Little Rock's 6 Best Bike Trails for Beginners

Sure, Little Rock has hundreds of miles of bike trails, but you shouldn't let that number intimidate you. There are still plenty of rides that are perfect for beginners. So, whether it's your first time on a bike in a while, or even if you're still riding with training wheels, these six trails will show you what riding in Little Rock is all about.

Downtown Art Trail

One of Little Rock's shortest trails, this is a perfect route to get acquainted with downtown Little Rock and its thriving public art scene. You'll discover one of Little Rock's nightlife hotspots as you make your way through the River Market Entertainment District before entering Riverfront Park. There you'll experience the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and its dozens of artworks before heading on a tour of some of downtown's most iconic murals. Be sure to stop and take a selfie at your favorite mural along the way!

Yucca Trail

A great "mountain biking 101" trail, this is one of the best ways to get to know the more extensive trail system at Camp Robinson. Two rock gardens offer a chance for beginners to hone their skills. There are a few trail crossings along the route, so be sure to look for signs to point you in the right direction.

Riding at Camp Robinson requires a day-use permit at the base's front gate. The registration process is quick and straightforward, but it's best to plan ahead and have all the documents you'll need ahead of time.

Coachwhip Trail

The Coachwhip Trail is part of the Monument Trail system at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, making it one of the newest and most state-of-the-art MTB trails in all of Arkansas. It was designed as a beginner ride with a few alternate rock features and berms to help riders improve their skills. You can complete a loop by crossing the road at the two trailheads and using the Lower Stick Trail to return to where you started.

Grilled Trail

In many ways, Boyle Park is like Little Rock's giant backyard, which makes the Grilled Trail a lot of locals' "home turf." It's the perfect spot for beginning riders and is best when ridden counterclockwise. For your best parking, follow the signs for Pavilion 3.

Civil Rights Trail

This tour helps tell the story of the struggle for racial equality in Arkansas. From stops at famous spots like First Missionary Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once spoke, to the incredible Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, this trail lets you bike alongside the footsteps of heroes on their journey to bring racial justice to America.

Arkansas River Trail

One of Little Rock's most iconic cycling spots, this is the perfect trail for beginners, families, or those just getting acquainted with the city. Highlights include the Clinton Presidential Center, downtown Little Rock's Riverfront Park, the towering walls of the Emerald Park quarry, and the Big Dam Bridge. Speaking of the Big Dam Bridge, on its south end, you'll find the Two Rivers Park spur, a fun and short ride that offers fantastic views of the Arkansas River.