Arkansas Moves Forward with Lift-Access Bike Park Near Mena

MENA, Ark. — Arkansas has received a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, clearing the way for a new lift-access mountain bike park on Rich Mountain near Queen Wilhelmina State Park — the first such project to be operated by a state park in the United States.

The permit grants Arkansas State Parks access to approximately 8,196 acres of national forest land within an 8,832-acre project area. Under the approved plan, the state may construct up to 100 miles of natural-surface trails, including downhill, cross-country, and adaptive routes, along with up to three chairlifts. The project aims to balance outdoor recreation with environmental conservation by reducing the number of lifts from the originally proposed five.

The planned trail system will include features for all skill levels and trail types — from beginner flow trails to expert downhill runs — as well as hiking trails and routes designed for adaptive use. The park will be located adjacent to Queen Wilhelmina State Park and will feature trailhead amenities, including parking and support infrastructure.

Initial groundwork began in 2023 with the development of trails around nearby Ward Lake. That phase included a 1.2-mile all-weather perimeter trail and nearly two miles of intermediate and downhill trail. The work was supported by a combination of state and federal grants, as well as funding from the City of Mena.

The project is the result of collaboration between Arkansas State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, the City of Mena, the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, and private funders. The Walton Family Foundation has supported similar trail initiatives throughout the state.

To support the development of lift infrastructure, the Arkansas Legislature advanced a bill that clarifies regulatory oversight of recreational tramways, such as chairlifts. The legislation aligns state standards with national ANSI lift safety guidelines.

Public input during the environmental review process helped shape the final plan. Outdoor and conservation groups raised concerns about protecting hunting access and wildlife habitat, which led to additional planning provisions and interagency agreements to preserve those uses.

With the objection period for the permit set to close in early 2025, officials anticipate that construction will proceed in phases. Initial trail building and trailhead improvements will begin ahead of chairlift installation.

The project joins a growing list of outdoor recreation developments across the state. Another lift-served bike park is currently being planned in Bella Vista, further cementing Arkansas’s reputation as a top destination for mountain biking and outdoor tourism.