Best Backpacking Destinations in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

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Best Backpacking Destinations in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

1. Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Offers diverse hiking trails with breathtaking views of the city and the Arkansas River Valley.
  • Variety of Trails: Includes easy, moderate, and challenging trails to cater to different backpacking skill levels.
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases Arkansas's unique landscape, with limestone bluffs, wildflowers, and wildlife.
  • Day Use Facilities: Equipped with picnic areas, restrooms, and a visitor center for traveler convenience.

2. Big Dam Bridge

Longest bridge built for pedestrians and cyclists in Arkansas, offering scenic views during a backpacking journey.
  • Length of Bridge: Stretches over 4229 meters, making it an ideal place for long-distance backpacking.
  • Scenic Views: Provides panoramic views of the Arkansas River and the city skyline.
  • Connected Trails: Links to various parks and trails, allowing for extended backpacking trips.

3. Buffalo National River

America's first national river offering a wilderness backpacking experience in the Ozark Mountains.
  • Wilderness Experience: Allows travelers to immerse themselves in pristine, undeveloped landscapes.
  • Canoeing and Backpacking: Combines canoeing and backpacking for a unique adventure experience.
  • Endangered Species Sightings: Provides opportunities to spot endangered species, such as the bald eagle and the Arkansas black bear.

4. Petit Jean State Park

Offers scenic hiking trails, rock shelters, and a historic mansion within its natural beauty.
  • Historic Mansion: Features the restored Mather Lodge, which offers a glimpse into Arkansas's past.
  • Hiking Trails: Includes the Cedar Falls Trail and the Seven Hollows Trail for breathtaking views.
  • Rock Shelters: Features rock shelters that provide a glimpse into ancient human history.

5. Lake Ouachita State Park

Home to the largest man-made lake in Arkansas with opportunities for backpacking, fishing, and swimming.
  • Largest Man-Made Lake: Covers over 40,000 acres and is surrounded by natural forests.
  • Backpacking Trails: Features the 18-mile Island Trail for extended backpacking trips.
  • Swimming and Fishing Opportunities: Offers pristine waters for swimming, fishing, and boating during a backpacking trip.

6. Ouachita National Forest

The largest national forest in Arkansas, offering diverse landscapes for backpacking adventures.
  • Largest National Forest: Covers over one million acres and includes mountains, streams, and waterfalls.
  • Diverse Landscapes: Features the Ouachita Mountains, the Talimena Scenic Drive, and numerous hiking trails.
  • Backcountry Camping: Allows for extended backpacking trips with backcountry camping opportunities.

7. Hot Springs National Park

The only national park in Arkansas offering hiking trails and thermal baths.
  • Thermal Baths: Offers the chance to relax in hot springs after a day of backpacking.
  • Hiking Trails: Includes easy, moderate, and challenging trails with breathtaking views of the city.
  • Historic Bathhouses: Features eight historic bathhouses that showcase the park's rich history.

8. Windsor Park

A city park featuring miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a lake.
  • Extensive Trails: Includes over 60 miles of paved trails for hiking and biking.
  • Picnic Areas: Offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills, and restrooms.
  • Lake Windsor: Features a lake for fishing, boating, and swimming during a backpacking trip.

9. Fourche Creek Trail

A multi-use trail that offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
  • Multi-Use Trail: Catering to various activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
  • Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the Arkansas River Valley and local forests.
  • Length of Trail: Stretches over 36 kilometers, allowing for extended backpacking trips.

10. Lake Maumelle Trails

A network of trails surrounding Lake Maumelle offering scenic views and wildlife sightings.
  • Scenic Views: Features beautiful views of Lake Maumelle and the surrounding forests.
  • Wildlife Sightings: Offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, foxes, and birds.
  • Variety of Trails: Includes easy, moderate, and challenging trails for backpacking enthusiasts.

11. Lake Willastein Trails

A network of trails surrounding Lake Willastein offering scenic views and fishing opportunities.
  • Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of Lake Willastein and the surrounding forests.
  • Fishing Opportunities: Allows for fishing in the lake during a backpacking trip.
  • Variety of Trails: Includes easy, moderate, and challenging trails for backpacking enthusiasts.

12. La Petit Roche State Park

Features scenic hiking trails and rock formations that offer unique photograph opportunities.
  • Scenic Hiking Trails: Includes easy, moderate, and challenging trails for backpacking.
  • Rock Formations: Features unique rock formations that provide interesting photograph opportunities.
  • Campgrounds: Offers campgrounds for backpacking trips with amenities such as restrooms and water.

13. Crystal Springs Trail

A 27-mile trail offering scenic views of the Ouachita Mountains and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
  • Length of Trail: Spans 27 miles, making it ideal for long-distance backpacking trips.
  • Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the Ouachita Mountains and local forests.
  • Wildlife Sightings: Allows for wildlife sightings such as deer, turkey, and bear.

14. Winona Wilderness Area

A secluded wilderness area offering challenging hiking trails and opportunities for camping.
  • Challenging Trails: Includes rugged, challenging hiking trails.
  • Wilderness Experience: Provides a secluded wilderness experience away from city noise.
  • Camping Opportunities: Offers designated campgrounds for backpacking trips with amenities such as fire pits and picnic tables.

15. The Arkansas River Trail

A 24-mile urban trail system connecting parks, museums, and landmarks in Little Rock.
  • Urban Trail System: Connects various parks, museums, and landmarks within the city.
  • Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the Arkansas River and local architecture.
  • Variety of Attractions: Includes attractions such as the Clinton Presidential Center, Big Dam Bridge, and the William J. Clinton Park Bridge.