Discover Pulaski through its trails, waterside views and stories. Protected landscapes put habitats and nature trails at the heart of the experience; at Lake Maumelle, different route types help you plan your hike. Art collections, a historic inn and a tower building add cultural and historical discoveries. You can tailor your choices to your interests rather than limiting yourself to a single way of experiencing the area.
Experience nature: protected areas and trails
Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area protects rare plant and animal species and includes the rare Ouachita Mountain Sandstone Outcrop Barrens community. The name refers to a distinctive natural habitat in the area. For travelers interested in landscapes and conservation, the combination of a protected area and a precisely named community makes the site especially informative. The Rattlesnake Ridge Trail System is open to hiking and biking, but is not currently ADA-accessible.
A mostly flat, groundwater-fed swamp shapes the landscape at Lorance Creek Natural Area. A paved footpath and boardwalk lead into it. So, alongside the description of the wetland, there is a trail that takes you directly into the swamp. The two natural areas offer different experiences: at Rattlesnake Ridge, you’ll find a rare community and a trail system for hiking and biking; at Lorance Creek, the swamp, footpath and boardwalk are at the heart of the nature experience.
Hiking at Lake Maumelle
Length and route details help you compare three options at Lake Maumelle when planning a hike. Bufflehead Bay Trail is a 2.3-mile loop with views of the lake. Loon Point/Farkleberry Trail is a 0.7-mile out-and-back hike, also with views of Lake Maumelle. The main difference is the time and distance involved: a loop or an out-and-back route, 2.3 or 0.7 miles.
A longer route is the Vista Park/Ouachita National Recreation Trail. It begins at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, east of the lake, and runs 22 miles along the north shore of Lake Maumelle. It is therefore quite different from the two shorter hikes described as offering lake views. Conditions and access information can change; check before setting out.
Bike trails, bridge and park
Two Rivers Park has hiking and biking trails and covers 1,000 acres. This gives you two ways to explore the landscape without having to choose just one mode of travel. Big Dam Bridge is 4,226 feet long and is the centerpiece of the annual Big Dam 100 bike race. If you’d like to include the race in your plans, check the latest event details.
The Two Rivers Park Inclusive Playground is open from sunrise to sunset. Since operating information can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest hours before your visit. This detail is especially helpful if you’re planning to fit the playground into your day.
Art and history
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts’ permanent Foundation Collection includes two- and three-dimensional art spanning eight centuries. Works on paper and contemporary craft are among its strengths. Its broad time span and range of media offer more than one way to explore the collection: you can look at individual works or trace connections between different art forms and periods. Self-guided audio tours in English and Spanish introduce the building, grounds and works on display.
Lassis Inn also connects local history with a specific culinary tradition: it has served fried catfish since 1905. During the Civil Rights Movement, the inn served African Americans as a refuge where they talked about community, racism and freedom. Its significance therefore goes beyond the history of a dish to include an important social context.
Another historic destination is the historic tower building, considered the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur in 1880. Today, it houses a museum devoted to Arkansas military history. Little Rock Zoo is home to nearly 400 animals representing more than 200 species; these figures may change. It also offers 60-minute tours led by trained educators and zoo guides. Tours cost US$3 per person and require a minimum of ten participants. Check availability and requirements in advance.
Discover more destinations: North Little Rock, Little Rock, Jacksonville, Maumelle, Sherwood, Polk County, Poinsett County, Pope County.
For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.
