop-offs. Full-face helmets and protective knee/elbow body armor are strongly urged; riders must scout high-consequence drop zones on foot prior to dropping in.
- The specialized platform campgrounds inside Coler completely lack clearances for trailers, RVs, or fifth-wheels exceeding 20 feet. Quiet hours are fiercely enforced by on-site rangers from 10:00 PM to 06:00 AM; external fuel generators are comprehensively banned.
Reviews
Positive
- An absolute mecca for mountain biking; the entire preserve is custom-built for riders, with a jaw-dropping wooden launch tower at its hub.
- The Airship coffee shop hidden deep in the woods is spectacular—beautifully designed and accessible only via biking or walking, offering a serene vibe.
- The public infrastructure is luxurious, featuring spotlessly clean modern restrooms, high-end campsites, and outdoor wooden yoga platforms.
- The singletracks are professionally manicured and maintained, with pristine dirt/rock shaping and highly efficient drainage systems.
Heads up
- The terrain heavily caters to intermediate and advanced riders; the abundance of steep rock features makes it unfriendly for true beginners or young toddlers.
- Due to its immense popularity, the main parking lots fill up completely early in the morning, forcing latecomers to park miles away.
- Vehicles are strictly banned from the interior, meaning a mandatory one-mile walk or ride to the cafe regardless of harsh weather conditions.
- Cellular service drops out completely in several deep hollows, making it tough to call for help if you suffer a bad crash or mechanical issue.