By timslape in July, 2011
The mileage posted for the River Trail is just one of many opinions I've seen. If you round-trip it, crossing the Big Dam Bridge at the west end and the converted railroad bridge at the east end, you'll cover about 15 miles. On the Little Rock (south) side, head west from the Big Dam Bridge to the new Two Rivers bridge, which is to be open July 23, 2011, cross to Two Rivers and ride another five miles or so of dedicated, paved trails on the peninsula.
Caution: The east end of the "River Trail" on the Little Rock side is an abomination. The only thing that makes it a route is a few signs stuck along the streets or nailed to poles. It leads over broken-up sidewalks through run-down industrial areas, past homeless shelters, and over busy streets with traffic lights every block. For the best experience, backtrack west from the east end of the Rebsamen Park Golf Course, cross the Big Dam Bridge to the North Little Rock side, and enjoy a beautiful, purpose-built and COMPLETE bicycling trail. Be sure to spend your money on the North Little Rock side - the state of the east end of the Little Rock side of the trail is inexcusable and should not be rewarded by tourism money.
By mjerabek in October, 2010
We rode this trail on Oct. 2, 2010 on a beautiful day. This trail runs alongside the Arkansas River. The trail contains some rolling hills, but it is not a difficult ride. Since we rode on a Saturday the trail was quite busy. The highlight of the ride is the ride over the Big Dam Bridge. The bridge is over a mile long and takes you over to the west side of the river.
We tried to find the trail closer to downtown Little Rock and it is so poorly marked we could not find the trail. We were later told that it is not safe to ride in downtown Little Rock. The day before we toured the Clinton Presidential Library we were told that the old railroad bridge at the library will be converted into part of the trail in the very near future.
The best place to park is at Cook's Landing. Drive north on I-430 until after you cross the Arkansas River and then exit on Maumelle Hwy 100 and then take two immediate rights and follow the well marked signs to the parking area.
By THE5EDS in July, 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.