The Delta Heritage Trail In Arkansas Winds Through 40 Miles Of Mississippi River History
By Melanie Johnson|Published March 21, 2024
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Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
If you’re an avid OnlyInYourState reader, you’ll know that we love to explore the great outdoors. In fact, we have covered so many hiking trails in Arkansas that we’ve lost count. However, most of those trails were short and sweet and tucked inside the enchanting Ozarks or the beautiful Ouachita Mountains. But today, we’ve chosen to feature the Delta Heritage Trail near West Helena, which meanders for over 40 miles through the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (aka the Delta). Read on to discover why we believe this historical hiking trail in Arkansas is arguably one of the most unique trail systems in the state. And chances are, you’ll want to explore it for yourself.
Over 30 years ago, under the National Trails System Act, the Union Pacific Railroad surrendered its rights to a portion of its abandoned railroad line for public use and recreation.
Inside you'll find a 44-mile-long unique network of trails that split between the north and south end of the park. Altogether, there are 8 trails (Lexa, Barton, Lick Creek, Lake View, Elaine, Watson, Rohwer, and Arkansas City) that make up the network, and you'll want to explore them all.
Whether you trek the trails on foot or by bike, you're in for a real treat as they traverse through the gorgeous flatlands of the Arkansas Delta region.
By bike, it will take about 10 or more hours to complete the entire system, so we recommend bringing the family and turning your visit into a 2-day excursion.
Moreover, you'll also cross several bridges and eventually, there will be crossings at both the White and Arkansas Rivers. The terrain is flat, but it has plenty of sights and scenes along the way.
Of course, we recommend that you stop by the visitor center that is located on the Barton Trailhead. It's housed inside a repurposed cotton gin, with bike rentals, and a cool little gift shop.
History buffs will enjoy riding the trails as there are lots of interpretive signs to see. They feature information about Civil War battles as well as the railroad and steamboat history of the Mississippi River region.
Currently, there are over 40 miles of incomplete railroad corridor in the middle of the trail system. However, plans are being discussed to turn it into an excursion train, which would be a cool addition to this unique trail system in Arkansas. Stay tuned and happy exploring y'all!!!
So, what do you think about this historical hiking trail in Arkansas? Are you ready to explore it for yourself? Tell us in the comments below. Visit the Arkansas State Parks website to learn more about the Delta Heritage Trail. And be sure to download your free trial of AllTrails+ for access to offline maps, weather, and trail conditions.
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