FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Little Rock Gains Momentum as a Year-Round Outdoor Adventure Destination 

The Capital City's Central Location Connects Visitors to the Best of Arkansas' Scenic Escapes

Little Rock, AR (January 12, 2026) - Little Rock is claiming its place as one of America's most exciting outdoor destinations. The vibrant capital city meets miles of riverside trails, mountain views and nationally celebrated cycling experiences. Centrally located with direct access from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Little Rock is a gateway to Arkansas' most iconic landscapes, making it the ideal home base for outdoor-seeking visitors. From experiencing all The Natural State's largest urban core has to offer, to hitting the trails or kayaking the Arkansas River, it's an adventure worth exploring.

Urban Outdoor Adventure in Little Rock: 

• Arkansas River Trail (ART): At the heart of Little Rock's outdoor experiences is the Arkansas River Trail, a 16-mile riverfront loop that wraps both sides of the Arkansas River, offering one of the most scenic and accessible urban trail systems in the South. The trail is anchored by two iconic crossings: the world-famous Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian- and bicycle-intended bridge in North America and the historic Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, a 19th-century railroad bridge reimagined for walkers and cyclists. The ART is perfect for visitors of all ages and accessibility levels to walk, bike, jog or roll through Little Rock's most breathtaking landscapes.
• Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Just minutes from downtown Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is one of Arkansas' most visited and beloved outdoor destinations, celebrated for its sweeping panoramic views of Lake Maumelle, the Arkansas River Valley and the Ouachita foothills. Spanning more than 2,300 acres of forests, lowlands, rivers and ridgelines, Pinnacle delivers big scenery and easy access to nature in every season. Visitors can hike to the summit for unforgettable vistas, kayak or relax beneath the trees.
• Southwest Trail Connector: One of the city's newest advancements, the Southwest Trail Connector is positioning Little Rock as a regional hub for long-distance cycling and outdoor tourism, linking the capital city to Hot Springs and the Ouachita Mountains. This connection transforms Little Rock into the launchpad for multi-day adventures through forests, foothills and historic spa towns; all while keeping travelers in a lively central location. Phase I was completed in 2025.
• Moss Mountain Farm: Home to celebrated garden designer P. Allen Smith, Moss Mountain Farm allows visitors into a world of stunning gardens, heritage farms and sweeping views of the Arkansas River, blending outdoor beauty with Southern culture and craftsmanship. Each visit offers a fresh perspective on the farm's ever-evolving landscape, what's blooming, what's growing and what's inspiring, paired with lunch. Open for guided visits from March through June and September through December, the farm showcases a rich tapestry of floral and vegetable gardens.

2026 Events: 

• 2026 Big Dam Bridge 100 Cycling Tour: Arkansas' largest cycling tour, returns this year on September 27, 2026. The iconic ride offers routes from 15 to 105 miles across river valleys, parklands and rolling hills, drawing thousands of riders from across the country to experience the region's natural beauty, welcoming community and festival-like finish-line experience. Registration opens March 6, 2026. 

Between adventures, Little Rock offers a rich cultural and culinary scene. Travelers can tour the Clinton Presidential Library, explore the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, visit the world's only purse museum (ESSE) and dine their way through a fast-rising food scene in neighborhoods like the SoMa, Downtown, the Heights and West Little Rock. From museums to craft cocktails and local ice cream, the city offers endless ways to unwind between hikes, rides and riverfront walks.

For more information, visit www.littlerock.com.

For Images, Click HERE: Courtesy of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB). 

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About Little Rock, Arkansas

Nestled along the scenic Arkansas River, Little Rock offers a captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Known for its welcoming southern charm, unique cuisine, game-changing historical significance, vibrant cultural scene and accessible outdoor adventure, Little Rock promises an unforgettable getaway that caters to diverse interests. As a community-centered destination with a deep connection to the Civil Rights Movement, Little Rock is steeped in cultural and educational offerings, with sites like Central High School National Historic Site or the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Modern history comes alive at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum and sites like the Museum of Discovery, a nationally ranked children's science museum and the Little Rock Zoo make learning fun at every age. With more than 1,200 miles of cycling trails and scenic routes that span from the delta to the mountains, the city is an outdoor hub for every kind of riding or walking enthusiast. The city's notable landmark is the Big Dam Bridge, which stands as the longest pedestrian- and cycling-intended bridge in North America. Conveniently located in Downtown Little Rock is the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, allowing for ease of access to the city. In 2025, Travel + Leisure named the destination, “This Is the Most Underrated City in the South.” In addition, Arkansas and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (Little Rock) were named one of “The Best Places to Go in North America in 2026.” 

For more information, explore www.littlerock.com and join our journey on social media with #BigOnLittleRock.