Arkansas is known as the Natural State. The state of Arkansas hosts 52 state parks and two national forests, providing endless hiking possibilities to explore! Located along the Arkansas River, Little Rock, is the bustling capital city of Arkansas.
Despite being a bustling little city, Little Rock also offers outdoor enthusiasts numerous adventure opportunities. From great hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and birding, Little Rock, Arkansas has many choices for getting your outdoor fix!
What are the best hiking spots and trails near Little Rock?
Our Travel Makes Me Happy team has taken the guess work and planning out for you! We’ve listed our top suggestions for the best hiking trails in Little Rock, Arkansas to try out if you are in the area.
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Don’t forget to pack a backpack for essentials when hiking! We love this inexpensive packable 40L backpack from Amazon because it is a perfect size to fit everything for our hikes and folds down so it doesn’t take up too much space in our suitcase or hooked to the handle of our carry-on!
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Our Favorite Little Rock, AR Hiking Trails:
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
With 12 unique hiking trails Pinnacle Mountain State Park provides hikers a location to return to for day hikes over and over again and makes it perfect for one of the best hiking spots near Little Rock!
Hiking here was one of the reasons we included it in our recent article, Travel Ideas for Summer 2023: 8 Places to Visit
The iconic landmark, Pinnacle Mountain, is surrounded by the bottomlands of the Big Maumelle and Little Maumelle rivers. These diverse landforms allow this State Park to have a variety of hiking trails that can meet the needs of all explorers:
| Hard | Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail [1.5 miles] Pinnacle Mountain East Summit Trail [1.4 miles] Ouachita National Recreation Trail [213.9 miles] |
| Moderate | Rocky Valley Trail/East Quarry Spur [2.9 miles] Pinnacle Mountain Base Trail Loop [2.7 miles] Lake Maumelle [9.2 miles] Jackfork Mountain Bike Trail [4.9 miles] |
| Easy | Kingfisher Trail [0.6 miles] Arkansas Arboretum Trail [0.7 miles] Rabbit Ridge MTB Trail [0.8 miles] |
River Mountain Park Trail
River Mountain Park Trail
The River Mountain Park Trail is a 2.9 mile stroll that offers peace and tranquility by the water.
This natural, year-round, trail is well-maintained and hosts moderate amounts of foot traffic, with access from both Two River Park and or Conner Park.
You can enjoy the sounds of the creek and wildlife as you simultaneously take in the views of the water and large rocks.
Take an opportunity to wade in the creek in the several access points the trail offers to admire the natural beauty of the area from a different perspective.
Allsopp Park Trail
Allsopp Park Trail
Hosting a 3.7 mile trail, Allsopp Park Trail offers opportunities for hikers of all ages and abilities, with a balance of paved and earthen trails.
Are you hoping to hike with your four-legged best friend? The trail is pet friendly, but does require dogs to stay on-leash.
With open grass fields, restrooms, a pavilion, park, and picnic tables it is a great location to spend the entire afternoon and soak in the fresh air. This was one of our favorite hiking trails to do!
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Rock Creek Trail
The Rock Creek Trail is a hidden gem, nestled near the I-430/I-630 junction. A moderately easy route, the 3 mile out-and-back journey is accessible from many hotels along the route.
With paved, gravel, boardwalks and bridges you can take in the wooded sights of the forest.
This terrain provides accessible hiking opportunities for hikers of all levels, as well as families with children. Despite running along the Rock Creek, there are not many water views.
Arkansas River Trail
Arkansas River Trail
Originally the Arkansas River Trail spanned a 16 mile loop between the Big Dam Bridge and the downtowns of Little Rock, linking on either side of the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge.
However, an addition of the Two River Park Bridge now extends this potential journey 34 miles to Pinnacle Mountain State Park!
Being a mostly paved path makes this trail wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Both ends of this path act as a spring board for further outdoor enjoyment as they provide connections to several other trails too.
Be aware that sections of the loop do share state highways and local roads that do have vehicle traffic.
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Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area Hike
Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area Hike
Rattlesnake Ridge offers intermediate and expert level rocky trails.
The trail is separated between the Big Maumelle and Little Maumelle Rivers, as well as borders the Ouachita Mountains, providing breathtaking views of dramatic rocky summits.
For more experienced hikers, the Lower Kanob trail and the Mountain Boomer Trail offer a challenge by an increase in elevation, and steeper and rockier terrain.
Regardless of the path you choose to explore you will be able to observe rare plants and animal species thanks to the Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area conservation of native wildlife practices.
Great Little Rock Hotels if Staying in the City
We stayed at the Marriott on the river in downtown Little Rock and loved the location and room view! There were also many other options in the area that are convenient. Right across the street was the historical Capital Hotel which has amazing dining options even if you don’t stay there. Some other great options located within walking distance to the river trails and great dining are the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Little Rock and Homewood Suites by Hilton (close to Fassler Hall!).
Have you explored any of these hikes? Which will be at the top of your hiking bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to bring comfortable travel shoes! The Walking Company has a huge selection!
If more adventure is on your travel list, we have a great article on unique things to do in Seattle that includes hiking Mt. Ranier!
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