Level: Intermediate
Length: 15 mi (24.1 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +680/582 ft
Total: 354 riders
Mountain Biking Slaughter Pen Trail
#1 of 165 mountain bike trails in Arkansas
#40 in the world
Armadillo's Last Stand is 100% singletrack and can be ridden by riders of most skill levels. The surface is mostly hard packed with some gravel. There are log rides and short sections of more difficult terrain, all with easy alternate routes. The trail can be ridden in either direction. For more info see slaughterpen.com or phattirebicycles.com.
First added by surveyjim on Apr 26, 2007. Last updated May 8, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: yes
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
From Wal-Mart General Office in Bentonville, drive North on U.S. Highway #71B about 3 miles to the City of Bentonville trailhead on the right. Park here and ride the Bentonville trail North about 1/2 mile to the Slaughter Pen Hollow trailhead. This is the trailhead for 3 of the trails in the trail network.
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| ThankHad the privilege of riding with the local that took me around and it was absolutely amazing.
| ThankThis place is epic! Great trail in the middle of an awesome town.
| ThankJust awesome. Options for all levels of difficultly. Most of the trails a good after rain, except for all-american, dual slalom and groomed flow sessions. Difficulty is variable based on line choose. There are some sections in 'bone-yard' that are double black/high consequence. Most sections are beginner friendly.
| ThankI'm stingy with the 5 stars, but I gotta go 5 on Slaughter Pen based on variety, craftsmanship, location, signage, local attitude. The only kind of rider that wouldn't have fun here is big-time climber and/or long downhills. But everything else is there. Engineered trails, natural trails, jumps, lots of berms, skills park, breweries, pubs, and a greenway that connects everything together. Go to Bentonville and enjoy the vibe!
| ThankGreat trail system! I drove from NW Ohio back in April to spend a few days riding with friends in the Bentonville area. This will definatly be an annual trip.
| ThankSpent a couple of days sampling some of Slaughter Pen (Phase 1) last week. Rode Armadillo's Last Stand, Down Hill Flow, Downhill Connector, Creek Trail, The Return, Medusa and Tetamagouche. The reviews already here pretty much cover things accurately. Nice trails, as well as a nice MTB community. So if you're visiting or passing through, there's more than just the trails. Not just in Bentonville, but in the whole NWA (North West Arkansas) area as well. Bike friendly locals, helpful bike shops, etc. Some stand-outs for me... very good signage. Really helps the out of towners. Really well maintained trails. Although hilly, the trails are cut such that climbs are really gradual. No heavy grinding needed. Would i go again? Sure! Half day's drive is worth it considering the number and quality of trails in NWA. There's everything from 2 miles to 50 miles , from short travel XC hard pack to longer travel trail rock gardens, along with great scenery.
| ThankSomething for all skill levels. Lots of cool features, drops and jumps. However, I found a lot of sections that were pretty average and ended up going back to my favorites over and over. Overall for bentonville I felt it was overhyped but I say that because I keep hearing this compared to crested butte. This is a great place for mountain biking, especially in the northern off season but no crested butte.
| ThankGreat trails, well marked. Start at the bottom and work your way north. Then work your way back on the east side. Must do's Dowmhill Flow trail, Ozone,
| ThankNice trails, has some more serious drops and jumps next to easier routes so you can ride with someone more or less experienced. It's very beautiful and they are constantly improving! There are paved trails running nearby so it suites everyone!
| ThankWhat a great series of trails! Something for everyone and every skill level. If Disney built mtb trails this would be Orlando.
| Thanksome great trail building going down:)
| ThankVaried trails from super beginner to high intermediate/low expert level. I have a blast every time I'm in the area.
| ThankThis is a great trail! We just done the down hill course and planning on hit some of the other trails! Tell they put a lot of time in money into them. Really fun and can't wait to see more of it!
| ThankLoved everything about this trail. Variety and fun. No log jumps! Flowy and fast. Nicely built. Great signage and maps. Can't wait for another vacation in the area.
| ThankRode phase 1 and half of phase 2. Great trail system, and well marked. The intermediate trails were not super difficult on technical skills, but the lose rock posed sliding out issues around certain areas. Just go faster to keep momentum. Hope to come back to complete the rest of the phases/trails.
| ThankReally fun trails in phase one. Unfortunately we only had time to ride this first phase, but got a taste for what the system has to offer. After a pretty good climb at the west end the trails flow well with good features and technical sections. We had an older map that excluded some of the newer areas. I will try to upload a few pictures of the trailhead maps.
| ThankSuch an awesome trail system! This trail system is a model for all trail systems. It is accessible from town, features flow trails, technical trails, and everything in between, has a super fun atmosphere, and features great scenery. What else does a trail system need?
| ThankAwesome, awesome, awesome trail system. Rode all three phases. They were in excellent condition and the signage was great. Park at the phase 1 lot and ride all the way out to the top of phase 3 and into town. Grab a bite to eat and then ride the trails back!
| ThankGreat trail. Close to town. Excellent flow. Great downhill section. Trail is well marked.
| Thank