ARKANSAS UNVEILS NEW ERA OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AT IPW 2025
A new chapter in outdoor recreation is being written, and Arkansas is holding the pen. At IPW 2025, one of the world’s premier travel trade shows, Arkansas Tourism unveiled sweeping initiatives that are redefining how the world experiences nature. Through bold infrastructure projects, inclusive outdoor access, and elite cycling development, the state is charting a path that blends adrenaline-pumping adventure with thoughtful conservation.
Nicknamed The Natural State, Arkansas has long been revered for its lush forests, pristine rivers, and rugged mountains. But now, it’s quickly rising as a global hub for outdoor innovation—one that caters as much to thrill-seeking athletes as it does to families, travelers with mobility challenges, and everyone in between.
A GLOBAL FIRST: THE TRAILS AT MENA
One of the centerpiece announcements was The Trails at Mena, a groundbreaking gravity-oriented bike park set in the Ouachita Mountains. What makes this project revolutionary is its lift-served design: a mountain bike lift—similar to a ski lift but engineered solely for two wheels—will transport riders to the top of downhill trails. But unlike many mountain bike destinations that retrofit ski resorts, this park is being built from scratch with a pure biking vision.
Once completed, it will be the largest lift-served mountain bike park in the world developed exclusively for cycling—no legacy ski infrastructure, no compromises. Designed to operate 365 days a year, The Trails at Mena will offer world-class descents, backcountry access, and terrain that caters to riders of all skill levels.
Its location is no accident, either. With millions living within a three- to six-hour drive, Mena is poised to become a premier weekend destination for outdoor enthusiasts across the South-Central U.S. The park also exemplifies the kind of public-private partnership Arkansas is increasingly known for—where federal, state, and local entities align to bring bold ideas to life.
OZ TRAILS BELLA VISTA: A COMMUNITY TRAIL EXPERIENCE
Farther north, in the Ozark Mountains, OZ Trails Bella Vista Bike Park is elevating the region’s already legendary trail network. Like Mena, Bella Vista will introduce lift-served downhill biking, but with an added twist: a fully integrated community hub.
The OZ Trails HQ will serve as a vibrant social center for riders and non-riders alike, complete with hiking trails, an art walk, and curated outdoor experiences. The park is not just about gravity-fed thrills—it’s about creating a place where outdoor culture flourishes. Whether you’re a seasoned biker, a trail walker, or a family out for a scenic picnic, Bella Vista invites you in.
TRAILS FOR ALL: EXPANDING ACCESS AND INCLUSIVITY
Arkansas’ latest push goes far beyond adrenaline sports. At the core of this new era is a powerful commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. One standout effort is the introduction of Action Trackchairs—rugged, all-terrain mobility devices—available at select state parks. These advanced wheelchairs make it possible for individuals with mobility limitations to explore previously inaccessible trails and wilderness areas.
This move ensures that more people than ever before can fully experience the wonder of Arkansas’ natural landscapes—a step toward equity in outdoor adventure.
GROWTH ON EVERY FRONT
The expansion of the Delta Heritage Trail—a rail-to-trail conversion through the Arkansas Delta—underscores the state’s commitment to broadening its outdoor footprint. This scenic corridor is creating new eco-tourism opportunities while preserving the rich cultural and agricultural history of the region.
Meanwhile, conservation-focused trail investment is underway at the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area in central Arkansas, protecting vital natural landscapes while enhancing access for future generations.
And then there are the Arkansas Monument Trails, an elite network of shared-use trails within state parks, hailed by Outside Magazine in 2023 as the best mountain biking in the country. Designed by some of the world’s best trail builders, these trails intertwine with unique natural and historic features, elevating the riding experience to something truly profound.
BENTONVILLE: THE BEATING HEART OF U.S. CYCLING
Perhaps nowhere is Arkansas’ momentum more visible than in Bentonville, now recognized globally as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World. Since 2022, it’s been home to the U.S. National Mountain Bike Team, and with more than 70 miles of trails within the city and 400 more across the region, it’s an Olympic-level training ground.
As athletes prepare for the LA 2028 Olympics, many are doing it in Arkansas—where year-round training, diverse terrain, and a passionate cycling community are pushing American cycling to new heights.
HONORING THE PAST, BUILDING THE FUTURE
Arkansas’ current outdoor renaissance stands on the shoulders of its iconic history. From Hot Springs National Park, the oldest federally protected site in the U.S., to the Buffalo National River, the nation’s first protected river, the state’s conservation legacy runs deep. Add in natural wonders like Crater of Diamonds State Park—where visitors can dig for real diamonds and keep what they find—and it’s clear Arkansas has always offered unique outdoor experiences.
Now, it’s doubling down on that legacy with vision, infrastructure, and leadership that points squarely toward the future.
What truly sets Arkansas apart in the crowded landscape of outdoor destinations is its vision. It’s not just about building trails—it’s about building community, economy, and access. Through strategic planning, thoughtful conservation, and ambitious partnerships, Arkansas is turning its natural assets into engines of tourism, growth, and inspiration.
As travelers look for immersive, meaningful experiences in the outdoors, Arkansas stands ready—not just as a place to visit, but as a place to be transformed.
The world is watching, and The Natural State is ready to lead.
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