Little Rock, AR, with its well-maintained open green spaces and breathtaking natural areas, boasts magnificent parks and outdoor adventures. Here families and friends can enjoy memorable outings in beautiful surroundings with spectacular views of the Arkansas River and Pinnacle Mountain.
Get Outdoors! Top 3 Parks in and Around Little Rock, AR
1. Riverfront Park
The beautiful 33-acre park is on the south bank of the Arkansas River in the downtown district. Here visitors can enjoy leisure activities, outdoor events and take a peek at the history.
The History Pavilion
At this historical exhibit, you can step back in time and read about the city’s past. The Civil War Marker shows where Steele’s army entered the city on September 11, 1863, and crossed the river on a pontoon bridge. There is an Indian Head Statue, a tribute to the Native Americans who lived here.
La Petit Roche Plaza
The rock outcropping along the riverbank is one of the most important landmarks in the state. It was discovered in 1722 by Jean-Baptiste Benard de la Harpe. He called it “Little Rock” not to confuse it with the “Big Rock” upstream. Here at La Petit Roche Plaza, visitors can see the actual little rock.
Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden
Stroll down the picturesque walkways through the breathtaking Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and view more than 90 works of sculptors from the region and all over the country.
2. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
The 2,000-acre park with Pinnacle Mountain rising over a thousand feet above the Arkansas River Valley and the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers offer outstanding outdoor activities. The park is for day use only, and the gates close one hour after sunset.
The Arkansas Arboretum
The 71-acre arboretum on the banks of the Little Maumelle River boasts indigenous flora from all around the state. To explore the area, follow the scenic trail that meanders through the arboretum.
Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails
You can experience the park’s natural beauty on 15 miles of scenic hiking trails along the rivers, to the summit of the mountain, and through the diverse natural landscape. Seven miles of world-class mountain biking trails run through the park. The Monument Trails are the newer trails and run to areas that have never been accessible before.
Paddling
The Big and Little Maumelle Rivers that flow through the park make it an excellent destination for canoeing and kayaking. There are boat launch ramps, and at the Visitor Center, you can rent pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks.
3. Maumelle Park
This beautiful wooded riverfront park on the banks of the Arkansas River offers a range of activities. Here you can fish, boat, paddle, play basketball, and camp on the river banks.
Picnicking
The picnic area offers beautiful views of the boats and barges floating past. It’s a fantastic spot to relax with family and friends for an outdoor barbecue at one of the picnic tables or pavilions.
Camping
Camp on the banks of the river at the park’s picturesque campground. There are 128 RV and tent sites with water, electricity, a table, and a fire ring. There are dump stations, restrooms with hot showers, and playgrounds nearby.
Enjoy a range of leisure and recreational activities in the well-maintained open spaces in and around the city. Visit Crain Chevrolet today and we will ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition.


