Story of the River Trail

Quickly approaching completion, this unique project is the result of many years of planning and coordination between public and private agencies, landholders and concerned citizens. Trail development on each side of the river has been funded by the corresponding city through appropriations, grants, donations and other resources.

When completed, the Arkansas River Trail will reach from downtown Little Rock to Pinnacle Mountain State Park on the southern shore, and from downtown North Little Rock to Cook's Landing on the northern shore. A fourteen mile loop will be created by a pedestrian bridge across Murray Lock and Dam and a renovated railroad bridge near the Presidential Library Center and Park. All together this project will offer approximately 24 miles of trail in Central Arkansas. This trail will also connect to the 225-mile Ouachita Wilderness Trail in Pinnacle Mountain State Park adding an additional 17 miles to this nationally-recognized trail.

Designed and designated as a "Place for All People," the Arkansas River Trail offers a warm welcome to visitors from all over the world. The path is fully accessible and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and provides users with opportunities to experience environments from the highly developed downtown districts to near wilderness areas in the western most sections. Walkers, cyclists, skaters, joggers, strollers and many others for generations to come will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse variety of outdoor recreation activities while improving their health and learning more about sensitive environments and habitat preservation.

The Arkansas River Trail is a hub, which will provide spokes to surrounding areas of Central Arkansas increasing access and popularity throughout one of Arkansas' most heavily populated regions. This is a reassuring point in light of the many benefits of bicycling, skating, walking and jogging, such as improved health, reduced air and water pollution, reduced impact on natural resources, safer streets and appropriately scaled neighborhoods.

Connectivity: The completed trail will connect the following key recreation areas and places of interest along the river:

In Little Rock Heifer Project International’s Global Village The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Park Riverfront Park (Little Rock) The Little Rock Convention and Visitor’s Bureau The Peabody Hotel Little Rock City Hall Cathedral School Rebsamen Golf Course (Little Rock) Murray Park (Little Rock) Murray Lock & Dam (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Two Rivers Park (Little Rock) Maumelle Park (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Pinnacle Mountain State Park (Arkansas State Parks) In North Little Rock Alltel Arena North Little Rock City Hall North Little Rock Riverfront Park Burn’s Park Cooks Landing