The best road cycling routes in Pulaski County

Pulaski County offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 60 routes available for exploration. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy riverside paths to more challenging rides through the foothills.

Road cycling in Pulaski County, Arkansas, features a diverse landscape where the Ouachita Mountains meet the Arkansas River and the West Gulf Coastal Plain. You can expect a mix of mountainous terrain, river lowlands, and forested hills, providing varied gradients and scenic backdrops.

Yes, Pulaski County has plenty of easy road cycling options. Approximately half of the routes, around 30, are classified as easy. A great example is the Big Dam Bridge – Arkansas River Trail loop from Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which is 19.2 miles long and leads through river lowlands.

Many routes offer access to scenic spots and landmarks. The Arkansas River Trail itself provides extensive views along the river. You can also pass by the iconic Big Dam Bridge, the Murray Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River, and Julius Breckling Riverfront Park. Pinnacle Mountain State Park, while not directly on all routes, offers spectacular vistas of the Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita Mountains nearby.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Pulaski County offers a few more demanding routes. There are 2 routes classified as difficult, providing more significant elevation gains and longer distances. These routes often venture into the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains.

The road cycling routes in Pulaski County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the extensive views along the Arkansas River, and the well-maintained trails that connect urban areas with natural landscapes.

Yes, Pulaski County features several long-distance loops. A popular choice is the Big Dam Bridge – Arkansas River Trail loop from Little Rock, which spans 53.0 miles (85.3 km) and offers extensive views along the Arkansas River. Another option is the Big Dam Bridge – Two Rivers Park Bridge loop from Little Rock, covering 85.3 km.

The region generally offers good cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall typically provide the most pleasant temperatures for road cycling, with vibrant foliage in autumn and blooming nature in spring. Summer can be warm, but early mornings or late afternoons are often suitable. Winter cycling is possible, though conditions can vary.

Many of the prominent road cycling routes in Pulaski County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Big Dam Bridge – Arkansas River Trail loop from Rodney Parham Rd & AR Valley Dr and the Big Dam Bridge – Big Dam Bridge loop from Napa Valley Rd at Terry Library.

Absolutely. Several routes provide access to or pass by natural areas. The Big Dam Bridge – Arkansas River Trail loop from Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a prime example, leading near the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and offering views of the park. The Arkansas River Trail also connects to various parks and green spaces along its length.

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. Shorter, easy routes like the Big Dam Bridge – Arkansas River Trail loop from Burns Park Fishing Pier (16.4 miles) can be completed in under 2 hours. Longer, moderate routes, such as the Big Dam Bridge – Arkansas River Trail loop from Little Rock (53.0 miles), typically take around 3 hours 38 minutes.