Coler Preserve Parking: Coler Grove, South Gateway, and North Gateway
Coler Preserve parking comes down to three lots: Coler Grove and the South Gateway on the south end, and the North Gateway on Peach Orchard Road. Park at Coler Grove for beginner and family riding on the west side. Park at the North Gateway if you're headed for The Hub and the advanced east-side trails. The paved Applegate Trail connects all three, so you can't really pick a wrong lot, only a longer warm-up.
Coler Preserve parking at a glance
Coler Grove Parking Lot
Address - 2500 NW Coler-Grove Ln (off NW 3rd St)
Best For - West side: Esther's Loop, Family Flow, Thunder Dome
Restroom/ Water - Yes
Notes - Largest lot, top of the hill. Often closed during events
South Gateway Parking
Address - NW 3rd St
Best For - Oscar's Loop, Applegate Trail
Restroom/ Water - Yes, plus a bike tool station
Best For - Bottom of the hill. Fills up fast
North Gateway
Address - 11840 Peach Orchard Rd
Best For - The Hub and east-side trails
Restroom/ Water - No restrooms or water; bike repair station
Notes - Smaller lot. Closest to Airship Coffee
Preserve: Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Bentonville, with more than 17 miles of trail
Hours: See the Peel Compton Foundation's Coler page for current hours
Wet-weather trails at Coler: Esther's Loop and Oscar’s Loop
Coler Grove: the big lot at the top of the hill
Coler Grove is the largest lot at Coler and the best place to start for beginners, families, and anyone riding the west side. It sits at the top of the hill on the south end, off NW 3rd St, with restrooms, water fountains, and a pavilion nearby.
From Coler Grove you're right at the west-side trails. Esther's Loop, the 4.5-mile green trail, starts here, and Thunder Dome and Family Flow are close by. The start of the dual slalom is here too.
Two things to know:
Events close it. Coler Grove is closed during most events at the preserve. If a race or festival is on, plan on the South Gateway or North Gateway instead.
Map apps get the name wrong. The Peel Compton Foundation lists the address as "NW Grove Lane," and online maps don't mark Coler's lots well. Search "Coler Grove parking" or use the address, then look for the pavilion.
Coler Grove Parking is my go to parking lot when the South or North lots are both full. I have yet to see this parking lot fill out outside of special events.
South Gateway: bottom of the hill, fills fast
The South Gateway is the lot at the bottom of the hill on NW 3rd St. It's split into two areas by 3rd Street, and it has restrooms, a water fountain, and a bike tool station.
This lot tends to fill up fast, so arrive early on weekends. Oscar's Loop, a blue trail, starts near the South Gateway and runs north to the water tower before finishing at the North Gateway. The paved Applegate Trail also starts here, and Airship Coffee is about 1 mile up it.
The South Parking lot is where I look first. If it is full, try the parking lot across 3rd street for additional parking.
North Gateway: the fast way to The Hub
The North Gateway, on Peach Orchard Road, is the lot to use if you're riding the east side. It's the most direct access to The Hub and the east side, home to Coler's blue, black, and double black trails like Fireline, Drop the Hammer, and Hard Way to the Cafe. The Hub also has a paved pedal-assist climb.
It's a smaller lot with a bike repair station but no restrooms or water fountains, so fill your bottles before you arrive. Airship Coffee is about ¾ mile away, the closest of any lot. Some sources call this lot the "Coler Creek Park North Gateway," which helps when searching in Google Maps.
This parking lot tends to fill up quickly. Often times I am able to snag a spot as someone is leaving.
Getting around once you're parked
The paved Applegate Trail runs north and south along the spine of the preserve, about 2.6 miles, and every trail eventually connects to it. Think of it as the hallway between the lots. If you park at one end and want trails at the other, ride the Applegate instead of moving the car.
Near the middle of the Applegate you'll find The Homestead, with Airship Coffee and the Paradise barns. It's a natural regroup point for a mixed group: confident riders head for The Hub while everyone else rides the west side, and you meet at Airship.
Riding in from downtown: Arkansas Tourism calls Coler about a five-minute bike ride from downtown Bentonville. If you're staying downtown, riding in skips the parking question entirely.
Camping lot: The parking inside the Coler campground gate is for campers only. Day riders should use the three lots above.
Which lot should you pick?
First visit, beginners, or kids: Coler Grove. Restrooms, water, and the green trails right there. Important note is this lot is at the top of the hill so plan accordingly.
Looking for a quick walk or ride in Coler that is the most convenient place to park: South Gateway.
Advanced riders headed for The Hub: North Gateway.
Coffee first: North Gateway is closest to Airship Coffee, but any lot works via the Applegate Trail.
Wet day: Coler Grove. Esther's Loop is on the official wet-weather list, along with Oscar’s Loop. Check our Trail Conditions page first, since other parts of Coler often close after rain to protect the trails.
Rules worth knowing before you park
Park only in designated areas, and keep dogs on a leash. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are welcome on Bentonville trails. For hours and event closures, check the Peel Compton Foundation's Coler page before you go, since they can change.
Pair it with
After a morning at Coler, ride or drive to Slaughter Pen for an afternoon in the Skills Park. If you want a trail-by-trail plan for Coler before you go, our Coler MTB Preserve digital guide maps out the west and east sides by skill level.
FAQ
Where do you park for Coler Mountain Bike Preserve?
Coler has three public lots: Coler Grove (2500 NW Coler-Grove Ln), the South Gateway (NW 3rd St), and the North Gateway (11840 Peach Orchard Rd). Coler Grove is the largest.
Which Coler parking lot is best for beginners?
Coler Grove. It has restrooms and water, and Esther's Loop, Family Flow, and Thunder Dome start nearby.
Which Coler parking lot is closest to The Hub?
The North Gateway on Peach Orchard Road is the most direct access to The Hub and the east-side trails.
Is there a parking fee at Coler?
[BRAD: confirm whether Coler parking is free and add the answer here]
Which Coler lot is closest to Airship Coffee?
The North Gateway, about ¾ mile away. The south-end lots are about 1 mile away on the Applegate Trail.
