Few places showcase Little Rock’s natural beauty quite like the Arkansas River Trail. Winding along the waterfront and connecting parks, neighborhoods and local landmarks, the 88-mile trail offers countless ways to get outside, whether you’re walking Fido, cycling with friends or simply soaking up the scenery.
Here are some of the best stops to add to your next adventure.
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, the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and the Margaret Clark Tree House. It’s never a bad idea to fuel up at one of the many restaurants downtown, either. Other amenities: Restrooms and water fountain.
Learn more: Carving Out Little Rock
2. Big Dam Bridge
Your heart will start pumping as you make your way across the longest pedestrian bridge in the U.S. built solely for recreation. In the daytime, get a glimpse of Pinnacle Mountain, while nighttime brings a stellar LED light show that illuminates the bridge’s exterior. Other amenities: Bike Fix-it Station, restrooms, benches, a bottle filler and water fountains at the base of the bridge.
Read on: Big Dam Bridge 100 Brings 21st Annual Tour to the Metro This Fall
3. Murray Park
Just down from the Big Dam Bridge, Murray Park’s pavilions and picnic tables are a popular stop for birthdays and cookouts. Here you’ll find Jack Hill’s whimsical “On a Roll” skating banana statue. Plus, there’s a nearby dog park, workout station, playground, sand volleyball, fishing spots, a canoe launch and more. Other amenities: Restrooms and water fountain.
4. Two Rivers Park & Bridge
This pedestrian bridge connects River Mountain Park to Two Rivers Park, a 1,000-acre expanse of wooded wetlands, open fields, trails for walking and biking and even a “Garden of Trees” showcasing native species. Plus, stop by the farmers market at the community garden plots every Saturday through August from 8 a.m. – noon. Other amenities: Bike Fix-it Stations and water near the base of the bridge and near the intersection of Two Rivers Park Road and County Farm Road, plus Rock Town River Outfitters kayak and paddleboarding.
See more: 6 Picture-Perfect Picnic Spots in Little Rock
5. 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.
Read on: 10 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors & Get Moving in Little Rock
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