Arkansas
Nature|Hiking

This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In Arkansas Is The Most Unique Hike Around

The William E. "Bill" Clark Presidential Park Wetlands in Little Rock offers a scenic boardwalk trail through restored wetlands, perfect for a peaceful nature walk.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

There's a pleasant boardwalk hike in Arkansas that will transport you from the busy city of Little Rock to a peaceful wetland setting. This trail is quite a unique way to enjoy the restored natural beauty of central Arkansas. Let's relax and take a nature break along one of the most accessible hikes in Arkansas.

Attractions are endless in Little Rock but there's one place in particular that's a hidden gem.

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Anne Haynes / Google Reviews

The William E. "Bill" Clark Presidential Park Wetlands is tucked away between the Clinton Museum and the Arkansas River. It's located along President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201.

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The Arkansas boardwalk trail is the perfect balance of scenic cityscape and relaxing nature walk.

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Gayle Nicholson / Google Reviews

The views are simply breathtaking at any angle.

The trail circles around the 13 acres of restored wetland.

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Kourtney DeRouen / Google Reviews

Before restorations, the area had been a trash-filled storm drain runoff. It's always great to see efforts to restore places to their natural state. It's our motto, after all.

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Different sculptures are scattered all along the trail.

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Ray Killen / Google Reviews

The park was named in honor of Bill Clark, a local political leader and outdoor enthusiast.

The wetland area also houses the largest bat box in Arkansas.

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Lisa Barger / Google Reviews

Multiple species share the box but the Brazillian Free-Tailed is the most common to spot.

All sorts of wildlife make their home in this wetland.

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Henry T. McLin / Flickr

Along your hike, you may spot birds like the Great Egret, Green Heron, Solitary Sandpiper, Belted Kingfisher, or Baltimore Oriole. Turtles, snakes, and fish are also common to see.

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The trail is the perfect nature break for your family's trip to the big city.

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Ronda Dillon / Google Reviews

The outdoor environmental classroom makes this walk fun and educational.

This is one boardwalk trail that everyone will enjoy.

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Dre Akbad Thorton / Google Reviews

The unique trail is the perfect escape to recharge from the hustle and bustle of Little Rock.

Did you know about this city-centered wetland? Have you strolled along this boardwalk hike in Arkansas before? Share with us in the comments section!

Just north of this area is an unbelievably beautiful park that you really need to see for yourself because some of the best hikes in Arkansas don't have to be grueling three-hour journeys. Find more hiking trails in Arkansas near you with AllTrails+.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/ar-beautiful-hike/

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Nature|Hiking

Hike Blue Mountain Natural Area Newest Trail In Arkansas For An Unforgettable Adventure

Calling all hikers and mountain bikers, your next adventure is waiting at Luna Moth Loop. It’s an unforgettable hike in Arkansas.

Published Sep 3, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

We first told you about one of Arkansas's newest trail systems near Roland, the Blue Mountain Natural Area in this article about the Rattlesnake Ridge trail. I hope by now you’ve had a chance to explore this scenic trail because it’s really worth seeing. Today, we are featuring another trail inside the natural area that belongs on your list as well. At 6-miles long, the Luna Moth and Tarantula Hawk Loop takes you through some spectacular views inside the Ouachita Mountains and you'll want to see it for yourself. Download AllTrails and come with us on this unforgettable hike in Arkansas.

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Whether you’re a hiker or mountain biker, you’ll find adventure at every turn on the Luna Moth and Tarantula Hawk Loop near Roland.

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Tom Huetter/AllTrails

Tucked inside the Blue Mountain Natural Area inside the Ouachitas, this trail has become a favorite among folks in Central Arkansas.

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Noah Darnell/Google

The trail is pretty flat, well-marked, and easy to navigate so it’s great for beginner hikers and bikers. 

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Nancy Wilkerson/AllTrails

Expert hikers and bikers, you’ll love this trail too because there is so much adventure along the way.

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Kurt Annis/AllTrails

You’ll love the winding paths, footbridges as well as the connecting trails that lead to rocky terrains and some spectacular views. 

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Tom Huetter/AllTrails

And speaking of views, be sure to take some time to pause and take it all in. 

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Joy Wasson/AllTrails

Don’t leave the dog or the kids at home, bring them along for this unforgettable hike in Arkansas. Just make sure the furry pals remain leashed as you trek. 

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Dominik Gruenwald/AllTrails

Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, bring your camera because there will be plenty of wildlife to see here. 

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Melody L/AllTrails

We are so excited about Arkansas' newest trail system and we hope that you’ll be too. 

Have you trekked any of the trails inside the Blue Mountain Natural Area? If so, which trail is your favorite. Tell us below. And don’t forget to download AllTrails for access to offline maps of all the trails.

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Nature|Hiking

The One Loop Trail In Arkansas That’s Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

Bench Trail in Mount Nebo State Park offers an easy, scenic hike with beautiful views and historic sites.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

Sometimes, you just need to stretch your legs, and when that time comes, we’ve got just the trail for you – the Bench Trail. Not only is it easily accessible, but it’s brimming with beautiful sights. Oh, and it’s rated as easy, too. Short and sweet, it’s perfect for a day hike, no matter the time of year. In fact, it's one of the best loop trails in Arkansas!

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Mount Nebo State Park is situated atop the 1,350-foot Mount Nebo, which means great views are plentiful, and the Bench Trail is a great way to soak up those views. It's one of the most scenic Arkansas loop trails.

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arkansasstateparks.com

Flat and level for the most part, the 4-mile loop trail couldn’t be easier to navigate.

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Josh Pitre/All Trails

The trek begins at an overlook shelter, so you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas right from the start.

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Jesse N/All Trails

It’s named for the narrow shelf, called a bench, that encircles the park’s namesake mountain.

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Gil Marr/All Trails

Back in the late 1800s, the bench actually featured a road. Today, though, it’s a popular trail that winds through woodlands, which are teeming with wildlife.

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Lee Ann Flowers/All Trails

Breathtaking beauty can be found along the entire length of the trail.

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Gez Rogers/All Trails

There’s even a seasonal waterfall. Known as Gum Springs, it’s located near the end of the trail.

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Doty Allen/All Trails

Historic sites are just as plentiful.

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Jacob G/All Trails

In addition to remnants of historic springs, the trail features stone steps, which are all that remain of a resort from decades ago.

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Doug Neidholdt/All Trails

Bench Trail is one of the best hikes in Arkansas year-round; however, for the best vistas, consider visiting from late fall through early spring.

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Lowell Collins/All Trails

For more info on the Bench Trail, one of the best loop trails in Arkansas, head on over to the Arkansas State Parks website. Ready to go hiking in Arkansas? Make sure you have the handy AllTrails+ app downloaded to your phone. It's the best way to navigate on a hike.

Want to get out and explore more of the Natural State? Then you’ve got to seek out this Arkansas waterfall that’s so hidden, that almost nobody has seen it in person.

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