Trail Review: Slaughter Pen

Let's just get the obvious out of the way first. Yes, its a cool name. Or at least an unforgettable name. The Slaughter Pen trails were the first trails in Bentonville and named after where - you guessed it - a slaughterhouse once operated.

These trails are at the heart of downtown Bentonville. The TH for the All American Trail starts right across the street from Wright's BBQ, which, judging by the number of bikes parked out front all day long, is popular with the singletrack crowd.

For an in-town trail, I was pleasantly surprised. Most of the trails were pretty tame, but there were some bench-cut sections that still had a few rocks and roots. The trail designers also do a great job of building relatively safe features that have well-marked ride-arounds.

Lots of scenic little waterfalls and places to enjoy the moment in between rips.

My first ride at Slaughter Pen was solo, and required much consulting of Trailforks. There are SO MANY TRAILS, and so many one-way trails - that route finding is annoying. After awhile, I just gave up and rode whatever didn't have a "do not enter" sign. All of these trails felt older and more authentic. Urban, no doubt, but not smooth & groomed.

Trailforks track for my first ride here: https://www.trailforks.com/ridelog/view/67427047/

Post-Ride Bevvie at Trailhead Tap

That's Wright's BBQ with the red umbrellas, in the background of the kickoff to our Women's Ride.

The next ride at Slaughter Pen was much more enjoyable. I tagged on to the Tuesday Ride with the Women of Oz group. That meant there was a ride leader who knew the trails, and I could just settle myself in the middle of the pack and enjoy the ride. That ride was a blast. Nothing technical, nothing heart-stopping, but just a fun group shred.

Trailforks track for that ride here: https://www.trailforks.com/ridelog/view/67492442/

I have time to do two more Tuesday Women's rides before I leave. If they're worth it, I'll update here.