With Lots To See And Do, Little Rock Bridges The Gap Over The Arkansas River
Whether you’re flying overhead, cruising down the interstate, or strolling downtown, it’s hard to miss the Arkansas River as it flows through Little Rock.
In Little Rock, we take the Arkansas River seriously. Simply put, a lot of our attractions are named after it: the River Market District, the Arkansas River Trail, Riverfront Park, even the Riverdale neighborhood.
Here are some ways to take advantage of the Arkansas River in Little Rock.
WATER FUN
Make the most of our river by getting on the water!
Paddleboard yoga on the Arkansas River, hosted by sup501, offers a uniquely mindful experience on the Arkansas River. (Currently, paddleboard yoga is hosted June through October.)
How about a river cruise? Rock Town River Outfitters offers pontoon boat tours during the day and at sunset. These 24-foot party barges can be booked for up to six guests.
For those comfortable in the great outdoors, don’t miss the chance to kayak along the Arkansas River. You have several options with the help of Rock Town River Outfitters — rent a kayak and explore on your own or book a guided tour.
If you want to go it alone (or with a friend), Rock Town River Outfitters offers single kayak, tandem kayak, and finishing kayak rentals. You can also rent a board if you want to participate in paddleboard yoga.
If a guided kayak tour is more your speed, book a daytime, evening, or fishing tour.
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
Connecting Little Rock to its neighboring city, North Little Rock, are six bridges which span the width of the Arkansas River, five of which are pedestrian- and cycling-friendly.
Patrons of Simmons Bank Arena, located just across the river in North Little Rock, often use some of these pedestrian bridges – the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge and Junction Bridge – to cross to and from Little Rock.
Other walkable bridges include the Broadway Bridge, also located downtown, and the Big Dam Bridge, which is located a bit further west. Walkable from the Big Dam Bridge is Two Rivers Bridge, which connects to Two Rivers Park. Around the Two Rivers Bridge, the Little Maumelle River flows east from Pinnacle Mountain State Park into the Arkansas River.
The Main Street Bridge carries traffic — and the Rock Region METRO Streetcar — between Little Rock and North Little Rock. It’s also a walkable bridge.
Baring Cross Railroad Bridge spans the width of the Arkansas River as a pathway for trains. It is not walkable or drivable. If you’re walking or biking the Arkansas River Trail, though, you’ll pass right under it.
Big Dam Bridge is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America, built specifically for that use. This impressive structure was named the Big Dam Bridge because of its massive 4,226-foot span built atop Murray Lock and Dam.
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