Little Rock is blessed with an abundance of wonderful parks that offer residents and visitors countless opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities the city has to offer.
From large multi-use parks with hiking trails, playgrounds, and open spaces to small neighborhood parks perfect for walking the dog or relaxing with a picnic, Little Rock delivers quality green spaces throughout the city. This article will explore 10 of the top parks in Little Rock, highlighting their key features, amenities, and what makes each special.
Mack McClellan Park
Spanning over 200 acres along the Arkansas River, Mack McClellan Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in Little Rock. Within its boundaries, visitors will find over 9 miles of multi-use trails for walking, hiking and biking. The trails wind through wooded areas and open fields, providing beautiful views of the river and opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife that calls the park home.
Picnic shelters and open lawn spaces make Mack McClellan a top spot for family reunions and other outdoor gatherings. For children, there are playground areas as well as a skate park. Baseball and soccer fields provide active recreation options too. With something for everyone, it’s no wonder Mack McClellan is a Little Rock favorite.
Riverfront Park
Located downtown along the Arkansas River, Riverfront Park is arguably the crown jewel of Little Rock parks. Spanning over 70 acres, it features meandering trails, open lawns, and unique attractions that truly make it a destination. Chief among the attractions is the Clinton Presidential Center and Park, home to exhibits detailing Bill Clinton’s life and presidency.
Other highlights include the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History and the Arkansas Arts Center. The park also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year like live music, outdoor movies, and the popular Rock n’ Roll Run. With views of the Arkansas River and downtown skyline, Riverfront Park is breathtaking and always bustling with activity, cementing its status as a premier urban green space.
Two Rivers Park
Situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Missouri Rivers, Two Rivers Park is another riverside gem. With over 300 acres, it offers extensive trails, picnic spots, public art installations, and incredible natural scenery. The park is bisected by hiking and biking trails that provide panoramic vistas of both rivers. Birdwatching is very popular here due to the variety of species that call the area home.
Two overlook platforms allow visitors to take in stunning panoramas. Two boat ramps give access to the water as well. Concerts, movie nights, and other community events are frequently scheduled at Two Rivers, amplifying its role as a social and recreational hub. Whether getting your exercise on the trails or simply relaxing by the rivers, Two Rivers Park is a spectacular place to spend the day outdoors.
Big Dam Bridge Park
Situated at the western edge of Little Rock along the Arkansas River is Big Dam Bridge Park, named for the massive nearby bridge that was once the longest multiple arch bridge in the world. This 630-acre park features over 15 miles of multi-use trails that are beautiful for hiking, biking or horseback riding. Trails wind through riparian forests before opening to inspiring river views.
Picnic areas, shelters, and open playfields provide spaces to unwind after exploring the trails. Fishing and boating put visitors right on the water as well. Big Dam Bridge Park is further distinguished by its focus on environmental education – the park includes classroom spaces and exhibits teaching about the river ecosystem. Whether looking for exercise or education, this park across the river delivers phenomenal outdoor recreation.
Riverfront Linear Park
As the name suggests, Riverfront Linear Park is a long greenway stretch that runs parallel to the Arkansas River through central Little Rock. Used by walkers, joggers and cyclists alike, the 8-mile multi-use trail connects numerous neighborhoods to downtown while providing captivating views of the river the whole way.
Along the route are scenic overlooks, exercise equipment areas, playgrounds, basketball courts and other smaller recreation nodes. The River Trail, as it’s also called, is easily one of the most heavily used parks in the city thanks to how accessible it makes enjoying nature and exercise. Whether looking to escape for a few minutes or spend the whole afternoon, Riverfront Linear Park pleasantly delivers an outdoors experience right in the heart of the capital city.
Columbia Park
Though only comprising 15 acres in a residential neighborhood west of downtown, Columbia Park more than delivers as a charming community park. It features a scenic 0.6-mile walking path, two playgrounds, picnic facilities and a sports field or two for soccer, football or lacrosse. However, the real highlight is the beautiful Wye Mountain Confederate Cemetery found within the park, holding over 400 graves of Confederate soldiers.
A short history trail winds through and provides insight into those who rest there. With Spanish-moss covered oak trees and maintained monuments, the peaceful cemetery grounds contrast Columbia Park’s livelier active recreation areas well. Overall, Columbia Park offers something memorable for all ages in a convenient urban setting.
Fourche Creek Greenway
Winding along Fourche Creek in west Little Rock is a 5-mile multi-use trail and greenway known as the Fourche Creek Greenway. Hikers, joggers and cyclists will enjoy panoramic views of the waterway’s forested valley flanked by limestone bluffs. Interpretive signs along the way discuss the area’s natural and cultural history. Several trailheads provide easy access from surrounding neighborhoods.
Smaller loop trails and picnic areas branch off the main route as well. During springtime, the greenway is renowned for its outstanding wildflower displays. As one of the largest undeveloped corridors in the city, the Fourche Creek Greenway truly lets nature take center stage in pleasant solitude or group adventures alike. Its expanding trail network will only make it more valuable to Little Rock residents over time.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
While technically located just outside Little Rock city limits in Western Arkansas, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is absolutely worth including on any top parks list. Considered one of the finest state parks in the nation, Pinnacle Mountain offers incredible hiking adventures up the iconic flat-topped Pinnacle Mountain summits. Over 20 miles of well-maintained trails ranging from easy to moderately difficult wiggle up the forested peaks.
The 360-degree panoramas from the Pinnacle Summit Trail are spectacular. When not hiking, visitors can relax at the lakes for fishing, picnicking or camping. The park’s natural beauty has inspired many weddings as well. As the most visited state park in Arkansas, no trip to Little Rock is truly complete without taking in the breathtaking sights and experiences afforded by Pinnacle Mountain.
Hillcrest Park and Nature Center
Located in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Hillcrest Park covers over 70 forested acres with meandering hiking paths. Trails wind through hardwoods and pine stands while skirting sloughs and gullies. Scenic overlooks provide vistas of Little Rock below. Although smaller than some other city parks, Hillcrest shines through its fully accredited nature center.
Complete with live animal exhibits, educational programs and demonstrations explore the natural systems of Arkansas. Outside, native plant gardens show how to landscape sustainably. Hiking through the quiet woodlands and visiting the nature center give Hillcrest a uniquely educational character. Along with scenic beauty, it nurtures understanding and stewardship of the local environment.
Little Rock features so many quality parks that nurture healthy recreation and connect residents to nature. From sprawling woodland preserves and trails along scenic waterways to small neighborhood gems, there is a diversity of outdoor spaces to suit every purpose.
Whether a resident looking for your next backyard, or a visitor hoping to get your steps in with stunning scenery, Little Rock’s parks are sure to please and should not be overlooked when exploring this Arkansas capital city.