Arkansas has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them.
\nThese links\u00a0were found through Internet search. \u00a0I would love to have some first-hand recommendations.\u00a0\u00a0With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/a>
\nState<\/a>
\nLocal<\/a>
\nPrivate<\/a>
\nMiscellaneous<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/h2>\n

• Buffalo National River
  \n<\/strong>There are a lot of trails in this 95,000 acre park surrounding the Buffalo river.\u00a0 Some sound easy and quite a few are accessible.\u00a0 The Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states.\u00a0 The park is divided into three districts, Upper, Tyler Bend (Middle) and Buffalo Point Area (Lower).\u00a0 The main phone number at Tyler Bend 870-439-2502\u00a0 Here is the website.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 Hiking Trails<\/a>
  \nBuffaloRiver.org<\/a>\u00a0 has links to trail descriptions including difficulty for the upper and middle districts.
  \n<\/a>Quite a few of these trails sound as if they might be easy, although not suitable for wheelchairs.\u00a0 Call the visitor centers to learn more.
  \nBrochure<\/a> of Upper District Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Pruitt Visitor Center phone 870-446-5373
  \n<\/a>Lost Valley<\/a>\u00a0 2.3 miles one way has views of the river from the bluffs.<\/p>\n

  <\/a>Erble-Cedar Grove<\/a> 4.3 mile one way to a historic cemetery<\/p>\n

  <\/a>Ponds Trail<\/a> 0.4 mile with a viewing deck on the South Pond.<\/p>\n

  <\/a>Koen Interpretive Trail<\/a>\u00a0 0.4 mile with identified trees.
  \nLink<\/a> goes to blog called “Exploring Northwest Arkansas” by \u00a0btoellner. It contains a description and photographs of this trail.<\/p>\n

  Brochure<\/a> of Middle District Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Tyler Bend Visitor Center 870-439-2502<\/p>\n

  <\/a>Collier Homestead<\/a>\u00a0 0.6 mile to historic site.<\/p>\n

  Know more about Buffalo National River?
  \n<\/span>Have you visited this location and know of more accessible or easy trails?\u00a0 Is any of the information given here incorrect?\u00a0 If so, please contact me using the form to the left and let me know what should be changed or added so I can update this post.<\/span><\/p>\n

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• Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge <\/strong>
  \nThe Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge has a paved loop handicap accessible trail and other short trails which sound as though they may be easy.\u00a0 \u00a0Call 870-282-8200 to learn more.
  \nThe refuge is one of the most important areas for wintering waterfowl in North America and is also home to the only population of native black bear in the State of Arkansas.\u00a0 It lies mostly in the floodplain of the White River, near where it\u00a0meets the Mississippi River.\u00a0 The refuge is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley, with fertile forests and some three hundred lakes, interlaced with streams, sloughs, and bayous. The result is a haven for a myriad of native wildlife and migratory birds.\u00a0 Here is the park website<\/a> and a description of trails.
  \n<\/a> <\/a><\/strong>Upland Trail is a paved one mile loop with interpretive panels and benches.<\/p>\n

  Know more about Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge?
  \n<\/span>Have you visited this location and know of more accessible or easy trails?\u00a0 Is any of the information given here incorrect?\u00a0 If so, please contact me using the form to the left and let me know what should be changed or added so I can update this post.<\/span><\/p>\n

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• Ouachita National Forest
  \n<\/strong>The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. Headquarters are in Hot Springs, Arkansas.\u00a0 Here is the Forest website<\/a>.
  \nLake Sylvia Recreational Area in the Ouachita National Forest
  \n<\/strong>Lake Slyvia is an 18 acre lake with two interpretive trails, one of them wheelchair accessible.\u00a0 Lake Sylvia is 38 miles west of Little Rock, Arkansas.\u00a0 opportunities for fishing and swimming.\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Brochure<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>phone 501-321-5202 Call first to be sure the area is open.
  \n<\/strong><\/a>Trees of the Forest \u00a00.4 miles \u00a0“The Trees of the Forest interpretive trail is an accessible trail for the physically disabled visitors. Each interpretive sign features information on the variety of tree species found in the area. Each sign also offers the text in Braille format.”<\/p>\n

  Know more about Ouachita National Forest?
  \n<\/span>Have you visited this location and know of more accessible or easy trails?\u00a0 Is any of the information given here incorrect?\u00a0 If so, please contact me using the form to the left and let me know what should be changed or added so I can update this post.<\/span><\/p>\n

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• Ozark-St. Francis National Forests<\/a>
  \n<\/strong>“The Ozark National Forest covers 1.2 million acres, mostly in the Ozark mountains of northern Arkansas.” \u00a0It encompasses the tallest mountain in the State, Mount Magazine, and the Blanchard Springs Caverns.
  \n“The St. Francis National Forest covers 22,600 acres in eastern Arkansas, one of the smallest and most diverse forests in the country.”
  \nThere are “recreational opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, boating, scenic drives, picnics sites, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.”<\/p>\n

  Henry Koen Experimental Forest<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0
  \n<\/strong>The 720 acre Henry R. Koen Experimental Forest (Koen)\u00a0is covered mostly in oak-hickory upland hardwood forest and oak-pine stands.
  \nHenry Koen Nature Trail<\/a>\u00a0 0.5 mile interpretive trail<\/p>\n

  Hammerschmidt Falls Trail \u00a01.2 miles “good for all skill levels”<\/p>\n

  The Experimental \u00a0Forest is within the Ozark National forest so you might call the Jasper Ranger District office for information 870-446-5122.
  \nForest Headquarters phone \u00a0479-964-7200<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

  <\/a>State<\/h2>\n

  • Accessibility Brochure and chart<\/a><\/span> published by the Arkansas State Parks, shows accessible features in each of the state parks. \u00a0“100% disabled” persons receive half off camping fees in Arkansas State Parks. \u00a0You need written proof of disability.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Arkansas State Parks – Easy Trails<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Bull – Shoals State Park<\/a>
    \n<\/strong>Bull Shoals-White River State Park, in the Ozark mountains of north central Arkansas, northwest of Mountain home, has an accessible paved loop trail.\u00a0 The park lies along the riverside and lakeshore where the White River and Bull Shoals Lake join at the Bull Shoals Dam.\u00a0 The area is known for fishing and boating opportunities.
    \nTrails Guide<\/a>\u00a0 Brochure<\/a>\u00a0 Phone \u00a0501-682-1191\u00a0 Here is their website.
    \n<\/a> Gaston Wildflower Garden Area and Trail \u00a00.75 mile paved loop<\/p>\n

    <\/a>Lakeside Trail 1 mile.\u00a0 Rated easy, but check first to see if it is suitable for you.<\/p>\n

    Know more about Bull Shoals State Park?
    \n<\/span>Have you visited this location and know of more accessible or easy trails?\u00a0 Is any of the information given here incorrect?\u00a0 If so, please contact me using the form to the left and let me know what should be changed or added so I can update this post.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
    \n<\/strong>Cossatot River State Park in southwest Arkansas south of Mena has two interpretive trails, one of them accessible.\u00a0 The Park lies along 12 miles of the Cossatot River, a premier whitewater float stream.\u00a0 \u00a0 The Cossatot is a National Wild and Scenic River and flows through the rugged canyon of Cossatot Falls.\u00a0 Here is their website.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Brochure<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 870-385-2201
    \n?<\/strong> Brushy Creek Interpretive Trail \u00a00.75 mile “through mixed \u2013 southern forest cover, and offers a scenic view overlooking the Cossatot River\/Brushy Creek union.” \u00a0\u00a0Tree Guide<\/a>\u00a0 This trail is described as “barrier-free”, but I see there is a “flight of stairs” down to the parking lot at the end. \u00a0Better call ahead to learn more.
    \nWaterleaf Interpretive Trail ” \u00a0… begins at the visitor center and includes a section of barrier-free trail along the ridge top.”<\/p>\n

    Know more about Cossatot River State Park?
    \n<\/span>Have you visited this location and know of more accessible or easy trails?\u00a0 Is any of the information given here incorrect?\u00a0 If so, please contact me using the form to the left and let me know what should be changed or added so I can update this post.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Crater of Diamonds State Park<\/strong>
    \nThe Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro, Arkansas has the River Trail which is partly accessible.\u00a0 The purpose of this park is to “manage and interpret this unique site and to provide a meaningful diamond mining experience for all guests and future generations. ….. visitors from around the world search for diamonds in a 37-acre field which is the eroded surface of the world’s eighth largest diamond-bearing volcanic crater… Over 75,000 diamonds have been found at “The Crater.”\u00a0 The diamonds are white, yellow or brown. “Amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, quartz, and more rocks and minerals may also be found at the Crater of Diamonds, making the park a rock hound\u2019s paradise.”
    \nThe River Trail 1.2 miles \u00a0goes through the woods to the scenic Little Missouri River. “Half of the trail is paved and barrier-free with exhibits.”
    \nBrochure <\/a>\u00a0 Phone 870-285-3113\u00a0 Here is their website.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Crowley’s Ridge State Park
    \n<\/strong>Crowley’s Ridge State Park in northeast Arkansas has an accessible trail and another considered very easy.\u00a0 The Park occupies the former homestead of Benjamin Crowley, whose family first settled this area.\u00a0 There are native log and stone structures, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.\u00a0 \u00a0The park has a31-acre fishing lake (electric motors only); and a 3 1\/2-acre swimming lake. You can rent fishing boats, kayaks, and pedal boats. Interpretive programs are offered here throughout the year.
    \nLake Ponder Trail 0.45 mile loop \u00a0A good place to see \u00a0sensitive fern and other plants that grow along the marshy shoreline.
    \nWalcott Lake Trail \u00a00.5 mile \u00a0The trail runs along the top of the fishing lake levee and is good for spotting water birds
    \nBrochure<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Trail Guide<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0 Phone\u00a0870-573-6751\u00a0 Here is the park website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Daisy State Park
    \n<\/strong>Daisy State Park is on the shore of 7,000 acre Lake Greeson in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas. \u00a0You will find mountain scenery and great fishing.
    \n?<\/strong> Daisy Creek Trail \u00a00.75 mile loop. \u00a0The trail “highlights the different ecosystems of Daisy State Park. It begins in a heavily wooded area and meanders along Daisy Creek and Lake Greeson. The trail offers wildlife viewing opportunities including waterfowl, small mammals, owls, and other local wildlife.” \u00a0In at least one State website, this trail is called “accessible”. \u00a0Better call to find out.
    \nBrochure<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone 870-398-4487\u00a0 Here is the park website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Hobbs State Park<\/strong>
    \nHobbs State Park-Conservation\u00a0Area (HSPCA), northeast of Springdale, Arkansas, has the accessible quarter mile Ozark Plateau Trail and half mile Historic Van Winkle Trail.\u00a0 The conservation area covers diverse Ozark landscape along 22 miles of the southern shore of Beaver Lake. \u00a0 The park has plateaus, ridges, valleys, and streams in an upland forest of oak, hickory and pine. There are many water features.
    \nBrochure<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Phone \u00a0479-789-5000\u00a0 \u00a0Here is the park’s website<\/a>.
    \nOzark Plateau Trail \u00a00.25 mile \u00a0Concrete surface inner loop and .50 of a mile crushed stone outer \u201cchallenge\u201d loop. “Wheelchair accessible and meets ADA guidelines”
    \nHistoric Van Winkle Trail 0.5 mile<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center<\/strong>
    \nThe Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith has two accessible trails.\u00a0 The center contains 170 acres of land in Fort Smith that were previously part of Fort Chaffee. The building overlooks Wells Lake, popular for fishing and picnicking.\u00a0 The center focuses on the wide variety of birds and other animals that call the area home.
    \nPhone 479-452-3993 \u00a0 Trails<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Here is their website.<\/a>
    \n\u00a0Wells Lake Trail 0.7 miles<\/p>\n

    Beaver Creek Trail 0.3 miles<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Lake Charles State Park
    \n<\/strong>“Anglers and nature lovers will enjoy this peaceful park in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains on the shore of 654-acre Lake Charles.”
    \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 Brochure<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0Trails<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0Phone\u00a0877-879-2741
    \nCedar Trail\u00a0 1-mile loop \u00a0“Most of this paved …trial follows the Lake Charles shoreline. There are several species of trees here, including sugarberry, white ash, eastern red cedar and many kinds of oaks and hickories.”
    \nButterflies & Blooms Trail 0.3 mile \u00a0 “This pleasant trail connects the campground with the visitor center. It meanders through wildflowers and wildlife habitat that changes each week through the season. Along this trail visitors often see wildlife, including birds, butterflies and deer. ”<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/a>Local<\/h2>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/a>Private<\/h2>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/a>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n

    • Arkansas Accessibility Information<\/a>
      \n<\/strong>This great website from Arkansas.com includes a list of 14 Barrier-free Trails\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

    • Nature For The Blind<\/a> has a directory of Braille trails for almost every state in the US and for many other countries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

    • The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy<\/a> lists wheelchair accessible trails in Arkansas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Arkansas has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them. These links\u00a0were found through Internet search. \u00a0I would love to have some first-hand recommendations.\u00a0\u00a0With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of … Continue reading Rails-to-Trails – Arkansas<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-324","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=324"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7085,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/324\/revisions\/7085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}