Delta Heritage Trail Construction Making Significant Progress

UPDATE! (December 2, 2024)

Exciting developments continue for the Delta Heritage Trail (DHT), with the project on track for completion in the fall of 2025. Significant milestones are in sight, particularly for the Yancopin Bridge project, which is nearing substantial completion. Officials hope to open the bridge for public use by early 2025, providing a major boost to accessibility and recreational opportunities in the area.

Meanwhile, progress continues on three additional trail sections funded by the FY21 RAISE Grant. Here’s the latest:

• RAISE Component 1 – Phase XI: This segment, spanning 3.42 miles from the White River to the Arkansas River, has completed the design phase. Contracting is currently underway, with construction anticipated to commence in December 2024.
• RAISE Component 2 – Phase IX: Covering a 6-mile stretch from Snow Lake to Mozart, this section is ready for the bid process, with the opening scheduled for December 10th. Construction is expected to begin in January 2025.
• RAISE Component 3 – Phase X: This 3.95-mile segment, which includes the White River “Benzal” Bridge, is in the final stages of design. Officials anticipate the bidding process will start in early 2025.

As these milestones approach, the Delta Heritage Trail is poised to become a premier outdoor recreation destination, further highlighting Arkansas’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and heritage. Stay tuned for more updates as this transformative project unfolds.

From August 2024:

Construction on the highly anticipated Delta Heritage Trail is moving forward at a steady pace according to Arkansas state park leadership, bringing the state one step closer to completing this ambitious outdoor recreation project. The trail, which will eventually span 84.5 miles through the heart of Arkansas’ Delta region, promises to offer stunning natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Below is the current status of various phases of construction and opening:

• 41.7 miles from Lexa to Snow Lake is complete and open to the public.
• 27.6 miles from Arkansas City to Yancopin is complete and open to the public.
• Phase VI – 1.8 miles from Yancopin to AR River is Under construction. Expected completion is expected by December 1, 2024.
• Phases IX-XII – 13.4 miles from Snow Lake to AR River Bridge have the final design documents under review for Phases IX and XI. Benzal Bridge design is slated for completion on October 1, 2024.

“Arkansas State Parks is making great strides with the Delta Heritage Trail project. Phase VIII (Mellwood to Snow Lake) is complete and open. Phase VI (Yancopin to Arkansas River) is on track to finish by December. Reviews are underway for Phases IX-XII, with the Benzal Bridge design due by October 1,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary, the Arkansas Department of Park, Heritage and Tourism. “I’m excited to see this investment in outdoor recreation come to fruition and can’t wait to ride the trail. When complete, the nearly 85-mile trail will create new recreational and tourism opportunities across the Delta that benefit travelers and Arkansans alike.”

Once completed, the Delta Heritage Trail will offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as wildlife viewing and nature photography. The trail will also connect to other regional trails, creating a vast network for exploration.

For more information on the Delta Heritage Trail, please visit https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/delta-heritage-trail-state-park.

Local Communities Creating a Trail Network

Before the Delta Heritage Trail opens, the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation will work with community leaders and stakeholder groups in the area to create a Trail Network that takes advantage of the Delta Heritage Trail to boost trail tourism and stimulate the local economy.

“We will work with communities along the Trail to make sure that local leaders (such as mayors, county judges, economic development professionals, chambers of commerce, and business leaders) have the necessary information and support to welcome the expected increase in visitors to the Delta Heritage Trail once it is fully open,” said Kathrine Andrews, Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Additionally, the Office of Outdoor Recreation will be working to assist in developing projects for the Opportunity Zone around the Delta Heritage Trail, focused on opportunities for lodging, food/beverage, and other businesses that will elevate guest experience on the Trail. The Office of Outdoor Recreation will collaborate with Arkansas State Parks and local stakeholders to plan openings of Delta Heritage Trail milestones and special events, with a specific focus on community and industry outdoor recreation.

For more information on Opportunity Zones at Arkansas State Parks, go to this website: https://adpht.arkansas.gov/office-of-outdoor-recreation/economic-opportunity-zones

(All photos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.)