Arkansas River Trail: Burns Park to Big Dam Bridge

You can find ample parking within Burns Park itself, which provides direct access to the trail. Specific trailhead parking areas are available throughout the park. For detailed parking information, you might check the Little Rock city website.

Yes, this section of the Arkansas River Trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail for everyone.

The trail is enjoyable year-round due to its paved surface. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be hot, so an early morning or late afternoon hike is recommended. Even in winter, the trail is accessible, offering crisp river views.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access or hike this section of the Arkansas River Trail. It's freely accessible to the public.

Burns Park is one of the largest municipal parks and is generally free to enter and use for activities like hiking this trail. However, specific facilities within the park might have their own regulations or fees. For general park rules, you can consult the Little Rock city website.

Absolutely! This section of the Arkansas River Trail is predominantly paved and considered easy, making it ideal for beginners, families, and those with strollers or wheelchairs. While mostly flat, there are some slight, rolling hills and a notable incline when approaching the Big Dam Bridge from the North Little Rock side.

You'll enjoy consistent river vistas as the trail runs alongside the Arkansas River. The terrain is a paved path, offering a smooth surface. As it passes through Burns Park, you'll see diverse landscapes, including natural settings, and even a historic log cabin, covered bridge, and fishing pier within the park. The highlight is the panoramic view from the Big Dam Bridge.

The most prominent feature is the Big Dam Bridge, known as the longest bridge in the U.S. built exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists. From the bridge, you'll get spectacular views of the Arkansas River, Pinnacle Mountain, and the Little Rock skyline. Within Burns Park, you might also spot a historic log cabin, a covered bridge, and a fishing pier.

This section is about 7.3 kilometers (4.5 miles) long. On average, it takes approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes to hike, but this can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

This specific route from Burns Park to the Big Dam Bridge is generally considered a point-to-point hike. However, the broader Arkansas River Trail system offers many options for creating longer loops or out-and-back routes, especially by crossing the Big Dam Bridge to the Little Rock side.

Yes, this route is part of the larger Arkansas River Trail system. Along this section, you'll be on the main Arkansas River Trail. It also briefly intersects with sections of the Pfeifer Loop and the Yellow Trail within Burns Park.