The best time to mountain bike in Bentonville is mid-April through May and late September through early November, when average highs sit in the 60s and 70s. If you can only pick one month, pick October. It's mild, it has fewer rainy days than spring, and the leaves peak late in the month. You can ride here year-round, though. Each season just asks for a different plan.
Riding Bentonville by Season
Updated November 2026| Season | Avg high / low | What to expect | Plan around |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpringMar–May | 60–77°FLows 36–54°F | Green woods, good temperatures, the most rain of the year. May is the wettest month, at 6.26 inches over about 10 rain days | Closures after storms. Keep the wet-weather list handy |
| SummerJun–Aug | 85–90°FLows 63–67°F | Long days and humidity. July and August each average about 17 to 18 days at 90°F or hotter | Ride early, and pick shaded trails |
| FallSep–Nov | 82–59°FLows 57–36°F | Mild days, drier than spring, peak color in late October | Leaves hiding rock and roots. Big race and festival weekends |
| WinterDec–Feb | 46–51°FLows 24–27°F | Quiet trails and crisp, clear days, with about 9½ inches of snow a year | Freeze-thaw mud, short days, closed water refills on the Back 40 |
| Best overall | October71°F / 46°F | About 6 rain days on average, compared with about 10 in May | Book lodging early on race weekends |
| Rainy-day backup | Any season | 13 trails on the official wet-weather list | Check our Trail Conditions page before you ride |
Weather averages: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Bentonville 4 S station.
Spring (March–May): the greenest trails, and the wettest
Spring is prime riding time when the weather cooperates. Average highs climb from about 59°F in March to 76°F in May, and the woods leaf out fast. The catch is rain. Spring is the wettest stretch of the year in Bentonville, and May tops the calendar with 5.72 inches over about 11 rain days.
That means trail status can change from one day to the next. Parts of Slaughter Pen and Coler MTB Preserve often close after a storm to protect the dirt, including the Skills Park. Don't build a spring trip around one session on one trail. If you have three days, spread your must-rides across all three so a storm doesn't erase the only one.
When it does rain, you still have options. The official wet-weather list is Back 40, Blowing Springs, Wonderland Trails, Handcut Hollow, Leopards Loop, Choo Choo, Tatamagouche, Medusa, Armadillo's Last Stand, Black Apple Creek, Angus Chute and Esther's Loop at Coler, and Karst Loop at Hobbs State Park. Our wet-weather guide [LINK NEEDED: Bentonville Trails Open After Rain blog post (draft)] covers each one.
Early spring mornings can still be cold. March averages a low of about 35°F, so pack a layer you can stuff in a pocket once you warm up.
Summer (June–August): ride early
Summer is hot and humid. Highs average about 84°F in June and close to 90°F in July and August, and those two months each average 14 to 16 days above 90°F. It is not uncommon to have temps in excess of 100°F. Humidity makes it feel hotter than the number on your phone.
Ride in the morning. Start at first light, be done by late morning, and save the afternoon for the pool, a museum, or a long lunch. Summer storms tend to be short, and trails often dry quickly afterward.
Pick trails with shade and water nearby:
Back 40: Mostly hardwood forest. The tree coverage helps keep some of the rain off you. The same canopy blocks the sun. Water refill points along the loop are open in the warm months.
Black Apple Creek: A green trail through shaded woods along the creek. Black Apple Creek is a favorite of my youngest boy... At the end you will find a tunnel to ride through and several places to cool off on a hot day.
Blowing Springs: The park has spring-fed water features and a cave. The Bella Vista POA describes it as a natural cavern that breathes 60-degree air. The park's Gear Garden is listed as open April through October; check the POA's Blowing Springs page for this year's dates.
Summer is also lift season. OZ Trails Bike Park, Arkansas's first chairlift-served bike park, opened in June 2026 on the Bentonville–Bella Vista line. The lift does the climbing, which helps on a hot day. Hours and closed days can change, so check the park's site before you plan around it.
Drinking water solves only part of the problem. The challenge is to stay hydrated. I use these Salt Stick Tablets to refresh my electrolytes when I ride. Make sure you bring something that will keep you hydrated. There are a lot of options to choose from to help you stay hydrated.
Fall (September–November): the pick of the year
Fall is the best season to ride in Bentonville. September still runs warm, averaging about 82°F, but October averages 71°F for a high and 45°F for a low, and November cools to about 59°F. October also averages fewer rain days than any spring month.
Then there's the color. Arkansas Tourism says color in the Ozarks usually starts showing by the second week of October and peaks in late October. The hardwoods on the Back 40 and around Lake Bella Vista at Wonderland are the places to see it from the saddle.
Leaves are the one thing to plan for. By late October they cover the trail and hide roots, loose rock, and the edges of the tread, especially on natural trails like the Back 40, Handcut Hollow, and Wonderland. Look farther down the trail than usual, and slow down where you can't see the surface. Machine-built flow at Slaughter Pen and Coler is easier to read when the leaves are down.
Two more fall details:
Water on the Back 40. There are points along the trail where you can refill your water. Those points get shut down in the late fall and winter. From November on, carry what you need from the car.
Big weekends. Fall is event season. The Life Time Big Sugar gravel race was held in Bentonville on October 18, 2026. Bentonville Bike Fest, held in June in 2026, moves to September 24–26, 2027. Lodging and rental bikes go fast on those weekends, so check the Visit Bentonville events calendar before you lock in dates.
Winter (December–February): quiet trails, if you time it
Winter is more rideable than most visitors expect. Highs average about 46°F to 51°F, and a clear winter afternoon can mean firm dirt and nearly empty trails. The area averages about 9 inches of snow a year, and it rarely sticks around.
The issue is freeze-thaw. January averages 25 nights below freezing. Frozen ground can ride well early, then turn soft and slick as it thaws by midday. Start later on cold mornings so the trail has time to thaw and dry. If your tires are cutting ruts, turn around and pick another trail, or check the Trail Conditions page for one that's open.
A few winter habits help:
Watch the daylight. Short days leave less margin for a long loop. Pick the Back 40 only if you can start early enough to finish before dark.
Dress for the descent. You'll warm up on the climbs and get cold on the way down, so bring gloves and a layer.
Plan for battery drain. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are welcome on Bentonville trails, and cold temperatures use more battery. Ask your rental shop how far a charge goes in the cold.
Carry your water. The Back 40 refill points are off for the season.
Which season fits your trip
First trip with mixed abilities: Late April, May, or October. Mild temperatures keep everyone riding longer. Start with our First Time Visitor Guide.
Families with kids: Spring or fall, or summer mornings with shade and water. Our Riding with Family Guide lists trails that work for kids.
Riders who want miles: October and early November for the Back 40, before the water refills shut off and the days get short.
Lift days: Summer and early fall at OZ Trails Bike Park. Check the park's current hours first.
Riders who want empty trails: Winter weekdays, on a dry spell.
Whatever the season, book bikes and lodging early for spring and fall weekends. Our bike rentals page, bike-friendly hotels list, and vacation rentals guide are the places to start.
Pair it with
Picked your dates? Check the Trail Conditions page the week before you arrive, and keep a rainy-day backup in mind. For a wet spring day, ride Black Apple Creek, then Leopards Loop and Choo Choo. For a fall day, start at Blowing Springs and ride into the Back 40 while the leaves peak.
FAQ
What is the best month to mountain bike in Bentonville?
October. It averages a high of 71°F and a low of 45°F, it has fewer rain days than spring, and fall color peaks late in the month. April and May are close behind, but they're wetter.
Can you mountain bike in Bentonville in the winter?
Yes. Highs average in the mid-40s to low 50s, and clear days can ride well. Watch for freeze-thaw mud, start later on cold mornings, and check the Trail Conditions page before you go.
How hot does Bentonville get in the summer?
July and August average highs near 90°F, with 14 to 16 days above 90°F in each month, and it's humid. Ride early and choose shaded trails like the Back 40 and Black Apple Creek.
What is the rainiest time of year in Bentonville?
Spring. May is the wettest month, with 5.72 inches over about 11 rain days on average. When trails close, ride one from the official wet-weather list.
When is fall color on the Bentonville trails?
Arkansas Tourism says color in the Ozarks usually starts by the second week of October and peaks in late October. Timing shifts a little each year.
