Best Easy Hikes in Little Rock for Beginners and Families
Little Rock, Arkansas is a paradise for beginner hikers and families looking to enjoy the great outdoors without tackling extreme terrain. Whether you're new to hiking or bringing the kids along, these easy hikes in Little Rock offer stunning scenery, well-maintained trails, and plenty of reasons to lace up your boots.
1. Pinnacle Mountain State Park — Base Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles (loop) | Difficulty: Easy | Best For: Families with young kids
The Base Trail at Pinnacle Mountain State Park is the perfect introduction to hiking in Little Rock. This flat, paved loop winds along the shores of Lake Maumelle and through beautiful bottomland hardwood forest. You'll spot turtles, herons, and wildflowers along the way. The trail is stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible, making it ideal for everyone.
Pro tip: Stop by the visitor center first — the rangers are incredibly helpful, and the interactive exhibits are a hit with kids.
2. Allsopp Park
Distance: 2+ miles of trails | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Best For: Dog walkers and nature lovers
Tucked into the Hillcrest neighborhood, Allsopp Park is one of Little Rock's hidden gems for easy hiking. The park features a network of shaded trails that wind through hardwood forest along a creek. It's especially beautiful in spring when wildflowers carpet the forest floor.
The main trail is wide and gentle, with short side trails if you want a bit more adventure. Dogs are welcome (on leash), and you'll often see families picnicking near the stone bridges.
3. Two Rivers Park
Distance: 3+ miles of trails | Difficulty: Easy | Best For: Cyclists and walkers
Two Rivers Park sits at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers, offering flat, easy trails with gorgeous river views. The paved multi-use path is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, while the natural surface trails offer a more rustic experience.
Keep an eye out for bald eagles in winter — Two Rivers Park is one of the best spots in Little Rock to see them soaring over the water.
4. Burns Park — Ozark Pavilion Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Best For: Quick after-work hikes
Located in North Little Rock, Burns Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. The Ozark Pavilion Trail is a gentle, shaded loop that's great for a quick outdoor escape. Combine it with a visit to the park's disc golf course, playground, or fishing lake for a full day out.
5. River Trail — Big Dam Bridge Section
Distance: Varies | Difficulty: Easy | Best For: Sunset walks and family outings
The Arkansas River Trail is a Little Rock icon, and the section crossing the Big Dam Bridge is unmissable. At over 4,000 feet, it's the longest bridge in North America built specifically for pedestrians and cyclists. Walk across at sunset for one of the best views in the state.
Tips for Beginner Hikers in Little Rock
- Hydrate: Arkansas humidity is real, especially in summer. Bring more water than you think you need.
• Bug spray: Mosquitoes are active near water from April through October.
• Start early: Beat the heat by hitting the trail before 9 AM in summer.
• Tell someone: Always let a friend or family member know your hiking plans.
• Check conditions: Trail conditions can change after rain. Check our directory for the latest updates.
Ready to Explore?
Little Rock's easy hikes are the perfect way to enjoy nature without the intimidation factor. Browse all hiking trails in our Trail Directory and find your next adventure today!
Have a favorite easy hike we missed? Let us know — we love discovering new trails around Little Rock.