About Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is the flagship trail system on the west side of Bentonville, Arkansas, and for a lot of riders it’s the first place they think of when they think of riding here. It packs beginner flow, big gravity and jump lines, a walk-in coffee shop and a campground into one wooded valley, so you can spend an hour or a whole weekend.
Trail details
Coler has around 20-plus miles of purpose-built mountain bike trail, and it’s laid out to move you up through the grades. Near the trailheads you’ll find green and blue flow trails like Fire Line, and a paved path that runs north to south through the preserve if you just want an easy spin. Deeper in, trails like Thunder Dome and Cease & Desist get technical, and there are machine-built jump lines with some genuinely big features.
It’s a good system for every level, but the range is wide, so pay attention to trail ratings. Short or mid-travel full-suspension bikes are the sweet spot here, and e-bikes are common.
The park / where it is
Coler sits off NW 3rd Street in Bentonville and is managed by the Peel Compton Foundation. There are several trailheads, including Coler Grove, the North Gateway and the South Gateway, and the parking areas have restrooms and repair stations. Water fountains are at a few spots along the trail.
The standout amenity is Airship Coffee, a cafe in the middle of the preserve that you can only reach by bike or on foot. It serves coffee, food and beer, and there’s a swimming hole close by. Coler also has a small campground with tent platforms, vehicle camping and showers, so you can sleep on the system and ride from your tent. The preserve is open sunrise to about 11 p.m.
Connected & nearby trails
Coler is one piece of the Bentonville trail network, and it’s easy to string together with the rest.
- Slaughter Pen Trail is the original Bentonville system on the east side of town, and the two are the anchors of local mountain biking.
- Hand Cut Hollow is nearby and more old-school and hand-built, a good change of pace if you want quieter, techier riding.
- Little Sugar up in Bella Vista adds more miles of flow and gravity a short drive north.
Know before you go
The machine-built flow trails close when it’s wet, so check conditions after rain and don’t ride muddy trails, it wrecks them for everyone. Weekends are the busiest, especially near Airship. There’s big stuff out here, so scout jumps before you send them and ride within your skill level. Bring water even though there are fountains, and keep dogs leashed and under control around other riders.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coler Mountain Bike Preserve good for beginners?
Yes. Coler is built to progress you, with mellow green flow trails near the parking areas and a paved path you can cruise, then bigger jump lines and technical trails as you get comfortable. Just know there is some serious gravity and jump terrain here too, so stay on trails that match your skill level.
How many miles of trails are at Coler?
Coler has roughly 20-plus miles of mountain bike trail, from beginner flow to expert-level gravity and jump lines, plus a paved path running north to south through the preserve.
Is Airship Coffee really only reachable by bike or on foot?
Yes. Airship Coffee sits in the middle of the preserve and you can only get there by riding or walking in. It serves coffee, food and beer, and there is a swimming hole nearby, which makes it a favorite mid-ride stop.
Where do I park at Coler?
There are several trailheads, including Coler Grove, the North Gateway and the South Gateway off NW 3rd Street. Parking areas have restrooms and repair stations, and there are water fountains at a few spots on the trail.
Are e-bikes allowed at Coler?
Yes, e-bikes are common at Coler and allowed on the trails. As always, ride under control and yield to other users.
Can you camp at Coler?
Yes. Coler has a small campground with tent platforms and vehicle camping, plus showers, so you can stay right on the trail system and ride from your tent.
