Mountain biking at The Trails at Mena feels both fresh and full of promise. The project sits on the steep side of Rich Mountain and already shows impressive potential. As of December 2025, only the Ward Lake Zone is open, yet it gives a clear glimpse of what is coming. Plans call for four connected zones spread across more than 7,000 acres. Up to 100 miles of singletrack will eventually link the entire system. Even better, at least two chairlifts—possibly three—will carry riders to the top of Rich Mountain near Queen Wilhelmina State Park. A couple of mid-mountain drop-off points are planned too.
Arkansas Parks and Recreation and Arkansas State Parks are both involved in this huge effort. The Walton Foundation may also play a role, although I have not been able to confirm that. With all of these parties involved, it begs the question: will this be the fifth Monument Trail system? Will The Trails at Mena join the likes of State Parks like Pinnacle Mountain, Hobbs, and Devils Den with Monument Trail designation? I have not been able to find the answer to that, so we’ll have to see. This is a five-year project, and with the Ward Lake Zone now open, crews are already preparing the corridor for chairlift construction. If the full plan becomes reality, this will be the largest lift-served bike park in the world built exclusively for biking. Mountain biking at The Trails at Mena is still in its early stages, yet the potential is enormous.
Quick Glance
Total MTB Trails (Ward Lake Zone): 3 (in 2025)
Total MTB Trail Distance (Ward Lake Zone): Approx 3 miles (in 2025)
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
Ward Lake Trailhead Coordinates: 34.604726, -94.244917
Queen Wilhelmina Lodge Coordinates: 34.684212, -94.369285
(Copy/Paste Coordinates into GPS or Google Maps search bar)
Directions
From downtown Mena at the intersection of Mena Street and Hwy 71, head north on Mena St./Hwy 88. Drive for 1 mile and look for the Ouachita National Forest Visitor Center. Just past that, turn left on Mountain View Dr/Polk Rd. In less than a quarter-mile, this road will dead-end at the parking area and trailhead for the Ward Lake Zone.
What to Expect
Mountain biking at The Trails at Mena will feel different as the project expands. The four zones—the State Park Zone, Fire Tower Zone, Eagleton Zone, and Ward Lake Zone—will eventually link together through a huge singletrack network. These zones will be connected across varied terrain, with hardwood forests, rocky ridgelines, and mid-mountain viewpoints. In addition, the park will feature two to three chairlifts that offer quick access to higher elevations.
Trail difficulty will range from easy greens to advanced blacks. Yet the overall layout suggests that most riders will find something enjoyable. While the full system is still years away, the Ward Lake Zone already gives a solid preview of the trail quality you can expect. Mountain biking at The Trails at Mena will only improve as more miles open.
Ward Lake Zone
The Ward Lake Zone currently includes three trails with a combined length of three miles. However, the master plan shows room for more trails here. Construction quality is excellent. Every berm, turn, and crossing feels intentional and well-built. Because the terrain is moderate, there are not many long or steep climbs. Signage is clear and easy to follow, and navigation takes little effort. Better yet, there are features and trails for all skill levels, which makes this a great warm-up zone for both locals and travelers.
Ward Lake Zone MTB Trails
- American Made – Green (Beginner) – 1.1 mi gravel loop
- Liberty Ridge – Blue (Intermediate) – 0.7 mi. two-way single-track leading to hub for downhill trails
- Stars and Stripes – Blue (Intermediate) – 0.5 mi. downhill only
- Patriot’s Plunge -Black (Difficult) – 0.5 mi. technical downhill only for experienced riders
Plan Your Trip
Riding Time: Approx 1- 2 hrs,
4WD Needed?: No
Cell Service: Good (AT&T)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Map or GPS needed: No
Cell service around The Trails at Mena is reliable. A small port-a-potty sits at the parking area for the Ward Lake Zone, but the visitor center at the base of the mountain is currently closed. Therefore, the nearest public restrooms are in town. Since the Ward Lake Phase does not take long to ride, it works best as an add-on to other outdoor activities until more zones open. The closest place to grab snacks and drinks is also in town. Finally, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring.
As for lodging, visitors have many options. Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge and Campground sits high on the mountain and offers incredible views. Motels, AirBnBs, and cabins are available throughout Mena. We enjoyed our stay at Screaming Eagle Cabins and Campground, about 15 minutes east of Mena. Dining options are excellent as well. We enjoyed a great lunch at American Artisans Eatery and Gallery, where the owners shared helpful insights about the trail project. The food was outstanding. Later, we grabbed afternoon brews at The Ouachitas Tap Room. Downtown Mena is a charming little mountain town with more restaurants and shops. Other local attractions include the Talimena Scenic Drive, trail riding at Wolf Pen Gap, and hiking in the Caney Creek Wilderness, Eagle Rock Loop, and Albert Pike Recreation Area. So be sure to visit Mena, ride what’s open, and keep an eye on this incredible trail system as it continues to grow.
