Arkansas River Trail

State: Arkansas. Destination type: paved, multi-use riverside trail linking Little Rock and North Little Rock along the Arkansas River. The core loop is commonly cited at roughly 15 to 17 miles, anchored by the Big Dam Bridge and the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, while a larger regional network sometimes called the ART Grand Loop extends to around 88 miles through Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle, and Conway. Development began with a 2003 city bond issue, and the Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian/bicycle-only bridge in North America at 4,226 feet, opened in 2006.

The Arkansas River Trail is a paved, mostly flat greenway that follows both banks of the Arkansas River through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock, stitching together riverfront parks, historic bridges, and cultural landmarks into a single connected route. The core loop, most often cited at around 15 to 17 miles, crosses the river via the Big Dam Bridge -- the longest bicycle-and-pedestrian-only bridge in North America -- and the renovated Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, a converted 19th-century railroad bridge. A wider regional trail system, sometimes referred to as the ART Grand Loop, extends the network to roughly 88 miles connecting outlying communities. Along the way, the trail passes Riverfront Park, Burns Park, Two Rivers Park, and the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, making it as much an urban sightseeing route as a straightforward exercise path. Its flat terrain, city-center location, and lack of car traffic on the bridges have made it a popular option for walkers, joggers, and cyclists of a wide range of abilities.

The trail runs through the heart of Pulaski County, following the Arkansas River through downtown Little Rock on the south bank and North Little Rock on the north bank. Key access points include Riverfront Park and the River Market District in downtown Little Rock, Burns Park and NLR Riverfront Park in North Little Rock, and Two Rivers Park farther west near the Big Dam Bridge. Because it runs directly through the two cities' downtown cores, the trail is unusually central compared with most nature-focused Arkansas destinations.

Little Rock has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, often humid summers -- July highs commonly reach the low 90s Fahrenheit -- and generally mild winters, with January highs around 48°F and lows closer to freezing. The city sees a modest amount of snow most winters, typically just a few inches for the season, and annual rainfall averages around 54 inches, concentrated somewhat more heavily from spring through fall. Because the trail is flat and paved, it generally remains usable across most weather conditions apart from heavy rain or ice.

Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking or cycling the full loop, avoiding both summer's heat and humidity and winter's shorter days. Many locals recommend early morning starts in summer to beat both the heat and any crowding at popular access points like Two Rivers Park. Because the trail is paved, flat, and largely urban, it remains a viable option in every season, including winter, aside from days with ice or heavy rain.

The trail's development began with a $1.9 million bond issue approved by the city of Little Rock in 2003, and it incorporates stretches of former railroad right-of-way, including sections tied to the historic Little Rock & Western Railway corridor. Its signature structure, the Big Dam Bridge, took roughly eight years from conception to completion and opened to the public on September 20, 2006; at 4,226 feet long, it is described as the longest bridge in North America built exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, with no history of carrying trains or motor vehicles. It was designed and its construction overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Southwestern Division, using local, state, and federal funding rather than Corps money directly, and its nickname is credited to former Pulaski County Judge F.G. "Buddy" Villines. The Junction Bridge, a converted 1884 railroad bridge fitted with colored night lighting and elevator access, opened in May 2008. The Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, built from the former 1899 Rock Island Bridge and renovated at a reported cost of about $10.5 million with support from Clinton Foundation and government funding, opened in October 2011, the same year the Two Rivers Bridge was completed as the gateway to the wider, roughly 88-mile ART Grand Loop trail system.

Walking, jogging, and cycling the flat, paved trail are the primary activities, with the roughly 15-to-17-mile core loop being a popular full-day cycling goal and shorter out-and-back segments suiting a quick walk or run. Crossing the Big Dam Bridge and the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge are highlights in their own right, offering river views without any car traffic to contend with. Bike rentals, including standard and electric options, are available from local outfitters for visitors without their own bikes. The route also passes directly by the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, making it easy to combine a ride or walk with a museum stop, and Two Rivers Park at the trail's western end has additional mountain-biking spurs for those wanting a change of terrain.

The Big Dam Bridge and Clinton Presidential Park Bridge are the trail's two signature crossings and worth visiting even for those not doing the full loop. The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Library sits directly along the route in Little Rock. Riverfront Park and the adjoining River Market District offer a mix of green space, public art, and dining right at the trail's downtown edge, while Burns Park and NLR Riverfront Park anchor the North Little Rock side, and Two Rivers Park provides a quieter, more nature-focused stretch near the Big Dam Bridge.

The trail runs directly through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock, so it is easily reached from almost anywhere in the metro area by car, and Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport sits only about 4 to 6 miles from downtown access points, roughly a 13-minute drive. Parking is available at multiple access points, including paid riverfront lots (around $3 an hour at some downtown locations) and larger free lots at Two Rivers Park and near the Big Dam Bridge. Little Rock's Metro Streetcar, a heritage streetcar line connecting downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock's Argenta district, also serves stops near the River Market and Clinton Presidential Center, offering a car-free way to reach some trail access points.

As an outdoor public trail, there is no single confirmed universal opening or closing time; individual parks along the route, such as Riverfront Park or Two Rivers Park, may post their own hours or lighting limitations. Visitors should check signage at their specific access point, and plan around daylight hours for the more remote, less-lit stretches of the trail.

Using the trail itself is free. Some riverfront parking areas charge hourly fees (around $3 an hour at certain downtown lots), and bike rentals from local outfitters carry their own separate cost depending on rental length and bike type.

A short walk or ride along a single section, such as around Riverfront Park or Two Rivers Park, can take as little as an hour. Completing the full 15-to-17-mile core loop by bike typically takes a half day, while attempting a larger stretch of the roughly 88-mile regional network is more of a full-day undertaking.

Downtown Little Rock, right along the trail's southern edge, has a solid concentration of hotels within walking distance of trail access, including options in and around the River Market District such as a Marriott, a Wyndham Riverfront property, an all-suite Homewood Suites, and a Comfort Inn & Suites, several of them within a few tenths of a mile of the river. This makes it easy to base a car-free, trail-focused visit entirely out of downtown Little Rock.

The River Market District, right beside the trail in downtown Little Rock, has one of the city's densest concentrations of restaurants and bars, including steakhouses, a rock-and-roll-themed live music venue and restaurant, and a mix of international and casual American options. The Clinton Presidential Center's on-site restaurant offers river views along with a menu blending local and international dishes. North Little Rock's Argenta district, reachable via the trail or the Metro Streetcar, adds further dining choices on the river's north side.

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Library sits directly on the route and is the trail's single biggest cultural landmark. The River Market District and Riverfront Park offer additional shopping, dining, and public art within easy walking distance. For visitors extending their trip, other major Arkansas destinations such as Greers Ferry Lake, Fayetteville, and Bentonville are all within a few hours' drive for a longer central-to-northwest Arkansas itinerary.

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) is unusually close for an Arkansas attraction, roughly 4 to 6 miles from downtown trail access points and about a 13-minute drive, making this one of the most accessible destinations in the state to reach without a lengthy drive. Little Rock's Metro Streetcar also connects the River Market District, the Clinton Presidential Center, and North Little Rock's Argenta district, offering a public-transit option for reaching parts of the trail without a car.

The trail is shared by pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists of varying speeds, so staying aware of other trail users, especially near bridges and busier park sections, is a good habit. Summer heat and humidity can be significant, so carrying water and pacing activity for cooler parts of the day is worth planning for on longer stretches. Because the trail closely follows the riverbank for much of its length, some low-lying sections may be affected by high water after heavy rain, so it is worth checking current trail conditions before setting out following storms. Locking bikes securely at any stop, and being mindful crossing the few street intersections along the route, are also sensible precautions.

Water, sunscreen, and a hat are useful given the trail's largely open, sunny stretches, along with comfortable athletic shoes or a bike if you are covering more than a short segment. A bike lock is worth bringing if you plan to stop along the way, and a phone with an offline map can help with navigation given the trail's length and multiple branches. Cash or a card is handy for parking meters, bike rentals, or a stop in the River Market District.

Because the full core loop runs 15 to 17 miles and the wider regional network stretches to roughly 88 miles, it is worth deciding in advance how much distance you actually want to cover rather than assuming the whole system can be done in one outing. Two Rivers Park tends to have more parking and a quieter atmosphere than the busiest downtown sections, making it a good starting point for a calmer visit. Combining a ride or walk with a stop at the Clinton Presidential Center, or a meal in the River Market District, is an easy way to round out a visit to what is otherwise primarily an exercise-focused trail.

Dial 911 for any emergency, the nationwide emergency number in the United States. No dedicated destination-specific phone number for the trail itself was confirmed in official sources reviewed; for non-emergency questions, check the City of Little Rock's parks and trails webpage for current contact information.

City of Little Rock -- Arkansas River Trail: https://littlerock.gov/residents/bikeped-little-rock/projects/trails-sidepaths/arkansas-river-trail/ (see also https://www.arkansasrivertrail.org/)

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.