With plenty of parks, trails and outdoor adventures, Little Rock has a bit of everything you need to get outdoors and get your heart rate up.
When you’re not feeling the gym, there are plenty of free activities available that you, your friends and the kids will enjoy. Plus, being outside allows you to see all that our beautiful city has to offer, including green landscapes, accessible recreation areas and the sparkling Arkansas River.
Here are eight outdoor workout spots for your next sweat in LR:
Hike Pinnacle Mountain.
Pinnacle Mountain is a centerpiece in our capital’s outdoor lifestyle. There are more than 33 miles of trails, including more than 19 mountain bike trails. Choose one of the two hiking trails to the highest point of the mountain for sweeping views of west Little Rock and the Maumelle waterways. The Arkansas Arboretum Trail and the Kingfisher Trail offer fully paved loops, making them perfect for adventurous parents navigating with a stroller. Don’t forget to stop at the Loblolly Outpost located at the new visitor center to cool off after your journey.
Ride across the Big Dam Bridge.
As the longest pedestrian and cycling bridge in North America at 4,226 feet, the Big Dam Bridge connects Little Rock and North Little Rock. Grab your bike and helmet and cycle across the bridge, then finish on one of the routes where you’ll see beautiful mountain and river scenery. Make a pit stop after your workout at one of the many surrounding tables for a sunset picnic.
Looking for more spots to enjoy a meal outdoors? Here are 6 picture-perfect picnic spots in Little Rock.
Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
Hit the courts at Burns Park.
This 1,700-acre park in North Little Rock is one of Arkansas’ largest municipal parks, and it’s got all the amenities you could want. Burns Park suffered from major tornado damage in March 2023, but the majority of it has been repaired and is now open to the public (including a redesigned Funland Park). We recommend visiting one of the 12 courts at the expansive pickleball complex or the 24 courts at the tennis center. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and water!
Play a late-night basketball game.
As part of Little Rock Parks & Recreation’s back-to-the-basics summer program, free midnight basketball games will be held until Aug. 1 from 9-11 p.m. at three different locations. This is a great chance for anyone over 16 years old to play with friends or battle it out with rivals and get a move on. Click here to learn more.
Credit: Dogtown Yoga
Take an outdoor yoga class.
Yoga is a great way to calm your mind and nerves, while still getting some great movement in. Dogtown Yoga hosts a free outdoor yoga class every Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. at Argenta Plaza and it is recommended to bring your own mat. The St. Joseph Center of Arkansas hosts fun beginner yoga classes with its resident goats on the farm for $10 per person. Southern Tail Brewing will also announce pop-up yoga classes on its Instagram and Facebook pages.
Stroll or jog along the Arkansas River Trail.
Whether you’re downtown or out west, you’re only minutes away from the Arkansas River Trail. The 88-mile loop offers plenty of opportunities for you to lace up and hit the pavement. You can walk at your own pace, jog for some extra sweat or stroll the kiddos leisurely on the city’s premier recreational trail.
We mapped out 5 of the best stops on the Arkansas River Trail so you don’t have to.
Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
Rent a kayak or SUP and paddle the Arkansas River.
See the city from a new perspective by renting a kayak or SUP from Rocktown River Outfitters. Here, you’ll receive all the gear you need for a few hours of fun on the waterfront. Renting is quick, and the launch dock provides easy access to the river where more than eight miles of calm waters and beautiful scenery await you.
If you’re looking for an even more scenic view, explore Little Rock’s rivers with a guided sunset kayak tour.
Strength train at Murray Park.
You can work out your muscles without being stuck inside a stale gym. Murray Park has an outdoor fitness station with all the equipment you need to pull, squat and press your way to a successful training session. The FitLot is completely free and open 24 hours a day. Plus, you can join an intro class, a one-hour training circuit or an eight-week series led by certified fitness professionals, all for free. Don’t forget to bring Fido and let them burn out their energy at the off-leash, fenced-in dog park nearby.
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