Best Trails in Little Rock for Scenic Walks & Outdoor Adventures

Some cities make you drive for hours to find great trails. In Little Rock, they're practically around the corner.

Within minutes of downtown, you can bike across the Arkansas River, hike wooded hills at Pinnacle Mountain, or wander quiet boardwalks through wetlands filled with wildlife. From iconic riverfront routes to lesser-known local favorites, Little Rock’s trail system offers plenty of ways to step outside and explore.

These scenic trails highlight some of the best outdoor adventures waiting around the capital city.

Riverfront Trails with Iconic Views

Arkansas River Trail

One of the most iconic outdoor experiences in Little Rock, the Arkansas River Trail forms a 17-mile loop connecting the riverfronts of Little Rock and North Little Rock. The paved path winds past parks, scenic overlooks, and skyline views along the river. A highlight is the Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian- and bicycle-intended bridge in North America.

Two Rivers Park Trail

Located where the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers meet, Two Rivers Park offers wide paved trails that connect directly to the Arkansas River Trail network. The route passes through open fields, shaded woods, and scenic river views. The illuminated Two Rivers Bridge is one of the park’s most recognizable landmarks.

Kids running towards their parents as they play in the Margaret Clark tree house with the Arkansas River in the background.

State Park Trails

Kingfisher Trail at Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Just west of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is one of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations. The park features a variety of trails, from challenging summit hikes with sweeping views of the Arkansas River Valley to easier nature walks that wind through forests and along quiet waterways.

For a relaxed option, the Kingfisher Trail follows the headwaters of the Little Maumelle River, offering a peaceful path through wetlands and towering cypress trees.

A person standing on top of the Pinnacle Mountain while taking a picture of the hilly skyline and sunrise around the landscape in Little Rock.

Hidden Nature Escapes

William E. "Bill" Clark Presidential Park Wetlands Boardwalk

Right in downtown Little Rock, this elevated boardwalk winds through a protected wetland ecosystem filled with birds, turtles, frogs, and aquatic plants. It’s one of the easiest places to experience nature in the heart of the city.

Lorance Creek Natural Area Trail

About 20 minutes south of Little Rock, Lorance Creek Natural Area features a paved trail and elevated boardwalk that weave through a cypress and pine forest. The area’s groundwater-fed wetlands support abundant wildlife, including deer, turtles, and salamanders.

Two people walking across the wooden bridge through the wetlands by the Clinton Center.

Little Rock Audubon Center Trail

Just southeast of downtown, the Little Rock Audubon Center offers a network of trails through forests, wetlands, and rare nepheline syenite glades found only in Central Arkansas. The preserve is especially popular for birdwatching and quiet nature walks.

Rock Creek Trail

Tucked into west Little Rock, Rock Creek Trail offers a shaded escape through wooded areas and quiet green spaces. The paved path follows Rock Creek as it winds through parks and neighborhoods, making it a peaceful route for walking, running, or biking.

Two people walking through a cypress wetland forest collecting plants in Little Rock.

After a day on the trails, discover even more of Little Rock with local restaurants, unique attractions, and welcoming hotels that make the capital city a great place to explore and stay awhile.

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