The best walks and hikes around West Memphis
3.8
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Hiking trails near West Memphis Arkansas are defined by the Mississippi River and the surrounding flat delta landscape. The region offers a network of paved greenways and riverfront paths, many of which provide views of the water and the Memphis skyline. These routes are generally level, making them accessible for various fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around West Memphis
- The most popular hiking route is Big River Crossing via Harahan Bridge — Memphis, Tennessee, a 2.5 mile (4.0 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 1 minute to complete. This route crosses the Mississippi River on a dedicated pedestrian bridge.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Mississippi River Greenbelt Park Path — Memphis, Tennessee, an easy 2.8 mile (4.5 km) path. This trail follows the river through a series of connected parks.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Riverline Loop from Memphis Martyrs Park — Memphis, Tennessee, a 2.4 mile (3.8 km) trail leading through urban parkland, often completed in about 59 minutes.
- Hiking around West Memphis is defined by paved riverfront trails, greenways, and park paths. The trail network provides multiple options for easy walks and longer hikes.
- The routes in West Memphis are rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.9 stars from a number of reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore West Memphis's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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9.82km
02:29
10m
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Hike the Ducks Unlimited Park Loop for Mississippi River views, the Memphis skyline, and a seasonal sunflower field on a paved trail.
2.30km
00:35
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Enjoy a refreshing hike along the Mississippi River Greenbelt Trail, an easy 1.4-mile (2.3 km) route that takes about 34 minutes to complete. You'll gain a gentle 14 feet (4 metres) in elevation as you follow the paved path, offering continuous views of the river. Look out for the Memphis skyline, particularly from vantage points near Mud Island, providing a unique urban backdrop to your natural escape. This trail is perfect for a quick, accessible outing.
Accessing the Mississippi River Greenbelt Trail is straightforward, with convenient off-street parking available near the trailhead. Before you go, be aware of seasonal conditions, especially if you plan to explore beyond the paved sections. The Lower Greenbelt Park, which is a natural flood plain, can experience flooding from late winter into early spring. This might affect unpaved areas, so check local conditions to ensure a smooth visit.
This trail offers a unique opportunity to observe river life within an urban setting. You can watch barges navigate the Mississippi River, providing a dynamic contrast to the city's hustle. It serves as a peaceful, family-friendly escape, allowing you to connect with nature without leaving the city limits. The Greenbelt provides a vital green space for both recreation and wildlife.
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22
hikers
3.96km
01:01
20m
20m
Embark on an easy hiking adventure across the Big River Crossing, a unique route that spans 2.5 miles (4.0 km) and offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River. As you walk, you will gain a gentle 68 feet (21 metres) in elevation, taking about 1 hour and 1 minute to complete. The trail connects downtown Memphis, Tennessee, with West Memphis, Arkansas, providing a distinct perspective of the city skyline, including the prominent Hernando de Soto Bridge. You can observe river traffic below and trains moving on the adjacent tracks, creating a dynamic backdrop for your journey. The experience shifts from an urban setting to a more natural landscape, leading you towards the expansive 1,500-acre Ducks Unlimited Park in Arkansas.
Planning your visit to the Big River Crossing is straightforward, as the route is free to access for all hikers. It operates daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., ensuring ample time for your stroll, and benefits from 24-hour security monitoring for peace of mind. On the Memphis side, you will find convenient amenities at Tom Lee Park. This includes available parking, restrooms, and drinking water, making your starting point well-equipped for your hike. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to enjoy cooler temperatures and potentially softer light for photography.
The Big River Crossing stands out as a significant pedestrian and cycling bridge, repurposing a historic railway bridge for public enjoyment. It is a key part of the larger Big River Trail system, which aims to create a continuous pathway along the Mississippi River. This route offers a rare opportunity to traverse the mighty Mississippi on foot, providing a unique vantage point of both urban and natural environments. The trail's connection to the 1,500-acre Ducks Unlimited Park highlights its role in linking city life with important conservation areas.
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4.53km
01:08
10m
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Enjoy an easy hike along the Mississippi River Trail in Greenbelt Park, a paved route that offers tranquil views of the river, bridges, and the downtown Memphis skyline from Mud Island. This pleasant path covers 2.8 miles (4.5 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 17 feet (5 metres), making it a relaxing journey you can complete in about 1 hour and 8 minutes. You can often spot barges floating by or catch a beautiful sunset over the water.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is primarily paved and generally flat, making it accessible for most fitness levels, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. The park is also family and pet-friendly, even featuring a dog park for off-leash activities. You can easily access this route, as it connects seamlessly to a larger riverfront park system within Memphis.
This section of the Mississippi River Trail is a notable part of Memphis's extensive riverfront park system, offering a unique perspective of the city's iconic river. The entire route runs along Mud Island, providing continuous scenic vistas of the Mississippi River. It's an excellent option if you are looking for a gentle outdoor experience that highlights the natural beauty and urban landscape of Memphis.
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3.79km
00:59
20m
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Embark on an easy hike along the Memphis Riverwalk, a paved route offering continuous panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline. This trail covers 2.4 miles (3.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 69 feet (21 metres), typically taking about 58 minutes to complete. You'll find yourself strolling through various green spaces, enjoying the urban atmosphere right by the water. Keep an eye out for the iconic Big River Crossing in the distance.
Accessing the Riverwalk is straightforward, whether you plan to walk, run, or cycle its paved surface. You can conveniently reach different points along the route by utilizing the MATA Trolley's Riverfront Loop. Parking is generally available in areas near the connected parks and other downtown Memphis attractions, making it easy to start your adventure.
A unique highlight of this route is Mud Island River Park, where you can explore a scaled replica of the Lower Mississippi River. The trail also provides opportunities to connect with the Big River Crossing, which stands as the longest public pedestrian and cyclist bridge spanning the Mississippi. This offers a distinct perspective of the river and its surroundings.
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Popular around West Memphis
Tips from the Community
Ashburn-Coppock Park is a small linear park with paved trails that are popular for commuting, biking, running, and walking. The intertwining paths in the area are well marked and offer the option for creating small loops. Tom Lee Park is a much larger park to the north, and it connects to the main trail in Ashburn-Coppock Park.
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This small park is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and was created in remembrance of those involved in the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1878. The park connects to a paved path that follows the Mississippi River Trail bike route and connects to some of the nearby parks to the north.
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The Big River Crossing is named in reference to crossing the Mississippi River on the longest pedestrian bridge. The bridge is actually named Harahan Bridge and helps connect the city of Memphis to the state of Arkansas and the Ducks Unlimited area. You get terrific views of the river from up on the bridge.
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Mississippi River Greenbelt Park is a linear park that features a completely paved path, open grassy areas, and continuous views of the Mississippi River. The trail spans a bit over a mile from just north of Mud Island Park all the way to where the Wolf River dumps into the Mississippi. You can plan to see both foot and bike traffic on this trail.
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Excursions and themed dinner cruises on the Mississippi with an old-fashioned paddle steamer fleet.
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Beale Street Landing is a popular park in downtown Memphis. The Mississippi River Trail cuts through the park and is a great place for a break to enjoy the view of Wolf River Harbor.
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Park on the banks of the Mississippi commemorating those who helped others during the yellow fever epidemic in 1878. The park offers a good access point for rides on the Mississippi River Trail bike route or other bikeways from downtown.
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Beale Street Landing in downtown Memphis offers a beautiful park with a relaxing ambiance. Enjoy the scenic view of the river, and feel free to borrow equipment for activities like basketball, putt-putt golf, and badminton. It's a perfect spot to unwind and extend your exercise routine after a run.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails near West Memphis?
Yes, many of the parks and trails in the area are welcoming to dogs on a leash. A great option is Wolf River Greenway, a well-maintained and popular paved path. For a more expansive experience with varied trails, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a highly-regarded choice, offering thousands of acres for you and your dog to explore.
What are some good, easy hikes for families with kids?
The West Memphis area is great for family outings. For a unique experience, the Mississippi River Walk loop on Mud Island is a fun, short walk. Another excellent choice is Village Creek State Park, which features the Big Ben Nature Trail, a gentle half-mile loop perfect for little legs. The park also has playgrounds and picnic areas.
Where can I find paved walking trails in the West Memphis area?
The region specializes in paved trails. The Big River Trail offers a 7-mile paved loop through the Mississippi River floodplain with fantastic views. For another well-regarded option, the Shelby Farms Greenline is a long, paved path that's a local favorite for walking and cycling, connecting different parts of the area through pleasant scenery.
Are there any state parks with good hiking trails near West Memphis?
Yes, you have several excellent options. Village Creek State Park, set on the unique Crowley's Ridge, offers over 30 miles of trails through forested hills. For a different landscape, Mississippi River State Park provides trails through hardwood forests and along the river itself. Both parks offer a great escape into nature just a short drive from the city.
Which trails offer the best views of the Memphis skyline?
For impressive skyline views, the Big River Crossing is unmatched. This pedestrian bridge offers a panoramic perspective of the Mississippi River with the Memphis skyline as a backdrop. The trails within Ducks Unlimited Park and along the Big River Trail also provide stunning viewpoints of the city from across the water.
What is the Big River Crossing and how long is it?
The Big River Crossing is the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River, connecting West Memphis, Arkansas, to Memphis, Tennessee. The crossing itself is nearly a mile long. It's a central feature of the local trail system and offers incredible views.
Where can I find more rugged, natural hiking experiences?
For a more primitive adventure, consider visiting the St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area. Created by the New Madrid Earthquakes, this area features a unique landscape of channels and ridges with bottomland hardwood forests. It's an excellent spot for wildlife viewing in a less-developed setting. You can find more information at Arkansas Heritage.
How many hiking trails are available around West Memphis?
There are over 15 designated hiking routes in the immediate vicinity of West Memphis. These range from short, paved city walks to longer trails in nearby state parks, offering a good variety for different fitness levels and interests.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The trails around West Memphis are well-regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 3.9 stars. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the paved riverfront paths and the beautiful, expansive views of the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline.
Is there parking available at the main trailheads?
Yes, parking is generally available. The Big River Trailhead in West Memphis provides access and parking for the Big River Crossing and associated trails. Major parks like Village Creek State Park and Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park also have designated parking areas near their trailheads and visitor centers.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife. In wetland areas like Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, you can see waterfowl, wading birds, and bald eagles. In the forests of Village Creek and Meeman-Shelby, you might spot white-tailed deer, turkeys, and a wide array of songbirds. The entire region is a key corridor for migratory birds.
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