Since Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders took office in 2023, she and her husband have focused on Arkansas' outdoors.
After all, state leaders voted to change the nickname of Arkansas from the "Land of Opportunity" to "The Natural State" via a resolution during the 1987 legislative session. In 1995, the legislature voted to officially adopt the nickname.
Sanders has pushed this motto in many ways from urging kids to get away from screens to focusing on the economic side if the outdoors.
On Friday, local, state and federal leaders gathered in Mena, 133 miles southwest of Little Rock, "to officially sign the U.S. Forest Service permit authorizing construction of The Trails at Mena project, a one-of-a-kind lift-served mountain bike and adventure park that will connect the city of Mena to Queen Wilhelmina State Park," according to a news release received by the Reckoning from Arkansas State Parks.
The release stated "when complete, it will be the largest lift-served mountain bike park in the world, built from the ground up exclusively for biking."
The Reckoning did not attend the event, and the following information comes from the press release.
“It is absolutely amazing how many people are here and have come from literally every corner of the state, which shows what an important project this is, but more importantly how many people have come together to make it happen,” said Governor Sanders. “I am very proud to be here and join you in this celebration and excitement.”
Held at Carver Grand Hall in the Ouachita Center, the ceremony marked the completion of a years-long environmental and planning process culminating in a signed Special Use Permit under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The permit, granted by the U.S. Forest Service, allows construction to begin on a world-class recreation destination that will redefine adventure tourism in Arkansas and the region.
“This is the next chapter in The Natural State’s outdoor legacy. We are entering a bold new era of trail development, park investment, and adventure infrastructure,” said First Gentleman Bryan Sanders. “The Trails at Mena will not only put Mena on the map — it’ll keep Arkansas at the forefront of outdoor recreation in America.”
“The new lift-served downhill mountain bike park here in Mena is more than a recreational asset, it’s a game-changer,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “This is more than a moment, it’s a movement. And we’re proud to be part of it. We know that when we invest in our natural spaces, we’re investing in the health, happiness, and prosperity of our people.”
The project includes:
- No ski infrastructure or legacy constraints—designed entirely for two wheels, 365 days a year.
- 1,300 acres of terrain were activated in Phase I within the Ward Lake zone.
Trail Experience Highlights – Phase I:
- 1,200 feet of elevation drop for epic descents.
- A range of trails from beginner flow to expert jump lines.
- Raw, technical, and steep terrain for advanced riders.
- 18–20 miles of fully designed and flagged trail in Phase I.
- Year-round riding made possible by climate and terrain.
A Trail Network with National Ties:
- Anchored near the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, a 223-mile thru-hike connecting Queen Wilhelmina State Park to Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock.
Mena Mayor Seth Smith, who has championed the project from day one, noted: “Thanks to the support and passion from the community in Mena, this bike park will allow us to increase opportunity and quality of life for the citizens, share our beautiful area, open new tourism opportunities, and create something that families from across the country will come to experience.”
Statewide Collaboration
The project is being led by Arkansas State Parks, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation, the City of Mena, and champions across state and federal government. Attendees at the signing ceremony included officials from the Natural State Initiative, legislative leaders, including Senate President Bart Hester and Representative John Maddox, and representatives from the State Park, Recreation and Travel Commission, and the city of Mena A&P, City Council and business community. Mayor Seth Smith, who has championed the project from day one, noted: “This is a dream come true for Mena. This bike park will connect our city to the mountaintop, open new tourism opportunities, and create something that families from across the country will come to experience.”
Next Steps
With the permit now finalized and signed, design and development will begin this Summer. As a permitted project on Ouachita National Forest land, the development was subject to a comprehensive environmental review, including wildlife, water quality, scenic value and cultural resources assessments as outlined across the 21-page permit.
[Editorial note: The news release from Arkansas State Parks did not included a link to the 21-page permit.]
