This Arkansas City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

Situated along the southern banks of the Arkansas River near the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Little Rock is arguably one of the South’s most overlooked destinations. While most Americans are familiar with the Arkansas capital by name, many may not realize its outdoor potential. With many miles of biking trails, over 300 bird species, and several nearby state parks, planning a weekend outdoors here is easy. For those looking to discover the quieter side of the South, without the crowds of more popular destinations, Little Rock offers the perfect getaway. Let's explore why this quiet Arkansas city is such an underrated gem for nature lovers.

Parks and Green Spaces

There are over 60 parks to explore in Little Rock, with one of the most famous being Riverfront Park. This park spans 11 blocks, connecting the Arkansas River to the downtown district. Some of the amenities within the park include walking trails, plazas, terraces, plazas, two large fountains, splash pads, and over 100 pieces of public art. The First Security Amphitheater is also located within the park, which is a great place to catch some live music.

Allsopp Park, covering about 75 acres, is another popular park in Little Rock. Lying within a wooded ravine, the origins of this park date back to the 1920s and 1930s, making it a longtime pillar in the community. A playground, tennis courts, softball field, pavilion, and jogging trails are just a few of the features that travelers will find in the park.

If you enjoy history, consider visiting Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, which is just a 20-minute drive outside of Little Rock. This site preserves the state’s tallest indigenous mounds, remnants of early-Mississippian Period structures from 650 to 1050 CE. After exploring some of the trails that surround the mounds, travelers can look at some site artifacts at the Visitors Center.

Hiking and Biking Trails

With more than 1,200 miles of biking trails in the region, cyclists will have plenty to do in and around Little Rock. Travelers interested in Gone with the Wind should explore The Old Mill Route. Famous for appearing in the opening scenes of the movie, this trail will take cyclists from the downtown area up north, ending at the iconic mill.

If you enjoy history and architecture, the Historic Church Trail is another wonderful route to consider. This trail, stretching roughly seven miles, passes by more than 15 historic churches, many of which date back as far as the 19th century.

Just a 20-minute drive from Little Rock, travelers can also reach Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Lying in the Arkansas Arboretum, along the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers, this state park has 33 miles of trails to explore, 19 of which are mountain biking trails. Besides hiking, visitors can also have a picnic in the park or reserve a pavilion for a group event.

In addition to serving as a base camp for nearby state parks, Little Rock is also just a 45-minute drive from Ouachita National Forest. Spanning over 1.7 million acres, this park features six federally designated wilderness areas and an array of hiking trails that meander through the forest.

Water-Based Recreation

The Arkansas River, which runs through the city, is one of the most popular spots for spending a day on the water. Rock Town River Outfitters, conveniently located between downtown and Pinnacle Mountain, offers river access from its central boathouse. Here, visitors can rent single, tandem, and fishing kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards. This outfitter also offers kayaking tours for those who prefer a guided experience. In addition to exploring the scenic Arkansas River, a guide during this tour will share information about the river and the city’s history with travelers. There are also sunset kayaking tours and fishing kayaking tours available. Bass, catfish, and crappie are some of the most common fish found in the river.

There are several other ways to enjoy an afternoon fishing in Little Rock. If you prefer to stay on solid ground, consider heading over to Murray Park, a riverfront park that has eight pavilions, two playgrounds, three soccer fields, a boating dock, and many great spots to fish. Lake Maumelle, located about 25 minutes from downtown Little Rock, covers 8,900 acres and is famous for the sail regattas it hosts. Although swimming is not permitted at this lake, it is another excellent spot to go boating or fishing.

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Over 300 bird species can be found in the Little Rock area. Travelers wanting to see some of these birds can start at the Little Rock Audubon Center. This center is near 400 acres of habitats like upland hardwood forest, bottomland hardwood forest, oak savannah, and the rare nepheline syenite glades. A few of the species that call the Audubon Center home are which is home are the Common Yellowthroat, Mississippi Kite, Blue Grosbeak, and Indigo Bunting.

Located next to the Audubon Center, travelers can continue their bird-watching tour at Gillam Park. This park is a particularly good birding spot for spring and fall migratory species. There are 32 species of warblers that have been spotted here, along with birds like winter wrens, sparrows, and Red-winged Blackbirds. There are around three miles of trails that travelers can use to explore the park.

To the west of Pinnacle Mountain State Park, travelers will find Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area, an important site for protecting some of the region’s rare plant and animal species. It features the Ouachita Mountain Sandstone Outcrop Barrens, a rare grassland habitat more typical of arid regions farther west. Three of the most significant species that call the natural area home are the southeastern bat, the western diamondback rattlesnake, and Wright’s cliffbrake, a desert fern. Visitors will have access to several trails here with varying difficulty that are perfect for hiking and biking.

If you are yearning to disconnect for a few days, Little Rock is a fantastic option. Between kayaking on the Arkansas River, fishing at Lake Maumelle, and hiking at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, there are so many ways to find refuge in nature. So think outside of the box for your travels this year and get ready to experience for yourself what the city of Little Rock has to offer — especially since this quiet Arkansas city is truly an underrated gem for nature lovers.