Back 40
40 miles of rolling Ozark singletrack connecting Bentonville to Bella Vista. The long ride.
Trail beta
Park at Blowing Springs (off Mercy Way / US-71) or Lake Ann trailhead. Blowing Springs is better if you want to ride The Ledges in the correct direction. 21-mile loop rides well either way: clockwise for steep climbs and long descents, counter-clockwise for mellower climbs and punchier descents. Ride counter-clockwise from Blowing Springs so you hit The Ledges (best 2.8 mi of the system) set up correctly. Don't ride it wet: the karst turns to peanut butter and locals will give you the stink eye.
When to go
Open year-round in Bella Vista, managed by the Bella Vista POA / OZ Trails. Limestone-base trails shed water well, making this one of the more wet-weather-friendly NWA systems. Peak conditions September-November and March-May. Winter riding is common on dry days; summer is hot and humid so early starts help.
Shuttle
Point-to-point route. Shuttle one direction or do an out-and-back on your favorite sections.