Burns Park in North Little Rock is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, spanning 1,700 acres of forest, trails, and recreation facilities. It's the kind of park that could occupy your entire weekend — and many locals do exactly that.
Mountain biking: Burns Park has some of the best urban mountain biking in Arkansas. The Emerald Park trail system offers beginner-to-intermediate singletrack through mixed hardwood forest. The trails are well-marked, well-maintained, and flow beautifully. More experienced riders can piece together longer routes using the connecting trails.
Disc golf: Two championship-level disc golf courses attract players from across the state. The Shark course is the more technical of the two, with tight lines through dense forest. The Bear course is more open and beginner-friendly. Both are free to play.
Funland Amusement Park: Tucked inside Burns Park, this small amusement area features classic rides, mini golf, and batting cages. It's affordable, nostalgic, and a genuine hit with kids under 12. Opens seasonally on weekends.
Hiking and walking: Miles of trails range from paved paths along the river to wooded hiking trails through the park's interior. The diversity of terrain means you can have a completely different experience depending on which trail you choose.
Sports facilities: Burns Park includes a covered bridge driving range, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and a campground. The variety of facilities makes it a one-stop destination for active families.
Pro tip: The park is large enough that different sections feel completely different. The river-adjacent trails are scenic and relatively flat; the interior trails are hillier and more forested. Download a trail map from the city parks website before your visit — cell service is spotty in parts of the park.
