Little Rock is a city with the perfect balance of vibrant nightlife and exciting outdoor adventure. Summer is when outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a plethora of on-water activities, from kayaking and canoeing to swimming in pools. Here's a guide to some of the best on-water activities in Little Rock.
The Little Maumelle and the Arkansas rivers meet at one of Little Rock’s most scenic parks. Here you can enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, or simply wander the park’s miles of trails. Picnic…
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At 4,226 feet in length, this is the longest pedestrian - and bicycling - intended bridge in North America. It rises 90 feet above the Arkansas River and connects dozens of cycling…
Central Arkansas's main water supply, Lake Maumelle has an area of 8,900 acres covering an area of 14 square miles and a 70-mile shoreline. No swimming is allowed but boating and fishing…
Fourche Creek Wetlands One of the nation's largest urban wetlands, Fourche Creek drains 108,000 acres of Little Rock and surrounding areas. Its meandering channel braids and connects numerous wetlands, the largest being…
William Kirsch Preserve
Take to the water by yourself or with your friends thanks to the many access points throughout Little Rock. The gorgeous, snaking waters of the river will bring you through scenic, stunning scenes as you explore the city. Keep your water sports more contained by bringing your equipment to the lakes where you can roam the water and pack a picnic lunch.
Trying out these water sports for the first time? Rock Town River Outfitters offers lessons taught by trained instructors. Learn the basics of kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding with an instructor, ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
If you're an experienced aquaholic and are in the market for new equipment, multiple locations throughout Little Rock allow you to purchase your own kayak, canoe, paddleboard, etc.
Our locals know which spots are the best for your preferred water activity!
"Kayaking the Arkansas River gives you a completely different perspective—under the bridges, along the skyline, and into parts of downtown you don’t notice from land. This is one of those “why haven’t we done this sooner” experiences." - @littlerock.locals, Instagram
"The Little Maumelle near Pinnacle Mountain is nice and there is a spot on Highway 10 just west of lake Maumelle where you can put in and go upstream into the Maumelle river as well." - @five-oh-one, Reddit
The serene waterways are also a great place to cast a line and sit back and relax. Enjoy fishing in the Arkansas River, or head on over to the many creeks and lakes within the area to show off your angling skills.
Pick up fresh bait, buy a new line, or purchase a hook; we've got you covered. Little Rock has so many resources available to fishers like you, thanks to our community's proximity to water.
Hear what locals have to say about their favorite spots to fish!
"Lake Maumelle is best for boat fishing." - Krystal Pearce, Facebook
"If you go out Hwy 10 to Lake Maumelle there are spots to stop and fish from the bank." - onmycomputeratwork, Reddit
"Out at Two Rivers Park (near Pinnacle Mtn) is great. Start near the kayak ramp and you have an inlet with heavy Lily pads that you can skim topwater for bass or jig for panfish." - Ludeykrus, Reddit
Whether you like dipping your toes in the pool or going all out with a cannonball, Little Rock's public pools are where travelers can cool off on a hot summer day.
If you're traveling to Little Rock, many of our hotels have a swimming pool open to their guests. Find more pools available to you in Little Rock by reviewing our blog covering the wide-ranging pool options in the area.
Be mindful of the requirements for entry and follow the rules of the pools that are posted.
Yes! Book a kayaking tour of the Arkansas River through Rock Town River Outfitters and discover the water with a trained instructor.
Lake Maumelle prohibits swimming, as does the Arkansas River.
The water at Two Rivers Park offers protected inlets with calmer waters, which are perfect for water recreation for the whole family. Depending on how old your children are, having a pool day may be your best bet or one of our many other fun things to do as a family in Little Rock.
Yes. Anyone 16 years or older must have a fishing license to fish in Arkansas. For more information on how to register for a license and which type of license is required, review the rules and regulations available on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The spring and summer months are optimal for water recreation. During the spring months, pay close attention to the weather and temperature to ensure you're dressing appropriately, and remember that the water may be colder than anticipated.
For specific times of day, dawn and dusk are ideal for fishing!
The War Memorial Park Pond has accessible points for disabled fishermen and women looking to kick back and cast a line on their ADA-compliant piers. Though not completely paved, the Two Rivers Park has plenty of smooth banks by the water that are easy to navigate, much like their paved trails.
For additional information on accessibility in Little Rock, review our accessibility page.
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