Big Dam Bridge THE ARKANSAS Spanning 4,226 feet over the ...
Transcript of Big Dam Bridge THE ARKANSAS Spanning 4,226 feet over the ...
To plan a biking or hiking adventure on the Arkansas River Trail, visit arkansasrivertrail.org, bigdambridge.org, bicycleadvocacy.com/ or arkansasbicycleclub.org.
Arkansas River Trail
The original Arkansas River Trail is a 16-mile loop between the Big Dam Bridge and the downtowns of Little Rock and North Little Rock starting on either side of the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. The recently completed Two Rivers Park Bridge now extends the Arkansas River Trail 34 miles to Pinnacle Mountain State Park in west Pulaski County. Walkers, cyclists, skaters and joggers are invited to enjoy the trail and its beautiful surroundings. The paved path on most sections is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. For more experienced cyclists, the Arkansas River Trail System “Grand Loop” now extends through Faulkner and Perry Counties to make an 88.5 mile loop. Portions of the Grand Loop share state highways and local roads with motor vehicle traffic. A map of the Grand Loop can be found at arkansasrivertrail.org.
Several interesting trails extending from both sides of the Arkansas River Trail make the outdoor experience even more enjoyable. For instance, Little Rock’s Medical Mile, paid for by the medical community, is made extra special through educational murals and a large collection of sculptures. Visitors are encouraged to use the extensive trails system (both on and off road) in North Little Rock’s 1,600-acre Burns Park and 1,000 acre Two Rivers Park, owned by the City of Little Rock and Pulaski County. Trails for horseback riding are available in each park. An interesting boardwalk trail travels through the 13 acre William E. “Bill” Clark Presidential Park Wetlands by the Clinton Library. This backwater area was transformed with wooden walkways, a viewing platform and a pavilion and now serves as an outdoor environmental classroom. For specific information about each city’s trail system, call 501-371-6839 (Little Rock) and 501-758-1424 (North Little Rock).
Big Dam Bridge
Spanning 4,226 feet over the Murray Lock and Dam, the Big Dam Bridge is the longest bridge in the country built specifically for walkers and cyclists. The $12.5 million project took eight years to complete and required cooperation from federal, state and local agencies to produce one of the state’s finest attractions. The Big Dam Bridge unites the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock, while improving the health and fitness of residents and guests. The Big Dam Bridge can be accessed from Murray Lock and Dam in Little Rock or Cooks Landing in North Little Rock.
Junction Bridge
Originally constructed in 1884 as a railroad bridge, the Junction Bridge spans the Arkansas River from the “little rock” (La Petite Roche) from which the capital city got its name. The bridge, in Little Rock’s River Market District, connects to Verizon Arena in downtown North Little Rock. It is the nation’s only pedestrian and bicycle bridge with a lift span. The lift span is locked into place in a raised position for uninterrupted barge traffic on the river. Visitors to the bridge may traverse the entire length of the structure by riding an elevator, which comfortably holds two cyclists and bicycles at a time.
501-758-1424northlittlerock.org
501-376-4781littlerock.com
ARKANSAS RIVER TRAIL
THE
Pinnacle Mountain can be seen in the distance from the Big Dam Bridge.
Bike Rentals
Bicycles are available for rental in downtown Little Rock. Bicycle stations on the trail are equipped with tools (see the website for locations).
Trail Tips and Etiquette
• Take your cellphone. The Arkansas River Trail website has a mobile feature and includes valuable information, such as up-to-date news and maps.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited (except wheelchairs). • Personal lighting systems are recommended for night
cycling, jogging or walking.• Keep right except when passing and move off trail
pavement to stop. • Pay attention to trail markings and safety signs.• Keep dogs on a short leash and under control at all times.• Be considerate of other trail users.
So many great activities for fitness and fun
• Bicycling• Hiking• Camping• Horseback riding trails• Golf courses
The Big Dam Bridge and Two Rivers Park Bridge are great places for visitors to view the night sky. (Photo: Jeff Caplinger)
Please LEAVE NO TRACE when enjoying the Arkansas River Trail. • Know before you go• Stick to the trail• Trash your trash and pick up poop• Leave it as you find it• Keep wildlife wild• Manage your pet• Share the Arkansas River Trail
501-370-3209heartofarkansas.com
• Parks and playgrounds• Museums• Sculpture gardens• Restaurants and shopping
www.LNT.org
Revised July 2017
Visit arkansasrivertrail.org.
Two Rivers Park Bridge
The Two Rivers Park Bridge extends 1162 feet across the Little Maumelle River just above its mouth on the Arkansas River, connecting with 17 miles of trails in Two Rivers Park. Many families are enjoying the easy access to the bridge by way of River Mountain Drive off of Cantrell Road in Little Rock.
Clinton Presidential Park Bridge
Clinton Presidential Park Bridge completes the original Arkansas River Trail loop. A wide and smoothly curving ramp leads from the Clinton Center’s circular entryway to this former railroad bridge, with a spectacular view of Little Rock’s skyline to the west.
Scenic Surroundings
The Arkansas River Trail offers breathtaking scenery and opportunities to observe wildlife in natural habitats. Great blue herons, quail, mallard ducks, scissortail flycatchers, hawks and deer can be spotted along the riverside trail.
Local Attractions
Little Rock and North Little Rock have thriving arts, cultural and social scenes. Residents and visitors can enjoy great music venues, restaurants, shopping, museums, golf courses, parks and more. Little Rock is home to the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park, the State Capitol and the booming River Market area. The USS Razorback, a World War II-era submarine, Dickey-Stephens Park (home to the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball team) and Verizon Arena are located in North Little Rock. For a complete list of what to see and do in Central Arkansas, visit arkansasrivertrail.org.
Parking
Please use the parking areas designated on the map. Parking may be restricted in other areas.
Cantrell Rd
Riverfront Dr
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A. Dickey Stephens ParkB. AR Inland Maritime MuseumC. Junction BridgeD. Verizon Arena/AR Sports H.O.F.E. Clinton BridgeF. Clinton Presidential CenterG. Witt Stephens Jr Nature CenterH. Museum of DiscoveryI. River MarketJ. Main LibraryK. Historic Arkansas MuseumL. Old State House
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River Trail Access
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Map prepared by Metroplan
Julius BrecklingRiverfront Park
North ShoreRiverwalk Park
Golf Course
Golf Course
Campbell Lake Park
BroadwayClinton Bridge
Riverside RV Park
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Note: check arkansasrivertrail.org for the most current detour information.