9 Things To See and Do on The Arkansas River Trail
When the springtime sun is shining and a cool breeze is blowing, the Arkansas River Trail is a place for everyone: Mothers pushing strollers through the park, cycling groups whizzing across the Big Dam Bridge, friends enjoying a walk during their lunch break.
“Central Arkansas is blessed to have such a wonderful natural asset like the Arkansas River,” says Rob Stephens, chairman of Arkansas River Trail Foundation. “The River is the habitat for a large variety of wildlife, but also provides spectacular views of unique geological features. And the best way to enjoy the river is to get close to it on the Arkansas River Trail.”
Your family likely has a go-to spot on the trail for biking, picnicking, bird watching and walking the family pet—but did you know the nearly-completed loop stretches from the city blocks of downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock all the way to the quiet forests of Pinnacle Mountain State Park? In between, you’ll find these 9 places (and many more!) to explore on the Arkansas River Trail.
Note: While enjoying the Arkansas River Trail, be aware of construction areas on both sides of the river. Currently, the Broadway Bridge construction project affects areas of the trail in both downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. Download a PDF map of the detour here.
1. Julius Breckling Riverfront Park
Popular with families, this section of the trail in downtown Little Rock provides plenty of pit stops for families, including a playground with tunnels and climbing boulders, two splash pads and the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden. Other amenities: Restrooms and water fountain.
2. Big Dam Bridge
Your heartbeat will start pumping as you make your way across the longest pedestrian bridge in the world built solely for recreation. In the daytime, get a glimpse of Pinnacle Mountain; nighttime brings a stellar LED lightshow that illuminates the bridge’s exterior. Other amenities: Bike Fix-it Station, restrooms and water fountain at the base of bridge on the North Little Rock side.
3. Two Rivers Park & Two Rivers Park Bridge
The pedestrian bridge connects River Mountain Park to Two Rivers Park, a 1,000-acre expanse of wooded wetlands, open fields and even a Garden of Trees, which showcases native trees. Other amenities: Bike Fix-it Station and water near the base of Two Rivers Bridge; Bike Fix-it Station, restroom and water fountain near the intersection of Two Rivers Park Road and County Farm Road.
4. Murray Park
“Little Rock’s Murray Park has pavilions and picnic tables adjacent to the Trail that can host birthday parties possibly with a cycling theme,” says Stephens. Plus, there’s a dog park, soccer fields, archery targets, fishing spots, a canoe launch and more. Other amenities: Restrooms and water fountain.
5. Burns Park
On the North Little Rock side of the river, you’ll pass through this 1,700-acre park. If you take a detour into the park, be sure to seek out the covered bridge, log cabin and train caboose. Or plan to take a mid-ride break at one of the attractions, including a dog park, disc golf course, amusement park, rocket slide and other playgrounds, archery range, BMX track and more. Other amenities: Bike Fix-it Station, restrooms and water fountain near Victory Lake.
6. Big Rock Quarry Park
Ride along the base of the breathtaking 200-foot bluffs of the Big Rock Quarry in North Little Rock. Or, take a hike through Emerald Park—a hiking trail leads to the top of the bluffs for a scenic, birds-eye-view of the Arkansas River and the city skyline in the distance.
7. Clinton Presidential Center
Closing the loop at the east end of the trail is the Clinton Presidential Center and the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, a former railroad bridge that was converted into a walking and cycling path. Pause at the top to take in the view of downtown Little Rock and the Arkansas River. Or, look for wildlife in the William E. “Bill” Clark Presidential Park Wetlands below.
8. River Market District
In downtown Little Rock, you’ll find plenty of worthy destinations for family fun and fueling up hungry travelers. Family favorites like the Ottenheimer Market Hall, Museum of Discovery and the free Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center are steps away from the trail—and each is a perfect indoor spot to cool down on a warm day.
9. North Shore Riverwalk Park
In downtown North Little Rock, the trail passes by the thriving Argenta Arts District where you can stop for a bite to eat or to pick up produce at the weekend farmers markets. You’ll also pass by the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum (Hint: Look closely on the shoreline—it’s a submarine!) and Dickey-Stephens Park, home of the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball team. Other amenities: Restrooms and water fountain; Bike Fix-it Station under the Main Street Bridge.
Rules of the Road
Big Dam Bridge
On a beautiful day, the Arkansas River Trail can be a busy destination. Follow these etiquette guidelines from ArkansasRiverTrail.org to keep the trail a safe, clean and respectful environment.
- Most parks, including Two Rivers Park, close at dark, but cyclists are allowed to ride through. Burns Park closes at midnight. Riverview Park closes at 10 p.m.
- Keep pets on a short leash and under control at all times. Always clean up after your pets.
- Keep an eye on your children at all times.
- Keep to the right side of the pathways, except when passing others.
- When preparing to pass others, speak an audible warning in advance. Always pass on the left side, while leaving two feet of clearance.
- Pedestrians always have the right of way. Groups should travel single-file to ensure that cyclists are able to pass.
- When stopping, move off of the pavement so as not to impede passers-by.
- Cyclists and skaters should travel at safe and appropriate speeds.
- Pay attention to all trail markings, signs and other alerts or warnings.
- Do not smoke while on the trails.
- Motorized vehicles are not allowed, with the exception of motorized wheelchairs and emergency vehicles.
- Paved pathways are for cyclists, skaters, runners and walkers.
- Practice “Leave No Trace” by sticking to the trail, disposing trash in proper receptacles, picking up pet waste, keeping wildlife wild, etc.
For more information, trail tips and maps, visit ArkansasRiverTrail.org.