March 2018 Arkansas

I am wrapping up my first week ever in Arkansas.  I had a great time in Little Rock, playing golf, going to museums, and going on hikes.  The weather was outstanding all week.  It was in the low 60s early in the week and in the 70s Thursday - Saturday.  It was cloudy on Friday but no rain all day.  

The first day I discovered the Big Dam Bridge.  It is a pedestrian bridge (one of 4 pedestrian only bridges in Little Rock) that crosses the Arkansas River.  Here are a couple of pictures.

It is a great place to go for a bike ride, a run, or a nice walk.  There is a system of locks on one side to allow boats to pass.  

I played golf on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 3 really nice courses for under $20 at each place.  

Rebsamen is a course along the river:

I also played at Hindman Park golf course and that had some nice views:

Little Rock is a very walkable city with the Arkansas Trail providing many miles of paved trails on both sides of the river with several parks connected to the trails.  Here is another pedestrian only bridge at Two Rivers Park.

On Tuesday, I did an amazing hike up to the top of Pinnacle Mountain, only about 20 minutes from the city.  The hike is 800 feet straight up and quite a challenge, going up and coming down, but it is well worth it.  Here are some shots from the top:

I strongly recommend the Pinnacle Mountain hike in Pinnacle Mountain State Park when you visit Little Rock!  

Here is the restored (now pedestrian only) bridge near the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum on the Arkansas River in Little Rock (and a view from the bridge).

Finally, here is the 4th pedestrian bridge in the heart of downtown Little Rock behind the Little Rock River Market (where I had lunch 2 different days - yum)!

And a panaromic shot from the top of Pinnacle Mountain.

Tomorrow it is on to Texas and the great city of Austin!

Publisher's note:  I have discovered that all of the State parks in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas do not charge admission fees to the parks.  I think that is the way it should be in all 50 states!