Wanting to enjoy a bike ride or jog with a view? Whatever your recreational preference, let the Arkansas River be your scenic outlook and enjoy these spots near the water.
The Arkansas River Trail
The Arkansas River Trail is a beautiful outdoor opportunity that winds its way across the entire metropolitan area, through Little Rock and North Little Rock, connecting 38 parks, six museums and 5,000+ acres of federal, state and local parkland. Expansive and of primarily flat-terrain, the trail offers recreational opportunities for people of all ages, fitness levels, interests and health conditions.
The Big Dam Bridge
The Big Dam Bridge is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America, so impressive a structure it was named as such because of its massive 4,226 foot span built atop Murray Lock and Dam. Iconic to Little Rock, you can’t miss this bridge that serves bicyclists and pedestrians 90 feet above the Arkansas River.
Heifer International Headquarters
For a more interactive experience along the river, check out Heifer International Headquarters that was built on the site of a long-abandoned railroad yard. This non-profit organization working to help end hunger and poverty is an awesome experience for the entire family with their ranch and farm. There, you can shop fair trade items, tour the green world headquarters and the restored wetlands, or grab a bite at the cafe.
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Go Outside
Summer in Arkansas brings a myriad of options to cool down in some of the most beautiful places in the south. Outdoors enthusiasts are sure to be happy with all of the water parks, rivers, pools and lakes to splash in. And did you know snorkeling and scuba diving are also water sports available in Arkansas?
Arkansas has 600,000 acres of lakes! Scenic and serene, the nearby lakes where you’ll find most locals enjoying watersports or sunbathing on a pontoon are Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Ouachita, and Lake Hamilton.
Greers Ferry is nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks in north central Arkansas, close to the communities of Clinton, Fairfield Bay, Greers Ferry and Heber Springs. Deep, clear waters provide a fun opportunity for water sports and sailing, while excellent camping and hiking facilities are available to those not interested in jumping in.
Lake Ouachita is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, so you know you are getting stunning views. These pristine waters form the largest man-made lake within Arkansas’s borders. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita this place to go for water sports is located just a short drive from the spa city of Hot Springs.
Lake Hamilton is located in Hot Springs, one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. The city is home to Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs National Park, Magic Springs/Crystal Falls theme and water parks and many other attractions in this town that was once home to infamous gangster, Al Capone. The Belle of Hot Springs offers sightseeing, lunch, dinner and dance cruises on the lake in this 400-passenger riverboat. Much of the lake is lined with condominiums, motels, private homes and restaurants, so you are sure to find a break from the sun on your day out on the water.
Rivers also can’t be missed here in the Natural State. The Buffalo River has endless amounts of things to do and explore. Zip lining, floating, camping — the outdoors enthusiast really must experience this perfect summer destination. The White River is known as the “Fisherman’s Paradise” being home to a varieties of catfish, bass, walleye and sunfish. One part of the river is internationally known to contain some of the best trout fishing, so be sure to make the White River another bucket list item.