The Back 40
Pure Arkansas singletrack: Nearly 40 miles of trails designed and built for mountain biking but also open to use by pedestrians.
Printed pocket-sized Back 40 trail maps are available at City Hall – 101 Town Center – and local bike and running shops.
Electronic trail maps:
Back 40 Trails data surveyA trail impact and usage study was conducted by a University of Arkansas doctoral student within the Department of Health and Human Performance over a two-week period during spring 2018. Data was obtained by a digital survey circulated via City of Bella Vista social media sites. The survey determined the characteristics of trail users, including demographic information and usage patterns; sections of trail used most frequently and primary reasons for trail usage; and spending patterns of trails users, including amount spent of gear, meals, and lodging and overnight stays.
Click here to read complete survey data report.
TRAILHEADS AND PARKING (Trailhead and Parking Map)
Blowing Springs Trailhead
From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) on Mercy Way (which becomes Blowing Springs Road after stop sign) for .5 miles, trailhead on the right.
Metfield Pump Track
From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) on Trafalgar Road for 2.4 miles, right on Commonwealth Road for .6 miles, parking is on the right.
Metfield Cart Barn
From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) on Trafalgar Road for 2.4 miles, right on Commonwealth Road for 1.1 miles, parking is on the right.
Buckingham Trailhead — Trafalgar Road and Buckingham Drive
From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) on Trafalgar Road for 1.2 miles, left on Buckingham Drive. The trailhead is on the right.
Lake Ann Trailhead — Castleford Drive and Wem Lane
From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) on Trafalgar Road for 3.8 miles, left on Castleford Drive. The trailhead is on the left after one-quarter mile.
Bella Vista Community Church
From U.S. 71 northbound: Exit exit 98 (Lancashire Blvd), right (east) on Lancashire Blvd. for .6 miles. The trailhead is on the left.
Bear Hollow Trailhead — Gainford Drive and Gosforth Lane
From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) off exit 98 (Lancashire Blvd.) for 3.2 miles, left on Gainsford Drive. The trailhead is on the left after 350 feet.
Tower Trailhead
From U.S. 71 northbound: Right (east) off exit 98 (Lancashire Blvd.) for 4.3 miles, right on Bethnal Road, first right on Kettering Circle.
TRAILS
Beginner trails:
Mulligan (.93 miles)
Intermediate trails:
The Back 40 Loop (21.4 miles)
Brittany Dam (.17 miles)
Buckingham Cutoff (.08 miles)
Flo Ride (2.17 miles)
Merritt Spur (.1 miles)
Pinyon Creek (2.08 miles)
Rago (2.96 miles)
SBAT (2.33 miles)
Taylor Homestead (1.71 miles)
Tower Trail (.11 miles)
Expert/Advanced trails:
The Ledges (2.94 miles)
Lookout (.35 miles)
Summit School (.5 miles)
What the Chuck (.1 miles)