In the Ouachita foothills of western Arkansas, the city of Mena is preparing for a bold new chapter: a nearly $48 million investment in outdoor recreation aimed at transforming the region’s economy, identity and community health. Thanks to a partnership with Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service, Mena is now part of what may be the largest special use permit ever issued by the Forest Service.
Almost 9,000 acres of rugged, forested terrain stretch from Ward Lake in Mena to the summit of Rich Mountain, the second-highest peak in Arkansas. The permit covers lands within Queen Wilhelmina State Park, the Ouachita National Forest and the city of Mena. The project includes a lift-served mountain bike and adventure park that, once complete, will be the largest in the world built entirely from scratch for mountain biking. Riders will be able to start in downtown Mena, climb to Queen Wilhelmina State Park and enjoy world-class runs all the way back down.
At the center of it all is Mena Mayor Seth Smith, who’s leading the charge and can’t wait to see the impact these trails will have on the community.
“It’s a weird feeling,” Smith said. “Because when all this is coming, you get a sense of relief—knowing that something is fixing to happen here. We’re going to have that money to invest in our citizens, in the tax revenue. And people will also have a reason to stay. Because for many years, you heard, ‘We’ve got to go out of Mena to get a good job.’ I think that’s all fixing to change.”
Construction on the trails is expected to begin early 2026 with guest services facilities and the Ward Lake lift.
The early idea for the trails came from the community, Smith said. “Years ago, we were approached by a couple of citizens who were really into mountain biking. They told us we had an untapped resource. That’s when we started dreaming bigger.”
The city already has a 3.1-mile loop trail that circles Ward Lake, with a bi-directional climbing trail and two downhill runs featuring jumps and berms. This project is set to add an additional 18 to 20 miles in phase one, and more residents are investing in bikes in anticipation of the expansion.
“I was walking down Main Street the other day thinking, ‘I’m going to have to put bike racks in the budget next year,’” Smith said. “It’s something we’ve never thought about before. But you’re seeing that shift. More and more people getting outdoors. It just does so much for your mind and your body.”
Smith believes the change is generational too. Local schools are embracing biking, from Strider programs at the elementary level to middle schoolers choosing bike rides as their elective activity. Smith even joined them, along with the local fire department, for a ride.
“They’re embracing it. And that’s what’s going to make us successful—and make the mountain successful. It’s a two-way street.”
For Mena, a “State of Play” mentality will reap benefits for this community for years to come, and Smith is excited for this next chapter for the city and its residents.
“These empty buildings downtown? There’s going to be people in them. There’s going to be shops in them. It’s going to change, but for the good.”
About this Series
State of Play is a new series that explores how Arkansas cities and towns are investing in active, healthy lifestyles for their residents. From trail systems and bike infrastructure to parks, wellness programs and community design, each installment highlights local leaders and bold ideas reshaping what it means to live well in Arkansas. Sponsored by Municipal Health, State of Play celebrates the places where movement meets momentum.
