Beginner-Friendly Mountain Bike Trails in the Ozarks

If you’re itching to ride in the woods or your kids are begging for hills and rollers, it’s time to find some beginner mountain bike trails. Southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas have plenty of options to try. Start with beginner green trails to build your skills and soon you’ll be shredding all over the Ozarks. Stay close with trail systems from Springfield to Branson, or take a day trip south to the Bentonville area, where mountain biking is practically a way of life. We rounded up a few suggestions to get you started.

Beginner Mountain Biking Trails in Springfield, Missouri

Biking and hiking trails at Fellows Lake are as easy as they come. Nearly 30 miles of multi-use Dirt 66 trails at the lake are primarily designated as easy. There are plenty to try including three connecting trails, the Valhalla, Mjollnir and Bullwinkle.

Beginner Mountain Biking Trails in Nixa, Missouri

Two Rivers Bike Park, at the confluence of the James and Finley Rivers in Highlandville just south of Nixa, has 14 miles of single-track, multi-use trails in a 400-acre mountainous park. The beginner-level South Loop and Scout trails are good for kids and beginners.

Beginner Mountain Biking Trails in Branson, Missouri

Shred the mountain on a green beginner trail at Howler Bike Park, a fee-based private bike park near Branson. The scenic Stroller Coaster, Howler’s longest trail, is good for newbies or for just warming up.

Beginner Mountain Biking Trails in Bentonville, Arkansas

Catch machine-built flow trails, hand-cut old school trails, skills parks and more in the self-proclaimed “mountain bike capital of the world”—or Mountain Bike Disneyland as some call it. Start with the easy All American and Seed Tick Shuffle trails in the Slaughter Pen system, or take kids to the Bentonville Bike Playground for tunnels, bridges and a pump track to help develop their skills.

Beginner Mountain Biking Trails in Rogers, Arkansas

Near Bentonville, try an easy trail system that’s perfect for families and kids. A pocket park on the east side of Rogers Mercy Hospital features “white circle” trails (wide surfaces with little grade) and green beginner trails like the Lantern Loop with some rollers. A bit more challenging, hop on the tree-covered Catherine’s Crossing trail for climbing and technical practice.

Beginner Mountain Biking Trails in Bella Vista, Arkansas

Not far from Bentonville, Bella Vista’s 40-mile Little Sugar trail system is a scenic area full of lakes, creeks, waterfalls and more. Try the beginner-friendly Tweety Bird loop, a 2-mile soft surface trail with small rollers and low elevation changes.