By THE5EDS on July 30, 2009
We rode the trail for the first time a couple of weeks ago and we loved it. We've been on other rides, and this one ranks very high on our list. The only negative is the way the trial is poorly marked when you get into lowertown Little Rock. However, the Big Dam Bridge more than makes up for it. We can't wait to return.
By rpgard on July 08, 2009
We love this trail!!!!! We discovered it a couple of years ago while coming back from Hot Springs (we live in Branson, MO.) and have been back many times since. Any time we are traveling through the area we make sure we take time to stop and ride. We make special trips on weekends to come and enjoy the trail and the beautiful views. This past weekend we parked at the Big Dam Bridge and rode the north side and stopped at the "River Trail Bike Rentals" and meet David Fike. (stop in and say Hi) He told us about the "Junction Railroad Bridge" (which we didn't know about) that crosses over the river to the South side of the trails at the River Walk area. It is an old railroad bridge that has a raised section for boat traffic. To get to the upper section there is an elevator that takes you up then another elevator at the other end to bring you down! What a great experience and view! We stopped at the Farmers Market and then ate lunch at "Big Whiskeys" restaurant. (great food!). We then rode West on the South River Trail back to the "Big Dam Bridge" and back to our car. This last section of the trail is not complete and does go along some roads but is not dangerous. (does need some clearer trail markings). What a great day of trail riding and exploring!
Thank You Little Rock and Arkansas for providing Pedestrian/Bike trails,
Bob and Janet Gard
By zenbot on July 03, 2008
First off, it's important to note that time-of-day plays a major factor in using this trail. By 4-5:00pm the Little Rock (Rebsamen) side gets crowded with road bike cyclists and the Big Dam Bridge gets crowded with pedestrians. The North Little Rock Side is never very bad. Traffic flows well enough throughout the Burns Park area that you shouldn't have many problems. The NLR side of the trail is maintained very well, especially since there are a few points that wash out if the river floods. The trial is paved, not to many twists and turns, and almost no major hills, save for going form the NLR side of the Big Dam Bridge to the LR side; that is a long climb. This is hands down one of the most professionally maintained trails you are likely to find in Arkansas. However, it is also one of the only trails in Little Rock, so it gets pretty crowded at times. It should also be noted that this trail is not completed, and still does not make a full run to Pinnacle, and navigating your way to from the NLR side to the LR River Market can be tricky. Take the Main Street Bridge, turn left at the end and go into Riverfront Park. The trail will fizzle out and you will have to do some road riding. On Markham, there is a trail on the opposite side of the street from Dillards Office, next to the school, that runs under Markham, and up through Cajun's Wharf. Then you can link up with the Baseball fields, and onto the bike lane sin Rebsamen.