Both of these are on the "40 miles" list of Northwest Arkansas trail systems, and we get asked often enough which one to prioritize on a shorter trip that it's worth laying out the actual difference.
Back 40 / Wonderland
Back 40 runs about 40 miles total, with a 21-mile loop that's intermediate to advanced. It connects through Blowing Springs, which has caves, a waterfall, and a bridge worth stopping at even if you're not stopping for long. If you want a full-day epic with real variety in the terrain, this is the one.
Little Sugar
Little Sugar is also around 40 miles, but the standout feature is climbing 🌻 it has the most climbing per mile of anything in the region, and it's built to ride in more weather conditions than most systems here. If you're training, or you just want a system that won't get you stuck if it's rained recently, this is the better call.
Our honest take
If you've only got one day and you want the bigger, more varied experience, go Back 40. If the forecast is iffy or you specifically want a climbing-focused day, take Little Sugar. Neither is a bad choice. This isn't a "one is better" comparison so much as a "match it to your day" one.
Both are a bit further out from the house than Slaughter Pen or Coler, so budget real drive time. Our Trails page has the full breakdown of everything reachable from Oakwood Oasis, including systems we deliberately left off the property tour because they're 25-plus minutes away 🌻 reachable, just not a reason to book here on their own.
Staying for either one
Wherever you end up riding, Oakwood Oasis gives you a real kitchen, bike storage, and a place to actually recover between days. See our Amenities page. Check rates on our Rates page and book direct through our site to skip the added platform fee.
Bye Bye Now.