Hazen Trail (Railroad Prairie Natural Area)

The Hazen Trail runs along US 70, the main thoroughfare through the small town of Hazen, Arkansas. The asphalt trail is interrupted at its midpoint by a short section of original track and a local business. The Hazen Trail also gives new meaning to 'shared use'—helicopters occasionally land on the town's heliport directly on the path of the trail.

The trail occupies an old Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific rail line that once ran from Little Rock to Memphis. Sections of the right-of-way east of Hazen to De Valls Bluff and west of Hazen to Carlisle are preserved as the Railroad Prairie Natural Area. The natural area provides habitat critical to the survival of many rare species in Arkansas.

To access the Hazen Trail, take exit #193 off of I-40. Then take State Route 11/US 63 south to Hazen for about 3 miles. The trail runs through the center of town between US 70 and a local street. There is ample parking along the local street.