ARKANSAS
Featured National Recreation Trails

A sampling of National Recreation Trails in the news or recently designated. The NRT program showcases the diversity of trails across America, from our cities and suburbs to the deserts, waterways, and high mountains.

National Recreation Trails... America's great trails!

Every kind of trail activity is represented in the listing of designated NRTs. Besides hiking and bicycling, the system includes water trails, motorized routes, snow tracks, greenways, and equestrian paths.

Search all of Florida's designated National Recreation Trails in the Online NRT Database

photo of kids on trail

Tunstall Riverwalk in Jacksonport State Park

(photo by Donna Bentley)

Geo-Float Trail at Lake Ouachita was the first water-based interpretive trail to be designated as a National Recreation Trail. The self-guided boat tour takes you across the water of Lake Ouachita to some interesting geologic features. The 16-mile trail is a joint effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Arkansas Geologic Commission, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Old Post Mountain Bike Trail — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Old Post Road Park near Russellville hosts a series of 12 interconnecting loops offering the mountain bike enthusiast over eight miles of trail in one great place. The loops vary in difficulty. Easy Rider Trail is a great trail for beginning mountain bikers and also a perfect place to warm up or cool down from a great ride. All other trails interconnect and vary from modest to intermediate skill level allowing everyone the opportunity for a personalized ride (designated 2011).

Ouachita National Recreation Trail stretches 223 miles through the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma: www.friendsot.org

Pigeon Creek Trail System — located near Mountain Home in Mitchell County, it provides access to the scenic areas of Norfork Lake. The backcountry trail system is over 12 miles long and is known for its mountain biking opportunities, which draw users from throughout the central United States. Wildlife, rock outcroppings and vegetation create a unique environment for a variety of trail activities, including hiking and photography. Twin Lakes Bicycle Club has information on the Pigeon Creek NRT: www.norfork.com/cycling/

Springhill Park Mountain Bike Trail — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers partnered with the Mercy Cycling Club (Mercy Cycling) to construct this mountain bike trail in Barling’s Springhill Park. The ten-mile route, with its three loops, twists and winds like a spider web. Regionally known as a “fast” trail by experienced mountain bikers, monthly races are held for area riders and two annual competitions are sanctioned by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). The trail provides an escape from the urban and congested Fort Smith/Van Buren metro area. Families, hikers, and bikers benefit from the safe and healthy trail environment. Low impact bridges, built to IMBA standards, cross gullies that empty into the Arkansas River. Volunteers maintain the trail. A long-lasting relationship has resulted between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mercy Cycling, and St. Edwards Mercy Medical Center (designated 2011).

Tunstall Riverwalk — Less than a mile long, this trail affords visitors a relaxing, educational stroll along the White River from Jacksonport State Park's campground to the site of the historic Mary Woods No.2 steamboat. The trail is a naturalist's paradise, hosting vibrant wildflowers and abundant wildlife, including fox and skunks. In addition to its scenic features, this trail is valued for its historic resources and natural history interpretation, which draw school groups from throughout the area.

We frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database.

See how to update online trail information in the National Recreation Trails online database or send changes by e-mail to nrt@americantrails.org.

Related Pages:

ARKANSAS Featured National Recreation Trails

National Recreation Trails... America's great trails!

ARKANSAS
Featured National Recreation Trails