Bentonville, Arkansas demonstrates that you don’t need Western mountains (or even North Carolina mountains) to construct a premier national riding destination. The topography surrounding Bentonville is fairly similar to that of the area bordered by Columbus, Auburn, West Point, LaGrange, and Manchester.
Bentonville has attracted plenty of national press, and the following articles are informative.
- Article with excellent pictures, good descriptions of the trail systems, and a discussion of their historical development.
- Article covering the development of a “downhill” or “gravity” riding center with only about 50 to 100 feet more elevation change than Standing Boy and less than Pine Mountain and surrounding areas.
- Article discussing the impact on the local quality of life (including alternative transportation) and statewide emphasis on trails in Arkansas. Contains links to studies on trail usage and economic impact.
- Article about restaurants and businesses springing up in conjunction with the trails, how paved greenway is used to link the trails, and how recreational riding has translated into riding for transportation.
- Discussion of volunteers that got it all started.
- Article suggesting Bentonville can serve as a model for other corporations and communities.
