The best cycling routes around Little Rock

Little Rock offers a variety of touring cycling routes, with 14 routes currently available on komoot. These include 7 easy routes and 7 moderate routes, catering to different skill levels.

The terrain around Little Rock is quite diverse. You'll find extensive flat sections along the Arkansas River Trail and in the Arkansas Delta to the east. For more challenging rides with elevation gains, routes around Lake Maumelle and with views of the Ouachita Mountains offer undulating paths. Many routes blend urban environments with natural riverbanks and city parks.

Yes, many of the routes along the Arkansas River Trail are suitable for families due to their relatively flat and paved surfaces. The trail system connects numerous parks and attractions, providing an enjoyable experience for all ages. Routes like Two Rivers Park Bridge – Big Dam Bridge loop from Canoe and Bike Rental are generally easy and offer scenic views.

Little Rock enjoys mild year-round weather, making it suitable for cycling in most seasons. Spring is particularly popular when daffodils bloom around areas like Wye Mountain, and fall offers vibrant foliage, especially around Lake Maumelle and the Ouachita Mountains. Summers can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are often preferred.

Little Rock's touring routes offer numerous scenic highlights. You can cycle across iconic structures like the Big Dam Bridge, which is the longest pedestrian and cycling-intended bridge in North America, and the Two Rivers Park Bridge. The Arkansas River Trail itself provides stunning river views, and you might pass by the Murray Lock and Dam or Julius Breckling Riverfront Park.

Yes, many of the popular touring routes in Little Rock are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Two Rivers Park Bridge – Big Dam Bridge loop from Canoe and Bike Rental and the longer Big Dam Bridge – Two Rivers Park Bridge loop from Little Rock, which covers over 50 miles.

Many parks and trailheads along the Arkansas River Trail system offer dedicated parking facilities. For instance, areas near Two Rivers Park, the Big Dam Bridge, and various points along the riverfront often have accessible parking for cyclists. It's advisable to check specific starting points for the most convenient parking options.

The touring cycling routes in Little Rock are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the expansive river trails, the blend of urban and natural scenery, and the well-maintained paths that offer options for various ability levels. The iconic bridges and views of the Arkansas River are often highlighted as favorites.

Yes, for routes with significant elevation and mountain views, consider areas west of Little Rock. While not directly on the komoot touring routes provided, the broader region around Lake Maumelle, including the Wye Mountain Loop and Thornburg Loop, offers stunning vistas of the Ouachita Mountains, especially during spring blooms or fall foliage.

While many routes are easy, there are moderate options that provide more of a challenge. For example, the Big Dam Bridge – Two Rivers Park Bridge loop from Little Rock is a moderate 52.9-mile route with over 1200 feet of elevation gain. For even greater challenges, the surrounding areas like the Wye Mountain Loop offer significant climbs and longer distances.

Little Rock boasts over 60 city parks, and many are integrated into the cycling network. For instance, Allsopp Park South – Allsopp Park South loop from Pulaski County offers a pleasant ride through a park setting. Two Rivers Park is another excellent option, accessible via the Two Rivers Bridge from the Arkansas River Trail, providing a natural escape within the city.