A Protected Natural Escape in West Little Rock
Ranch North Woods is a 234-acre natural area in west Little Rock, bordering Pinnacle Mountain State Park and protecting more than a mile of frontage along the Little Maumelle River. Once considered for residential development, the land is now permanently conserved as the William Kirsch Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy. The preserve offers a mix of forest, open fields, wetlands, and river corridor, creating one of the most accessible examples of protected urban nature in central Arkansas.
The Nature Conservancy and the William Kirsch Preserve
The Nature Conservancy began managing Ranch North Woods in 2014 after acquiring the property from private landowners who wanted to see the land protected rather than developed. Since then, conservation efforts have focused on safeguarding the Little Maumelle River floodplain, improving water quality, and restoring native ecosystems. Land management practices include controlled burns, invasive species control, and grassland restoration to support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. These behind the scenes efforts ensure the landscape remains healthy while still welcoming public use.
Hiking the Trails Along the Little Maumelle River
For our annual Christmas Day hike, Ranch North Woods proved to be an ideal choice thanks to its flat terrain and close proximity to the river. Joined by Arkansas Outside water dog Endo, a black lab with a strong appreciation for water, the hike followed the Little Maumelle for much of the route. With a fetching ball in his mouth, Endo happily tackled a roughly three-mile hike that included multiple chances to cool off in the slow-moving river.
We chose a counter clockwise route, starting at the trailhead by crossing the train tracks, turning right, then taking an immediate left. The first new wooden bridge appears just off to the right, setting the tone for the rest of the hike. By taking a right turn at each intersection, the route stays close to the river for the first half of the loop. New bridges and boardwalks keep hikers above areas that were once frequently muddy, making the trail more enjoyable year round. By the time we returned to the truck, Endo was more than ready to relax, a clear sign of a successful outing.
Visiting Ranch North Woods Today
Ranch North Woods is open from dawn to dusk and accessed from Ranch Boulevard in west Little Rock. The trails are popular with hikers, trail runners, birders, paddlers, and leashed dogs. River access, flat trails, and thoughtful infrastructure make the preserve well suited for families and casual outings. Through ongoing stewardship by The Nature Conservancy, the William Kirsch Preserve continues to balance conservation and recreation, offering a peaceful riverside hike that feels far removed from the city while remaining close to home.
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!
