The Arkansas River Trail loop between Little Rock and North Little Rock is one of the most popular bike rides in Arkansas. For cyclists, runners, walkers, and visitors, it offers a unique way to experience the Arkansas River, downtown skylines, city parks, and two of the region’s most recognizable bridges, the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge and the Big Dam Bridge.
On paper, it appears to be the perfect urban cycling route. In reality, it is scenic, enjoyable, occasionally challenging, and still unfinished in some important places. That combination is what makes it one of the most talked-about bike rides in Central Arkansas—information from the City of Little Rock and City of North Little Rock on the Arkansas River Trail.
How Long Is the Arkansas River Trail Loop?
The main Arkansas River Trail loop between the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge and the Big Dam Bridge is approximately 15.6 miles, depending on starting point and route choices. Many riders extend the trip by adding miles through downtown Little Rock, Burns Park, Murray Park, or connecting greenways.
For beginners, it is a manageable ride with plenty of places to stop and rest. For experienced cyclists, it can be a fast training loop or the starting point for longer rides. (Reminder: recommended top speed on the Arkansas River Trail is 15 mph. Please announce yourself when passing walkers, runners, and slower riders. Tips on sharing the trail.)
Starting at the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge
Many riders begin at the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge in downtown Little Rock. The former railroad bridge has been transformed into a pedestrian and bicycle crossing that gives riders wide views of the Arkansas River and the Little Rock skyline.
Crossing the bridge feels like the start of an adventure. It is one of the best vantage points in the city and a favorite photo stop for locals and tourists alike.
Once across into North Little Rock, the trail quickly settles into a smooth and enjoyable rhythm.
Riding the North Little Rock Side of the Arkansas River Trail
The North Little Rock side of the Arkansas River Trail is often considered the easiest and most relaxed section of the loop.
Cyclists ride through open riverfront areas, park spaces, and long paved sections that allow for steady riding. This side of the trail is popular with families, fitness riders, walkers, and runners because it feels spacious and connected.
Depending on the season, riders may see birds along the river, barges moving through the channel, or large groups out enjoying the outdoors.
Crossing the Big Dam Bridge by Bike
The highlight of the Arkansas River Trail for many riders is the Big Dam Bridge.
This iconic pedestrian and bicycle bridge spans the Murray Lock and Dam and rises high above the Arkansas River. It is the largest bridge in North America built specifically for bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Climbing onto the bridge gives riders sweeping river views, city scenery, and one of the most memorable cycling moments in Arkansas.
For visitors searching for the best bike rides in Little Rock, the Big Dam Bridge experience alone makes the loop worth doing.
The Little Rock Side, Scenic but Still Incomplete
After crossing back onto the Little Rock side, riders continue east toward downtown. There are several beautiful stretches, especially near Murray Park and riverfront green spaces.
However, this side of the loop also includes the section many local cyclists know well, the unfinished connection near Cantrell Road and the Dillard’s corridor.
Here, riders may encounter narrow sidewalks, driveway crossings, vehicle traffic, and less intuitive routing. It can feel disconnected compared to the smoother sections elsewhere on the trail.
This area has long been a focus of local cycling advocates who want to fully complete the Arkansas River Trail loop with safer and more direct connections. (Here is a list of article on the ongoing process to “Close the Loop.”
Why the Arkansas River Trail Matters
The Arkansas River Trail is more than a bike path. It is one of the most important outdoor recreation assets in Central Arkansas and a hub for what is slowly growing into a network of active transportation routes in central Arkansas.
The trail connects Little Rock and North Little Rock, encourages healthy transportation options, supports tourism, and gives residents access to parks and riverfront spaces.
On busy weekends, the trail is full of people walking dogs, jogging, commuting by bike, pushing strollers, and exploring the cities from a different perspective.
It shows how quality trail infrastructure improves quality of life. (More on why the Arkansas River Trail matters and the importance of completing it.)
Is the Arkansas River Trail Loop Worth Riding?
Yes. Despite a few frustrating sections, the Arkansas River Trail loop remains one of the best cycling routes in Arkansas.
Riders enjoy:
- Scenic Arkansas River views
- Two major bridge crossings
- Access to parks and downtown areas
- Mostly paved multi-use trail riding
- Options for beginners and advanced cyclists
- One of the top outdoor activities in Little Rock
Final Verdict on the Arkansas River Trail Loop
If you want to know what it is really like to ride the Arkansas River Trail loop, the answer is simple. It is beautiful, popular, useful, and still a work in progress.
You will experience some of the best urban cycling in Arkansas, especially on the North Little Rock side and across the Big Dam Bridge. You will also see why many locals continue pushing for safer and more complete trail connections on the Little Rock side.
That mix of success and unfinished business is part of what makes the Arkansas River Trail one of the most important rides in the state.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
