Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville, Arkansas: A Downhill Paradise with Room to Grow

Quick Facts

• Distance: 5 miles
• Difficulty Level: Difficult
• Route Type: Network
• Location: Bentonville, Arkansas
• Accessibility: From N. Walton Blvd., head west on NW 12th St., veer right onto Punkin Hollow Rd., continue for about a mile, and then turn left onto Peach Orchard Rd. The trailhead parking lot will soon be visible on the left side.

Overview

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, situated just a mile west of downtown Bentonville, Arkansas, is an exhilarating trail network designed with mountain biking in mind. Having fully opened its Phase 1 in spring 2017, the park's trails cater to riders looking for a solid mix of flowy jump lines and technically challenging rocky sections. With multiple downhill runs that culminate at "The Hub," Coler offers a diversified mountain biking experience that is hard to match.

Getting There

Getting to Coler is straightforward. The trailhead parking lot is easily accessible and can be found after a short drive from the center of Bentonville, as mentioned in the quick facts.

The Trails

The Hub: The Epicenter of Adventure

Acting as the linchpin for all the downhill activities, "The Hub" is a three-story metal structure that serves as the launchpad for a range of trails. From the top, riders can choose their preferred route, tailoring the ride to their skill level.

Versatile Downhill Runs

• Hammer: Tailored for expert level downhill or enduro riders, this double black alternate line features a 12-foot drop into a valley, 10-foot step-up jumps, and several more large drops.
• Fire Line: Designed as an intermediate run, Fire Line offers smooth berms and 3-5 foot table tops, making it a perfect warm-up trail. However, riders are advised to be cautious as the trail includes a deceptive table top that has caused crashes.
• Cease and Desist: Consider this the big brother to Fire Line, with bigger table tops and 3-4 foot drops.

Technical Options

Riders seeking a more technical experience can try out Rock Solid and Rock Soft, trails packed with rocky features that add an extra layer of complexity to the ride.

Future Prospects

While Coler already offers an impressive variety, rumors from local bike shops indicate that there are plans for more trails in the works.

Rider Reviews

Coler has received near-universal acclaim. A typical remark: "Great mountain bike concept park. Gives a little bit of everything from nice flowing tread to rocky tech bits to big drop runs." Some riders do point out that the park could benefit from longer downhill sections and greater variety.

Final Verdict

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is already shaping up to be an MTB dreamland, and it's still under development. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to tackle some serious downhill runs, Coler provides a professional, challenging, and fun environment to improve your skills and push your limits. Don't miss it on your next visit to Bentonville.