Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Longtime conservation leader takes the helm as the organization continues expanding land protection across Northwest Arkansas

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust has named longtime staff member and conservation leader Marson Nance as its new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, placing him at the helm of an organization that has significantly expanded its conservation work as Northwest Arkansas continues to grow.

Nance becomes the fourth CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust, or NWALT, following a national search. He succeeds Grady Spann, whose tenure included significant growth in the organization’s conservation portfolio and regional partnerships.

The transition comes during an active period for the organization, with recent projects protecting forests, watersheds, wildlife habitat and public recreation areas across the region.

Nearly a Decade with the Land Trust

Nance joined NWALT in 2018 and is the organization’s longest-tenured staff member. He has more than 15 years of conservation experience across nonprofit, government and private-sector positions.

During his time with NWALT, he has served as the organization’s first Director of Land Protection, first Director of Land Stewardship and, most recently, Director of Philanthropy.

According to the Land Trust, Nance helped conserve more than 3,000 acres, doubled the organization’s conservation portfolio within three years and helped secure or unlock more than $2 million for conservation projects. He also helped open four NWALT preserves, including Wilson Springs Preserve, the organization’s first public nature preserve.

His experience also includes overseeing stewardship, restoration and monitoring of more than 6,000 acres of protected land.

“Marson’s deep understanding of land conservation, his commitment to Northwest Arkansas, and his demonstrated leadership across every aspect of our organization make him uniquely qualified to guide NWALT into the future,” NWALT Board President Steve Adair said in announcing the appointment.

Nance has also been involved in the organization’s strategic planning, governance, budgeting and two Land Trust Alliance reaccreditation processes. NWALT recently again received national accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, a process evaluating areas including governance, financial management and permanent land protection.

Conservation Work Continues to Expand

The leadership change follows several years of significant conservation activity.

NWALT began 2026 with 19 active conservation projects representing 1,558 acres. At the time, the organization had permanently protected more than 9,600 acres across Northwest Arkansas.

One of those recent projects was the protection of the 30-acre Mowry Property in Washington County. The landowners donated a conservation easement that permanently limits development while allowing the property to remain privately owned.

The property lies in the War Eagle watershed and Beaver Lake source-water protection area. It contains more than 1,100 feet of stream, natural springs, ponds, forested ridges, bottomland hardwoods, caves and potential habitat for federally listed bat species.

NWALT also announced another project in the War Eagle Creek watershed, permanently protecting 66 acres of Madison County forest through a conservation easement. The project protects forest, streams and wildlife habitat within the larger Beaver Lake watershed.

Growing Mill Branch Park

Another project covered by Arkansas Outside this year combined conservation with public outdoor recreation.

In June, the City of Goshen added 50 acres to Mill Branch Park through a partnership involving NWALT, private landowner Dick Bennett and the city.

Bennett donated the land to NWALT, which placed a permanent conservation easement on the property before transferring it to Goshen. The addition increased the park’s size by approximately 50 percent.

The property contains mature oak-hickory forest, a pond and a stream flowing into Mill Branch, a tributary of Beaver Lake. The project coincided with improvements to the park that included an ADA-compliant trail and plans for additional recreational facilities.

The project demonstrates one of the different ways a land trust can protect property. Conservation easements can preserve privately owned land, while partnerships with governments and other organizations can also protect land intended for public recreation.

Protecting the White River Headwaters

Among NWALT’s largest recent conservation efforts was the permanent protection of the 769-acre White River Headwaters Preserve in southern Madison County.

Announced in December 2025, the property contains upland hardwood forest in the Ozark Highlands Karst region and lies within the Beaver Lake watershed. The project involved the U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Program, Beaver Water District, The Conservation Fund and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

NWALT also completed a multiyear project that permanently protected 692 acres within the Beaver Lake watershed.

The projects are particularly significant because conservation around Beaver Lake protects more than habitat and scenery. The reservoir is a major drinking-water source for Northwest Arkansas.

A Record of Larger Conservation Projects

Arkansas Outside has followed NWALT’s expansion for several years.

In 2023, the organization established a 580-acre conservation easement in Crawford County with landowners Philip and Rebecca Thompson. The property lies within the Boston Mountains Scenic Wildlife Corridor and between blocks of U.S. Forest Service land, helping maintain habitat connectivity across the region. It also protects two headwater streams flowing into Clear Creek and Frog Bayou.

Later that year, NWALT announced a 130-acre conservation easement in southern Washington County near the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. The property contains more than 3,700 feet of streams and springs within the Upper Frog Bayou watershed, which ultimately contributes to Lake Fort Smith.

One of the organization’s most visible acquisitions came in 2022, when NWALT purchased approximately 830 acres of the historic Lake Frances property near Siloam Springs. Now known as Lake Frances Preserve, the property includes extensive forest, streams and a regionally significant post oak savanna. Nance, then NWALT’s Director of Land Stewardship and Research, was directly involved in the project.

NWALT has also participated in partnerships connecting conservation with recreation, including the development of the WOKA trail system near Siloam Springs.

Leading NWALT’s Next Chapter

As CEO, Nance will oversee the Land Trust’s conservation strategy, fundraising, community partnerships and efforts to accelerate permanent land protection.

“It is such an honor to serve as NWALT’s fourth CEO,” Nance said. “Permanent land conservation is vital for the well-being of our economy, resiliency, and health of our communities.”

Nance said Northwest Arkansas has an opportunity to demonstrate how continued growth and conservation can coexist.

“Conservation is ultimately about legacy,” he said. “The decisions we make today determine what future generations will inherit.”

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust uses voluntary conservation easements, property acquisitions, nature preserves and long-term stewardship to protect working lands, wildlife habitat, waterways, scenic landscapes and outdoor resources.

With Northwest Arkansas continuing to experience substantial development pressure, Nance now takes responsibility for guiding an organization whose conservation portfolio has grown alongside the region itself.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Northwest Arkansas Land Trust Names Marson Nance as New CEO appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

As millions of monarch butterflies make their annual journey south this fall, Arkansans have a front-row seat to one of North America’s most remarkable migrations.

Mount Magazine State Park, Arkansas’s highest point, is one of the state’s notable places to watch it happen.

The migration comes as the future federal status of the monarch remains unresolved. On September 30, the Center for Biological Diversity and Center for Food Safety announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to make a final Endangered Species Act listing determination for the monarch butterfly by June 6, 2030. The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by the conservation organizations seeking a deadline for a final decision.

The Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the monarch as a threatened species in December 2024. As of September 2026, however, monarchs are not federally listed as threatened or endangered, and protections associated with a final listing are not currently in effect.

Arkansas Is Along the Monarch Highway

For Arkansans, the federal debate coincides with the time of year when the butterflies themselves are passing through the state.

Eastern monarchs undertake a migration stretching thousands of miles from the northern United States and southern Canada to overwintering forests in central Mexico. Arkansas lies along that southbound route.

Unlike most monarch generations, which live relatively short lives, the late-summer migratory generation postpones reproduction and travels south to Mexico. Along the way, the butterflies depend on flowering plants for nectar that fuels the journey.

That makes Arkansas’s late-season wildflowers an important resource during migration.

And few places in Arkansas offer a more dramatic opportunity to watch that migration than Mount Magazine.

Monarchs at Mount Magazine

At 2,753 feet above sea level, Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas. Its elevation, bluff lines, open areas, forests and diverse plant communities have also made the mountain an unusually rich butterfly habitat. Ninety-four of the 134 butterfly species recorded in Arkansas have been documented on Mount Magazine.

During fall migration, the mountain’s geography becomes especially useful to monarchs.

Arkansas State Parks has described monarchs and other migrating butterflies using updrafts to help carry them over the mountain. Some stop along the way to feed on patches of late-blooming wildflowers along park roadsides. Butterflies arriving later in the day may gather in trees on the mountain’s southwestern side before continuing south.

The relationship between the park and monarch migration is well established. Mount Magazine has included a “Migrating Monarchs” program among its educational offerings, and park interpreters have historically used monarch tagging to help visitors learn about the insects’ migration.

The mountain’s butterfly diversity has long been part of its identity. Mount Magazine previously hosted an annual butterfly festival, and the park remains particularly well known for butterflies, including Arkansas’s state butterfly, the Diana fritillary.

Late September and early October are particularly good times to keep an eye out for southbound monarchs.

Visitors hoping to see them should watch flowering areas around the park and pay attention to sunny, relatively calm periods when butterflies are active. Evening can provide a different experience as migrating monarchs sometimes gather together to roost.

As with any wildlife viewing, observers should give the butterflies space and avoid disturbing clusters or vegetation.

A Population Still Facing Long-Term Risks

There was some encouraging monarch news earlier this year.

The annual survey of eastern monarchs at their wintering grounds in Mexico found that butterflies occupied 7.24 acres of forest during the winter of 2025-26, up from 4.42 acres the previous winter. That represents a 64% year-to-year increase.

The increase, however, does not erase the longer-term concerns that prompted consideration of Endangered Species Act protection.

The Fish and Wildlife Service’s species assessment concluded that eastern migratory monarchs have an estimated 56% to 74% probability of extinction within 60 years, while the western migratory population has an estimated 99% probability. The agency identified habitat loss and degradation, insecticide exposure and climate change among the major threats.

The 2024 federal proposal therefore called for listing the monarch as threatened rather than endangered. It also proposed approximately 4,395 acres of critical habitat at western monarch overwintering locations in California.

The new agreement means a final decision on that proposal now has a deadline, but it could remain unresolved for several more years.

The Center for Biological Diversity and Center for Food Safety criticized the length of the delay while saying that having a binding deadline was significant. The organizations were among conservation groups that first petitioned the federal government for monarch protections in 2014.

Milkweed and Wildflowers Both Matter

Protecting monarch habitat involves more than protecting the butterflies themselves.

Milkweed is essential because it is the host plant used by monarch caterpillars. Adult monarchs, meanwhile, depend on nectar from a much wider range of flowering plants.

That distinction becomes particularly important during fall migration through Arkansas. Butterflies heading toward Mexico need nectar-rich flowers to replenish energy reserves along their route.

The Fish and Wildlife Service says habitat loss and degradation across monarch breeding, migration and overwintering areas remain major concerns. The agency encourages landowners, gardeners, agricultural producers, governments and other groups to participate in monarch conservation efforts.

For homeowners, that can mean growing native milkweed along with native flowering plants that provide nectar at different times of the year, particularly late-summer and fall blooms.

A Migration Worth Watching

The federal listing process will now continue toward a deadline nearly four years away. The monarch migration, however, isn’t waiting.

Right now, butterflies are moving south across the continent, and some are passing directly through Arkansas.

A monarch stopping on a wildflower at Mount Magazine may have already traveled hundreds of miles. If conditions cooperate, that same butterfly could eventually reach the high-elevation forests of central Mexico.

For visitors to Arkansas’s highest mountain, the next few weeks offer an opportunity to see a small piece of that much larger journey.

Mount Magazine State Park is located at 16878 Highway 309 South near Paris, Arkansas. Visitors interested in current monarch activity or park interpretive programs can contact the park at 479-963-8502.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Monarch Migration Through Arkansas Continues as Federal Protection Decision Moves to 2030 appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Cooler temperatures are arriving in the Ozarks, and Buffalo National River is encouraging visitors to take advantage of fall hiking opportunities while planning carefully for changing weather, shorter days and current river conditions.

The National Park Service says its Preventative Search and Rescue Team will be stationed at select trailheads throughout the fall. Team members will provide visitors with information about trails, trip planning, equipment and ways to reduce the risk of an emergency in the backcountry.

“Buffalo National River offers recreational opportunities for everyone,” Superintendent Angela Boyers said in a news release. “We want to help visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience in the park. Our volunteer Preventative Search and Rescue Team is dedicated to making sure visitors are prepared for their adventures on foot and on the water.”

Fall Brings Good Hiking Conditions, But Preparation Matters

Fall is one of the busiest hiking seasons along the Buffalo, with cooler temperatures making destinations such as Lost Valley, the Goat Trail and Big Bluff, Hemmed-In Hollow, Indian Rockhouse and the Buffalo River Trail more comfortable than during the heat of summer.

The National Park Service recommends that visitors leave a detailed itinerary with someone before heading into the backcountry. That plan should include the intended trail, route and expected return time so someone can report a hiker overdue if necessary.

Visitors should also realistically evaluate the length and difficulty of a trip. According to the park, search and rescue incidents frequently involve visitors who become overwhelmed by the duration or difficulty of a route or by environmental conditions.

Shorter fall days are another consideration. Hikers should check sunset times, allow enough daylight to complete their route and carry appropriate equipment in case a trip takes longer than expected.

Weather forecasts should also be checked immediately before leaving for the trailhead. Conditions can change quickly in the Ozarks, particularly as fall cold fronts and thunderstorms move through the region.

Buffalo River Levels Are Currently Very Low

Visitors considering a float trip should pay particular attention to current river conditions.

As of late September, USGS gauges indicate very low flows on the upper Buffalo River. At Pruitt, the latest available reading on September 28 showed a gauge height of approximately 2.76 feet and a discharge of just 6.45 cubic feet per second. For comparison, the median discharge for September 28 at that gauge is about 10 cfs.

At Ponca, the most recent available USGS reading showed a gauge height of approximately 1.58 feet on September 26. The gauge has not reported data during the past several days, so visitors should not treat that measurement as a current real-time reading.

Those readings reflect particularly low water on the upper river. Paddling opportunities can improve farther downstream as springs and tributaries add water, but conditions vary considerably by section.

The National Park Service recommends checking USGS gauges immediately before any float. The park notes that river conditions can change daily, and gauge readings cannot account for hazards such as recently fallen trees, strainers or blocked channels.

Check current USGS Buffalo River gauge data

Rainfall can also change the Buffalo quickly. Thunderstorms upstream can cause a rapid rise even when conditions are dry at a particular access point, making both current gauge readings and the weather forecast important parts of trip planning.

Stay Back From Bluff Edges

Some of the Buffalo National River’s most popular fall hikes lead to high bluffs and overlooks. The National Park Service reminds hikers to remain on designated trails and stay well back from bluff edges.

Visitors heading into the backcountry should carry a map and know how to use it. Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent in many portions of the park, so a phone should not be the only navigation tool.

Hikers should also carry adequate water, food, appropriate footwear and clothing for changing temperatures. A headlamp or flashlight is a useful addition even for a planned daytime hike.

Leave No Trace

With increased fall visitation, the park is also reminding visitors to follow Leave No Trace practices. That includes packing out trash, minimizing impacts at campsites, respecting wildlife and avoiding damage to vegetation and other natural resources.

Buffalo National River Leave No Trace information

Buffalo National River stretches for 135 miles through the Arkansas Ozarks and offers hiking, paddling, camping, fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The National Park Service maintains real-time river information and additional planning resources on the park website.

Buffalo National River Preventative Search and Rescue information

Those interested in volunteering with the park’s Preventative Search and Rescue Team can contact Buffalo National River at buff_vip@nps.gov.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Buffalo National River Encourages Safe Fall Exploration as River Levels Remain Low appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Fall hiking season is almost here in Arkansas, but leaf-peepers may want to adjust their expectations this year.

Arkansas enters fall 2026 after an exceptionally dry stretch. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, January through August was the 10th driest such period in Arkansas since recordkeeping began in 1895. August alone finished 1.55 inches below normal precipitation.

The dry weather has already affected Arkansas forests. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture forestry experts reported early leaf drop during the summer as trees responded to drought stress. Some hardwoods have simply turned brown and dropped leaves rather than waiting for fall.

That doesn’t mean Arkansas won’t have fall color. It does mean the show could be more unpredictable than usual.

What to Expect From Arkansas Fall Color in 2026

Moisture, temperature, sunlight and tree species all play a role in fall color. Shorter days trigger the seasonal process, while cool nights and sunny days can help produce brighter colors.

Drought complicates things. Severely stressed trees may drop leaves early or go directly from green to brown. University of Arkansas Extension has previously noted that locations with more available moisture, including protected slopes, can fare better during dry years.

There is another wrinkle this year: timing.

One current 2026 foliage model forecasts Arkansas running about six days later than normal, with much of the state reaching peak color around the first week of November. The model puts some northern and higher-elevation areas ahead of the rest of the state. As always, these dates are estimates, and weather during October could change the schedule considerably.

The best strategy may be to stay flexible. Instead of planning one weekend weeks in advance, watch conditions and be prepared to head toward the part of the state showing the best color.

Here are seven Arkansas trails and hiking destinations worth keeping on your list.

Flatside Pinnacle

Located in the Ouachita Mountains west of Little Rock, Flatside Pinnacle provides one of the state’s great big-landscape views.

A short hike from Forest Service Road 94 leads to an overlook across the Flatside Wilderness. From the top, the view stretches across an almost uninterrupted forest toward Forked Mountain and the surrounding Ouachitas.

That broad view makes Flatside particularly useful in an unpredictable color year. Even if individual trees aren’t putting on their best show, the mixture of hardwoods spread across the mountains can provide plenty of autumn texture.

The Ouachita National Recreation Trail crosses Forest Service Road 94 just below the mountain.

Pro tip: Time your hike for late afternoon and stick around for sunset, but bring a headlamp for the hike back to your vehicle.

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area

For a combination of fall color, rugged terrain and moving water, it’s difficult to beat the Cossatot River.

The Cossatot River Corridor Trail follows the river through approximately 13 miles of Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area in southwest Arkansas. Hikers can choose shorter sections or arrange a shuttle for a longer point-to-point adventure.

In a dry year, river corridors are especially worth watching. Trees growing near waterways and in areas with better soil moisture may experience less drought stress than trees on exposed ridges.

The combination of hardwood forest, exposed rock and the Cossatot River makes this a good destination even if 2026 foliage turns out to be less brilliant than usual.

Pro tip: Make time for Cossatot Falls. You can reach the area by trail or road, and the exposed rock and river provide one of the most distinctive landscapes in Arkansas.

Lake Ouachita Vista Trail

The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, better known as the LOViT, follows the southern shore of Lake Ouachita through the Ouachita Mountains.

Several sections offer overlooks across the lake toward miles of forested mountains. One of our favorites can be reached from the Brady Mountain or Crystal Springs sections of the trail.

The combination of lake, mountains and hardwood forest makes this an especially interesting option during a dry fall. Lakeshores and drainages may retain more moisture than surrounding exposed slopes, potentially helping some trees hold their leaves longer.

The trail is open to hiking and mountain biking, so remember to share the trail.

Pro tip: If you want the view without the hike, drive to the Hickory Nut Mountain overlook off Highway 270 east of Mount Ida.

Cane Creek State Park

If drought limits the fall color in Arkansas’ mountains, Cane Creek State Park could be one of the places to watch later in the season.

Located near Star City, the park sits where the West Gulf Coastal Plain meets the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The 15-mile Cane Creek Lake Trail winds through forests and wetlands, crossing more than 50 bridges, including three suspension bridges.

The lake and wetlands make this landscape very different from the rocky ridges of the Ozarks and Ouachitas. They also provide access to moisture that could become particularly important during a dry fall.

Because Cane Creek is in southern Arkansas, color generally arrives later here, extending the leaf-peeping season after northern Arkansas begins losing its leaves.

Pro tip: Unless you’re looking for the full 15-mile experience, consider turning around after crossing the third suspension bridge. The long levee section can feel a little repetitive on foot.

Village Creek State Park

Crowley’s Ridge offers one of Arkansas’ most distinctive fall landscapes.

Village Creek State Park near Wynne protects nearly 7,000 acres and offers an extensive network of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails through hardwood forest.

The ridge rises sharply above the surrounding Delta, creating an environment dramatically different from the flat agricultural landscape around it. Trail options make it easy to put together anything from a short walk to a longer day hike.

Look for sections of the historic Military Road, part of the route traveled by Native Americans during forced removals in the 1830s.

Pro tip: Check current trail conditions with the park before your trip and ask which sections are showing the best color.

Lover’s Leap Trail at Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Elevation can make a difference during Arkansas’ fall color season, which puts Queen Wilhelmina State Park high on our list.

The park sits atop Rich Mountain in the western Ouachitas. Lover’s Leap Trail begins near the lodge and provides expansive views across the surrounding mountains.

Because of the elevation, temperatures can be noticeably cooler than in lower parts of western Arkansas. That can make Rich Mountain one of the places to watch as the first significant fall color begins appearing in the Ouachitas.

The park is also located along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, providing plenty of opportunities for hikers looking for a longer outing.

Pro tip: Even if you don’t hike far, the overlooks around the lodge and along the Talimena Scenic Drive make this an easy place to spend a full fall day.

Sam’s Throne

We couldn’t put together a list of Arkansas fall hikes without including at least one classic Ozark destination.

Sam’s Throne, located off Highway 123 in the Ozark National Forest, combines dramatic sandstone formations, hardwood forests and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

A relatively short hike provides access to overlooks where you can see across a broad section of the Ozarks. The area is also well known among rock climbers.

Because drought conditions have been significant across northern Arkansas this year, color could be less consistent than in a wetter fall. That makes the panoramic views at Sam’s Throne useful. You can see across different slopes, elevations and drainages rather than relying on one small patch of forest.

Pro tip: Add nearby Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area to your trip. It’s about a 30-minute drive away and offers another completely different Ozark hiking experience.

Be Flexible This Fall

Fall color is never an exact science in Arkansas, and 2026 may be particularly unpredictable.

The state’s long-running drought has stressed trees and contributed to early leaf drop in some areas. Arkansas also recorded its 21st driest August on record, and exceptionally dry soils remained a concern heading into fall.

That makes this a good year to follow the color rather than the calendar.

Northern Arkansas and higher elevations will generally be the first places to watch, followed by the Ouachitas and central Arkansas, with southern Arkansas extending the season later. Current foliage modeling suggests much of Arkansas could peak around early November, but rain, cold fronts, wind and frost during October could change that quickly.

And don’t automatically write off a dry year. Look toward lakes, rivers, creek valleys, north-facing slopes and wetlands, where trees may have had better access to moisture.

Most importantly, get outside. Even when the leaves don’t cooperate, cooler temperatures, fewer insects and Arkansas’ varied landscapes make fall one of the best times of year to explore the state’s trails.

Please practice Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated trails and check current trail, fire and weather conditions before heading out.

Photos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Seven Arkansas Trails for Fall Color in 2026 appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

The Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation has helped direct millions of dollars in private funding into some of Arkansas’ most visible outdoor recreation projects, including Monument Trails, climbing areas and improvements within Arkansas State Parks.

Now, a lawsuit involving an undelivered sculpture at Pinnacle Mountain State Park is bringing additional attention to the nonprofit, how it is funded and its role in developing projects on public lands.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Sept. 25 that the foundation sued New York artist DeWitt Godfrey and his business, Big State Art, seeking the return of approximately $110,000 paid toward a sculpture planned for the Monument Trail at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

According to the lawsuit, as reported by the Democrat-Gazette, the foundation contracted with Godfrey in March 2023 for a sculpture costing $150,000, plus $36,000 for shipping and installation. The work was scheduled for completion in November 2023 but was never delivered.

The newspaper reported that the foundation alleges Godfrey acknowledged using some of the project’s money for other business expenses. Godfrey declined to comment on the lawsuit when contacted by the Democrat-Gazette.

The dispute provides an opportunity to look more closely at the organization behind the project and the larger public art initiative at Pinnacle Mountain.

A Private Partner for Public Recreation

The Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2017 to support recreation projects and provide a way for private contributions to help fund improvements to public recreation areas.

“Until now, there hasn’t been an effective way to channel private resources into our parks for worthy projects,” founding chairman John Gill said when the organization was announced.

The Walton Family Foundation provided a three-year, $310,000 grant to help launch the organization.

The Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation is separate from Arkansas State Parks, but the two organizations have worked closely together on projects located within the state park system.

That partnership has helped produce some of the state’s highest-profile trail projects.

Millions in Private Funding

The foundation’s recent revenues are relatively modest compared with its earlier years.

The Democrat-Gazette reported revenues of $295,869 in 2023 and $252,667 in 2024, based on public financial filings.

IRS Form 990 records provide a broader picture.

The foundation reported approximately $5 million in revenue in 2019 alone, including nearly $4.99 million in contributions and grants. Revenue was approximately $2.2 million in 2020 and $1.4 million in 2021.

From 2017 through 2024, the organization reported approximately $12.4 million in total revenue, with most of it coming from contributions and grants.

The pattern also helps explain why expenses have exceeded new revenue in recent years. The foundation can receive money for projects years before all of it is spent.

Net assets exceeded $5 million at the end of 2019 as major projects were being funded. Those assets subsequently declined as money was spent on trails, facilities and other projects. The foundation reported approximately $883,000 in net assets at the end of 2024.

Walton Family Foundation Has Played a Major Role

The Walton Family Foundation has been one of the most significant identifiable sources of funding for the Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation.

Beyond providing startup funding, Walton grants helped finance development of the Monument Trails at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Mount Nebo State Park, Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Devil’s Den State Park. Another Monument Trail system has recently been announced for Petit Jean State Park.

A $2 million grant helped develop the first Monument Trail at Hobbs. Additional Walton funding supported trail construction in Central Arkansas, planning and permitting for trails near Mena and development of climbing opportunities within Arkansas State Parks.

Arkansas State Parks describes Monument Trails as a partnership among Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation.

The model allows private philanthropic money to finance projects that ultimately become recreational amenities on public land.

Foundation Leadership Has Changed

The foundation’s original trustees included John Gill, Bryan Day, Ed Nicholson, Jane Rogers, Jim Shamburger and Craig Soos. Suzanne Grobmyer served as executive director.

The current foundation website lists Craig Soos of Bentonville as president, Dennis Nelms of Fayetteville as vice president, Chad Ware of Bentonville as treasurer and Cindy Simpson of Little Rock as a board member. Mitchell Allen of Little Rock serves as executive director.

The foundation’s 2024 Form 990 reported five voting members of its governing body and identified all five as independent.

Public records reviewed by Arkansas Outside do not appear to include foundation board meeting minutes or individual voting records showing how board members voted on particular projects or contracts.

Public records from the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission provide more information about the government side of the partnership.

Close Connections With Arkansas State Parks

The foundation and Arkansas State Parks have been closely connected since the nonprofit’s creation.

Founding chairman John Gill and founding trustee Jim Shamburger both served on the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission during the foundation’s early years.

State records provide examples of foundation projects coming before the commission for approval.

In January 2023, for example, Gill made the motion to approve an agreement between Arkansas State Parks and the foundation for trail design at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Commissioner Bob Connell seconded the motion, which passed.

Gill’s term on the commission ended later that month.

A year later, the commission considered artwork planned for Pinnacle Mountain.

Commission Approved Pinnacle Mountain Artwork

In January 2024, Arkansas State Parks Director Jeff King asked the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission to approve the donation of two pieces of art from the Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation to Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Commissioner Shash Goyal made the motion, Commissioner Trey Berry seconded it, and the motion passed.

The public minutes do not identify the artists or provide detailed descriptions of the two pieces.

Foundation financial records, however, describe a larger project involving the evaluation, design, commissioning and installation of three artworks along the Pinnacle Mountain Monument Trail.

According to the Democrat-Gazette, the foundation reported spending $281,829 on the art project in 2023 and another $164,980 in 2024.

The foundation worked with art curator KIN and three artists on the project.

Publicly available records reviewed by Arkansas Outside have not established the original source of the grant funding for the three artworks.

The Artwork Generated Opposition

Some of the art installed along the Pinnacle Mountain Monument Trail generated significant public criticism.

One of the completed works, “Crystallized Tears,” is located near the East Quarry along the Monument Trail system.

In 2024, Little Rock-area resident Joshua Hamilton started an online petition asking the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism to stop installing sculptures along trails at Pinnacle Mountain and other state parks.

The petition had collected nearly 3,000 signatures by early April and was reported to have approached 5,000 signatures later that year.

Opponents generally argued that large contemporary sculptures were inconsistent with the natural experience they expected in a state park. Hamilton told KATV that one installation resembled “a jumble of trash,” a comment subsequently reported nationally by United Press International.

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism responded to the controversy by pointing out that taxpayer money had not paid for the sculptures. The artwork was funded through a private donation administered by the Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation.

Social media discussions also produced criticism of the artwork, although comments on Reddit and other platforms represent self-selected users and should not be considered a representative survey of Pinnacle Mountain visitors.

Arkansas Outside found no evidence of a formal public-opinion survey measuring overall visitor support or opposition to the installations.

The artwork remains in place.

Arkansas State Parks has since incorporated Crystallized Tears into interpretive programming. In 2026, Pinnacle Mountain State Park offered a ranger-led hike to the East Quarry that included interpretation of the sculpture along with the area’s geology, plants and wildlife.

The park has also offered a “Monumental Mountains: Sculpture Stroll” centered on Monument Trail artwork.

The foundation has described art and architecture as part of the Monument Trail concept since the program’s early development. Some visitors clearly disagree about whether those elements improve the state park experience.

The Sculpture That Never Arrived

Against that background came the commission of Godfrey’s sculpture.

According to the Democrat-Gazette’s review of the lawsuit, Godfrey’s agreement called for $150,000 for design, materials and labor, plus another $36,000 for shipping and installation.

The foundation paid a $60,000 deposit in February 2023, another $2,968 in August 2023 and $45,000 in January 2025, according to the newspaper.

The sculpture was never delivered.

The Democrat-Gazette reported that the lawsuit says Godfrey provided the foundation with a budget spreadsheet showing at least $47,000 had been used for unrelated projects and business expenses.

The foundation is alleging breach of contract, conversion and, alternatively, unjust enrichment. It is seeking repayment of approximately $110,000 plus interest and legal expenses, as well as potential punitive damages.

Those claims are allegations in a civil lawsuit and have not been adjudicated.

Questions Remain About the Pinnacle Mountain Art Project

The lawsuit provides a glimpse into a larger privately financed public-art program that has received relatively little attention compared with the Monument Trails themselves.

Several questions remain unanswered in publicly available records.

The original donor or donors who funded the Pinnacle Mountain art project have not been clearly identified. It is also unclear how the three artists were selected, what role curator KIN played in that process, what foundation board approvals were required, and whether Godfrey’s proposed sculpture was one of the two artworks formally accepted by the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission in January 2024.

There is also a broader question about public participation.

The artwork was privately financed, but it was intended for a publicly owned state park. The subsequent petition demonstrates that at least several thousand people objected to the addition of contemporary art installations within Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

At the same time, Arkansas State Parks has continued to incorporate the completed artwork into park programming.

The Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation’s public-private model has helped bring millions of dollars into Arkansas outdoor recreation and contributed to trails, climbing opportunities, facilities and other projects across the state.

The Pinnacle Mountain art project demonstrates another side of that model: private money can help create public amenities more quickly, but projects ultimately placed on public land can also generate questions about transparency, decision-making and how the public is included in determining what belongs in a state park.

Photos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation: Funding, Public Art and a Pinnacle Mountain Lawsuit appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Arkansas has invested heavily in places to get outside. New trails are opening, existing trail systems are expanding, and communities across the state increasingly see outdoor recreation as part of their quality of life.

But building a trail is only the beginning.

Every mile of natural-surface trail eventually needs attention. Vegetation grows into the corridor. Storms bring down limbs and trees. Water finds new paths across the tread. Litter accumulates. Drainage structures fill with leaves and sediment. Heavy use creates additional wear.

Keeping those trails open requires people willing to do the less visible work that comes after the ribbon cutting.

Across Arkansas this fall, volunteers are heading into parks, forests and neighborhoods with gloves, trash bags, loppers and trail tools. The concentration of volunteer events provides a reminder that much of Arkansas’ outdoor recreation infrastructure depends on a partnership between professional land managers and people who simply care about the places where they hike, run, ride, paddle and explore.

Fall Brings a Wave of Stewardship

Saturday, September 26, is National Public Lands Day, an annual event that the National Park Service describes as the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands. The 2026 theme is “Caring for Our Shared America.”

In Arkansas, the event coincides with the Great Arkansas Cleanup, which runs from September 12 through October 31. Keep Arkansas Beautiful says thousands of Arkansans participate in the fall campaign, removing trash from roadsides, shorelines, parks and other public spaces.

That combination has produced volunteer projects across the state.

At Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area near Rogers, volunteers will work alongside the park’s trail coordinator on minor trail maintenance Saturday morning. Tools are provided, while volunteers are encouraged to bring water, insect repellent, gloves and appropriate clothing.

In Little Rock, the Pulaski Chapter of the Ozark Society will spend Saturday morning cleaning the 3.4-mile Rock Creek Trail. Volunteers will pick up litter along the urban trail, with buckets, grabbers, bags and some gloves provided.

The work extends beyond trails.

Volunteers at Lake Ouachita will clean shorelines and islands. Similar projects are scheduled at DeGray Lake and Beaver Lake, while Petit Jean State Park is hosting its own Great Arkansas Cleanup.

Taken together, the projects illustrate something easy to overlook while enjoying Arkansas outdoors: maintaining recreation areas is an ongoing job.

Trail Work Doesn’t End With a Workday

Organized cleanup days are the most visible form of volunteer stewardship, but Arkansas also has groups working throughout the year.

The Central Arkansas Trail Alliance, or CATA, works on natural-surface trails throughout the Little Rock area. Earlier this month, CATA and Arkansas State Parks began a three-part series of trail workdays at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, with additional workdays scheduled for October and November.

CATA is also taking the idea a step further in 2026 with a new Trail Steward pilot program.

Instead of relying entirely on occasional large workdays, individual volunteers can take responsibility for monitoring particular trail systems. CATA’s Trail Stewards are expected to visit their assigned trails at least weekly, provide condition reports and either perform reasonable maintenance themselves or help coordinate larger workdays when necessary.

That creates something trail systems need almost as much as workers: eyes on the ground.

A fallen tree, washed-out section or drainage problem can be reported before it becomes a larger issue. Trail conditions can be communicated to users, and maintenance can be organized based on actual needs rather than waiting for problems to become obvious.

The Same Model Works on Federal Lands

Volunteer stewardship is also important on Arkansas’ federally managed recreation lands.

At Buffalo National River, the National Park Service describes volunteers as an important part of accomplishing the park’s mission and maintaining visitor access. Volunteer opportunities include river cleanups, invasive plant removal, trail maintenance and other projects.

The park also maintains an Adopt A Trail program. Participants visit an assigned trail several times each year to remove trash and small branches, monitor trail conditions and report what they find to park staff.

It is a simple model that can have a significant effect.

A volunteer does not need to rebuild a trail or operate heavy equipment to contribute. Reporting a downed tree, clearing small debris, removing litter or identifying erosion gives professional land managers information they can use to prioritize larger maintenance needs.

More Trails Mean More Maintenance

Arkansas continues to add recreation infrastructure.

New mountain bike trails, greenways, paved trails, water trails and hiking routes are appearing across the state. Existing destinations are also seeing improvements and expansions.

Those investments create recreation opportunities and can attract visitors, but every new mile also becomes another mile that someone must maintain.

Natural-surface trails are particularly dynamic. Rainfall, freeze-and-thaw cycles, vegetation, falling trees and regular trail use continually change them. Good trail design can reduce maintenance requirements, but it cannot eliminate them.

The result is a long-term responsibility that doesn’t always receive the same attention as construction.

A new trailhead or trail system makes for an easy photograph. Routine maintenance rarely does.

Yet maintenance ultimately determines whether those investments remain enjoyable and sustainable years after they open.

Stewardship Is Part of Outdoor Recreation

There is another way to look at volunteer trail work.

It is outdoor recreation.

A trail workday gets people outside, introduces them to other trail users and often provides a different understanding of the landscape. Someone who spends a morning clearing drains or repairing tread begins noticing water movement, soil conditions and trail design in ways they may never have considered while simply hiking or riding.

It also creates a direct connection between recreation and responsibility.

The hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, climbers, paddlers and other users who benefit from Arkansas’ public lands have an opportunity to participate in caring for them.

That doesn’t mean every trail user needs to spend weekends swinging a Pulaski or moving rocks. Stewardship can be as simple as carrying out litter, staying off muddy trails when use could cause damage, reporting problems to land managers, following trail closures or joining an occasional cleanup.

For those who want to do more, organizations throughout Arkansas offer opportunities ranging from a few hours on a Saturday morning to ongoing trail stewardship.

The Work Continues After September

National Public Lands Day puts volunteer stewardship in the spotlight for one weekend, but Arkansas’ fall cleanup season continues through October.

Keep Arkansas Beautiful already lists upcoming projects at state parks and recreation areas including Woolly Hollow State Park, Lake Catherine State Park, Lake Frierson State Park, Village Creek State Park, Delta Heritage Trail State Park and Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

And for groups such as CATA, the Ozark Society and the volunteers working alongside state and federal land managers, stewardship doesn’t really have a season.

Arkansas’ trails may be public, but keeping them in good condition is often a community effort.

The next time you hike, run or ride a well-maintained trail, consider the work behind it. Somewhere along the way, there is a good chance a volunteer helped make that experience possible.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Who Takes Care of Arkansas Trails? Volunteers Play a Growing Role appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Arkansas schools have an opportunity to expand outdoor and conservation education programs with more than $690,000 in grant funding now available statewide.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services are accepting applications for the Wildlife Education Grant Program. The funding can help schools create outdoor classrooms, purchase conservation equipment, organize field trips and develop hands-on programs that connect students with Arkansas’s natural resources.

Applications are open through Nov. 12, 2026.

Wildlife Fines Support Education

Unlike many education grants, the money comes directly from fines collected for hunting and fishing violations in Arkansas.

Just over $536,000 available this year comes from fines collected during the previous year. Another $150,000-plus is money carried forward from previous grant cycles when funds were not claimed or allocated.

The funding is distributed by county. Wildlife and fishing violation fines collected within a county are set aside for conservation education grants in that county, allowing the money to support educational opportunities close to where it was collected.

Taking Learning Outdoors

The grants are designed to give teachers and schools more opportunities to incorporate conservation and outdoor recreation into education.

Schools have used previous grants to build outdoor classrooms, purchase equipment and supplies for conservation projects and pay for trips to AGFC nature centers. Grants also can support activities such as water-quality monitoring through the AGFC Stream Team Program, archery and conservation programs, and other outdoor experiences.

AGFC Chief of Education Mary Beth Hatch said the agency is encouraging more outdoor learning experiences because they give students opportunities to apply lessons in real-world settings.

The grants also complement programs such as Archery in the Schools, the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program and educational experiences offered through AGFC’s nine nature centers.

Supporting Conservation Leadership

Some Arkansas schools have used the grants to help complete requirements for designation as an AGFC School of Conservation Leadership.

Schools participating in the program have used grant money for outdoor classrooms, equipment and supplies needed for conservation projects, nature center trips and participation in the annual Generation Conservation Summit. The program is open to schools ranging from elementary through high school.

The flexibility of the grants also gives educators room to develop projects suited to their students and communities.

Potential projects can range from studying a nearby stream or improving wildlife habitat on school grounds to taking students into the field for hands-on conservation and outdoor recreation experiences.

How Arkansas Schools Can Apply

Teachers and school administrators have until Nov. 12 to submit applications through AEDC’s Division of Rural Services.

Because funding is allocated by county, the amount available varies depending on wildlife and fishing fines collected locally and any unused grant money carried forward from previous years.

AGFC provides additional information about the program, including a county-by-county list of available funding and a link to the application.

Wildlife Education Grant application information

For Arkansas schools looking for ways to get students outside and make conservation part of the classroom experience, the grants can provide funding for projects that might otherwise be difficult to fit into school budgets.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post More Than $690,000 Available for Arkansas School Conservation Education Programs appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Petit Jean State Park is entering its second century with a renovated historic lodge, new outdoor recreation opportunities, and plans for an expanded trail system.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined officials from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for a special open house highlighting recent and upcoming investments at Arkansas’ first state park.

The event included the reopening of the renovated Mather Lodge, the new Petit Jean Via Ferrata, plans for a Monument Trail mountain biking system, expanded climbing opportunities, and the unveiling of an Arkansas 250 historical marker recognizing the park’s place in state history.

“For more than a century, generations of Arkansans have come to Petit Jean to experience the beauty of The Natural State,” Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis said. “From restoring Mather Lodge to creating new ways to experience Petit Jean’s landscape, we are honoring the history of this park while preparing it for its next century.”

Historic Mather Lodge Reopens

A centerpiece of the celebration was the reopening of Mather Lodge following renovations to its historic guest rooms.

Arkansas State Parks and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program worked on the improvements, which were designed to modernize the visitor experience while preserving the lodge’s historic character and craftsmanship.

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Mather Lodge has become one of the best-known structures in the Arkansas State Parks system.

“Just because tourists want the rustic charm of a lodge built in the 30s, doesn’t mean they necessarily want the same amenities of 100 years ago,” Sanders said.

The governor said the renovations include new fixtures, furnishings, and finishes intended to maintain the lodge’s historic appearance while providing modern amenities.

Via Ferrata Adds a New Petit Jean Adventure

Outdoor recreation is also expanding at Petit Jean.

The Petit Jean Via Ferrata, developed in partnership with Frontier Climbing Company, provides a new way to experience the mountain’s rocky terrain.

A via ferrata, Italian for “iron path,” uses permanently installed features such as steel cables, rungs, and other climbing aids to allow participants to travel across exposed rock while secured to a safety system.

The Petit Jean attraction is the first via ferrata located within a state park in the United States, according to Arkansas State Parks.

The experience adds another recreation option to a park already known for hiking trails, waterfalls, overlooks, camping, paddling, and climbing.

Monument Trail Mountain Biking Coming to Petit Jean

Mountain biking is also coming to Petit Jean State Park.

In partnership with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, the park is developing a Monument Trail system designed to provide mountain biking opportunities for riders of varying skill levels.

The first trails are expected to begin opening later this fall.

Petit Jean will join a growing network of Arkansas State Parks featuring Monument Trails, which are designed to combine destination-quality mountain biking with the natural landscapes and other recreation opportunities found within the parks.

The new trail system represents a significant expansion of recreation opportunities on Petit Jean Mountain and adds another major outdoor activity to one of Arkansas’ most visited park destinations.

Arkansas 250 Marker Recognizes State Park History

The open house also looked back at Petit Jean’s place in Arkansas history.

Officials unveiled a new Arkansas 250 historical marker recognizing Petit Jean State Park as Arkansas’ first state park.

The Arkansas 250 Commission selected the site as part of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The marker recognizes the park’s role in Arkansas history and its importance to generations of visitors.

It will be permanently installed at the Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center.

Petit Jean State Park was established in 1923, beginning what would eventually become the Arkansas State Parks system.

New Superintendent Returns to Petit Jean

The park is also welcoming a familiar face as its new superintendent.

Will Ward, who previously worked at Petit Jean State Park as a ranger, has returned to lead the park.

“It is an honor to be trusted with the role of superintendent at Petit Jean State Park,” Ward said. “I spent some of the most formative years of my career here as a park ranger, and as I worked at other state parks, my goal was always to continue growing in experience and knowledge so I could eventually make my way back to Petit Jean Mountain, which has always felt like home.”

Ward said he looks forward to working with the park’s staff to continue improving recreation opportunities while protecting the landscape.

The combination of the Mather Lodge renovation, via ferrata, new climbing opportunities, Monument Trail development, and recognition of the park’s history marks a period of significant change at Petit Jean.

More than a century after becoming Arkansas’ first state park, Petit Jean is continuing to build on its historic role while adding new ways for visitors to experience the mountain.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Petit Jean State Park Celebrates New Investments, Recreation and Historic Renovations appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

If you spend your weekends running, riding, climbing, or generally finding an excuse to be outside, the final weekend of September presents a problem: there may be too much going on in Arkansas to choose just one thing.

From Sept. 25 through 27, some of the state’s best-known outdoor events will take place at nearly the same time. Thousands of cyclists will roll out for the Big Dam Bridge 100 in Central Arkansas. Mountain bikers will descend on Eureka Springs for the Fat Tire Festival. Climbers from around the country will gather near Jasper for the legendary 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell.

And those are just the headliners.

Road races, trail runs, community walks, mountain bike races, and festivals fill out a weekend that provides a pretty good snapshot of just how large and diverse Arkansas’ outdoor recreation community has become.

Big Dam Bridge 100 Takes Over Central Arkansas

The Big Dam Bridge 100 returns Saturday, Sept. 26, bringing thousands of cyclists to Little Rock and North Little Rock for one of Arkansas’ largest cycling events.

The first riders leave Riverfront Drive in North Little Rock at 7 a.m., with routes of 15, 26, 50, 75, and 105 miles available. The ride uses the Big Dam Bridge and portions of the Arkansas River Trail before longer routes head west into the hills of Central Arkansas.

The weekend actually begins Friday. The Big Dam Bridge 100 Expo and packet pickup runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock. Organizers say more than 3,000 riders and their families are expected to attend the expo. A Gears and Beers athlete reception is scheduled Friday evening at Dickey-Stephens Park.

On Saturday, the cycling continues long after the starting corrals empty. Finale Fest opens at 8:30 a.m. in North Little Rock Riverfront Park, turning the finish area into a gathering place for riders, families, and spectators.

Mountain Bikes Take Over Eureka Springs

About three hours northwest, the atmosphere will be very different but just as busy.

The Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival runs Sept. 25 through 27, with racing centered around Lake Leatherwood City Park and its extensive mountain bike trail system.

The weekend includes the Eureka Springs Downhill and Arkansas Enduro Series racing. Lake Leatherwood’s 1,600 acres and roughly 25-mile trail network provide a natural venue for a weekend built around gravity riding and Ozark terrain.

Downhill practice and seeding begin Friday, followed by racing Saturday. The downhill course uses OGre Run, including berms, jumps, drops, and the terrain that has helped make Lake Leatherwood one of Arkansas’ most recognizable mountain bike destinations.

For riders who prefer rocks, roots, and gravity to pavement and pacelines, Eureka Springs will be one of the places to be.

24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell Returns to Jasper

Then there is Horseshoe Hell.

The 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell returns Sept. 23 through 27 at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch near Jasper.

What began as an endurance climbing competition has become a five-day climbing festival. The weekend includes the flagship 24-hour competition, a 12-hour climbing competition, the Devil’s Disco bouldering competition, camping, food, live music, games, mountain biking, and plenty of social time between climbs.

The premise of the main event remains wonderfully unreasonable: climb as much as possible for 24 hours.

Teams attempt route after route on the sandstone walls of Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, combining climbing ability with endurance, strategy, and the ability to keep moving when most people would have called it a day many hours earlier.

Even for people who aren’t competing, Horseshoe Hell has developed into a gathering of the climbing community that reaches well beyond Arkansas.

Trail Runners Head to the Cossatot

While climbers are testing themselves in the Ozarks, trail runners can head south to one of the state’s wildest landscapes.

The Cossatot River Trail Run takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area near Wickes.

Runners can choose a 12.5-mile “half marathon” or a 25-mile “marathon” along the River Corridor Trail. Expect exactly what a Cossatot trail race should offer: rocky and rooty singletrack, hills, dirt, grass, and views along one of Arkansas’ best-known whitewater rivers. Organizers list about 2,000 feet of climbing for the shorter race and roughly 4,000 feet for the longer distance.

The 25-mile race begins at 6 a.m., while the shorter event begins at 7:50 a.m. from Bushy Creek Recreation Area.

Runners Have Plenty of Other Choices

You don’t have to run a half marathon through the Ouachitas to participate in the weekend.

Saturday’s calendar is packed with shorter running and walking events across Arkansas.

The Great 5K Pumpkin Run starts at 8 a.m. in Lonoke and combines running and walking with a community event benefiting youth and family needs.

In Searcy, the Funnel Cake 5K begins at 8 a.m. as part of the Get Down Downtown Festival. The event features a fast, flat course and welcomes runners and walkers.

Little Rock’s Logan’s Run begins at 9 a.m. at War Memorial Park. The event serves as the kickoff for the Little Rock Marathon’s All-Abilities Marathon program, which is designed for participants with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.

Later in the day, the On Our Way 5K Glow Run/Walk starts at 6:30 p.m. in Clarksville.

Other events listed around Arkansas for Sept. 26 include the Heart & Sole Half Marathon/10K/5K in Jonesboro, Celebrate Recovery 5K in Springdale, Hike for Hearing and Speech in Russellville, and several community walks and running events.

Pick Your Adventure

There are weekends when Arkansas’ outdoor calendar provides an easy decision.

This isn’t one of them.

You could spend Saturday pedaling more than 100 miles through Central Arkansas, racing downhill at Lake Leatherwood, running rocky singletrack beside the Cossatot River, climbing sandstone for an almost unreasonable number of hours, or knocking out a community 5K close to home.

You could also skip the competition entirely and spend the weekend cheering for riders, watching climbers, exploring a festival, hiking a trail, or simply taking advantage of early fall in Arkansas.

Late September has traditionally been one of the busiest periods on the state’s outdoor calendar, and Sept. 25 through 27 shows why. Road cycling, mountain biking, climbing, trail running, road running, and community events are all happening within the same three-day window.

For Arkansas’ outdoor community, the biggest challenge next weekend might not be finishing the event.

It might be deciding which starting line to choose.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post One of Arkansas’s Biggest Outdoor Weekends Is Almost Here appeared first on Arkansas Outside.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Pulaski County has released a new countywide vision for trails and active transportation, outlining how existing paths, projects under construction, and future connections could eventually become a more complete network across Central Arkansas.

The new Pulaski County Trails Master Plan builds on nearly two decades of trail development since the county adopted its previous pedestrian and bicycle trails plan in 2006. The updated plan brings together projects from Pulaski County, municipalities, regional planning agencies, and other partners into a larger framework designed to improve connections between communities.

An interactive version of the plan is now available online, allowing residents to explore existing and proposed routes throughout the county.

Building on Two Decades of Trail Development

Central Arkansas’ trail network looks considerably different than it did when Pulaski County completed its original plan in 2006.

Since then, major projects including the Big Dam Bridge and Two Rivers Bridge have opened, while the Arkansas River Trail has developed into the backbone of the region’s bicycle and pedestrian network. Work has also expanded beyond the Arkansas River corridor through projects including the Southwest Trail and Southeast Trail.

The updated master plan looks at how those major routes can work together instead of functioning as individual projects.

Crafton Tull, which is developing the plan for Pulaski County, previously identified the need for several regional trail “spines” connecting communities with the Arkansas River Trail, Southwest Trail, Southeast Trail, and neighboring counties.

The planning work has also examined potential connections northeast toward Sherwood and Jacksonville, northwest toward Faulkner County, and west between Pinnacle Mountain State Park and the Southwest Trail.

Connecting the Big Regional Trails

One of the most important elements of the new plan is connectivity.

Central Arkansas already has several significant trail projects either completed, underway, or planned. The challenge is connecting them into a system that allows people to travel between neighborhoods, parks, communities, employment centers, and recreation destinations without encountering major gaps.

The Arkansas River Trail provides the core of that network through Little Rock and North Little Rock. (The unfinished portions are the responsibility of the cities to complete and/or improve.)

From there, the Southwest Trail is being developed toward Saline County and eventually Hot Springs. The Southeast Trail is planned to extend from the Arkansas River Trail toward eastern and southeastern Pulaski County, including connections toward the Little Rock airport and ultimately the Jefferson County direction.

To the north and northeast, regional plans envision connections from North Little Rock toward Sherwood and Jacksonville. Northwest connections could eventually extend through Maumelle and toward Faulkner County.

Together, these routes could create a network extending well beyond the urban core of Little Rock and North Little Rock.

Filling the Gaps Between Existing Plans

The Pulaski County Trails Master Plan does not exist in isolation.

Metroplan’s Central Arkansas Regional Greenways Plan, adopted in 2023, established a framework for a regional system extending throughout Central Arkansas. That plan identified several major corridors, including routes toward Saline, Lonoke and Faulkner counties.

The Pulaski County plan provides another layer by identifying connections within the county that can tie those regional corridors to communities and existing local trail systems.

The plan also overlaps with the Maumelle Pinnacles Recreation Master Plan, which focuses on the large recreation and conservation corridor extending west from the Big Dam Bridge and Two Rivers Park past Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Rattlesnake Ridge, Blue Mountain, and Lake Maumelle.

The result is a network that could connect some of Central Arkansas’ most important outdoor recreation destinations while also providing transportation connections for people traveling by bicycle or on foot.

More Than Recreation

Although trails are frequently associated with recreation, the Pulaski County plan also treats them as part of the transportation system.

Separated multi-use paths, bicycle facilities, sidewalks, and other connections can provide routes between homes, schools, parks, businesses, transit stops, and employment centers.

That distinction becomes increasingly important as individual trail projects begin connecting with one another.

A trail used for a Saturday morning bike ride can also serve someone riding to work on Monday. A neighborhood path can provide access to a park while also connecting residents with a larger regional greenway.

The county’s earlier planning work examined walking distances around public and private schools and looked at how existing and proposed facilities could improve access. That analysis reinforced the need for regional routes that serve as the backbone of a larger network.

A Plan, Not a Construction Schedule

The routes shown in the master plan should not be confused with funded construction projects.

A master plan establishes a long-term vision and helps governments identify priorities. Individual projects still require additional planning, engineering, right-of-way, environmental review, funding, and, in many cases, coordination among multiple jurisdictions.

Some routes could take years to develop, while others may change as engineering and planning work moves forward.

Having those routes identified, however, can be important when transportation projects are designed, roads are rebuilt, development occurs, or state and federal grant opportunities become available.

The plan can also help Pulaski County and its municipalities avoid creating isolated pieces of infrastructure by showing how individual projects fit into a larger system.

Public Review Continues

Pulaski County and Crafton Tull unveiled the updated trail network during a public event at Two Rivers Park on September 12. Residents were able to review maps, talk with members of the project team, and provide comments about proposed connections.

The release of the interactive online plan expands that process beyond the event.

Residents can now explore the proposed network, compare it with existing trails, and consider where additional connections may be needed.

The project team is also scheduled to share information about the plan during the Big Dam Bridge 100 on September 26, providing another opportunity for trail users and cyclists to learn about the network.

From Individual Trails to a Regional Network

Central Arkansas has spent decades building individual pieces of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

The Big Dam Bridge connected the two sides of the Arkansas River. Two Rivers Bridge extended the network west. The Arkansas River Trail connected parks, neighborhoods, downtown areas, and recreation destinations. New projects such as the Southwest and Southeast trails are beginning to push that network farther into the region.

The Pulaski County Trails Master Plan looks at what comes next: connecting those pieces.

If implemented over time, the network shown in the plan could make it possible for more residents to reach parks, communities, schools, workplaces, and regional trails by bicycle or on foot while expanding the outdoor recreation network available throughout Central Arkansas.

The plan is still a vision, and many of its proposed routes remain years away from construction. But putting those connections on a map establishes a framework for the next generation of trail development in Pulaski County.

This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!

The post Pulaski County Trails Master Plan Maps a More Connected Future for Central Arkansas appeared first on Arkansas Outside.