Solivagant USA

One of the many enjoyable activities along the Arkansas section of The Great River Road is stopping to walk along sections of the Delta Heritage Trail. I discovered Arkansas City, at the southern end, accidentally one evening as this community was my entrance point to the River Road delta. I spent the night there and walked a few miles on the levee alongside the Mississippi river enjoying the views, and quiet. I later learned from Supt. Wright, at the Delta Heritage Trail State Park further north along the River Road, that the pleasant location with restrooms open 24/7, picnic seating, and kiosks to explain the historic and natural had opened last year.

The Rails-to Trails project has been in play for twenty-six years. Forty-five miles of trails are in use with eight trailheads to offer access, restrooms, and information. A conversion of an abandoned Missouri Pacific Railway line, Arkansas’ heritage and tourism, state parks, DOT, and other agencies partnered to get this effort in place. Driving north on the Great River Road I looked forward to stops on the Heritage Trail to stretch my legs. With a matching grant of $20 million from the Walton family foundation in 2020 to DOT’s matching award to Arkansas Dept. of Parks, Heritage and Tourism through RAISE, Supt. Wright explained that the plan is to complete the middle section (40 miles) of the trail that crosses the Arkansas and White Rivers. ”RailRoad buffs, as well as cyclists, will get excited about these two bridges,” said Wright.

What additional sights can you see along the way? I stopped at Rohwer and explored the place where 8,000 Japanese Americans were interned 1942-24. Wildlife viewing, and of course, birdwatching of the Mississippi Flyway is a bonus. Portions of the trail run under a canopy of trees. Once completed, a walker or cyclist on the trail will be elevated 30 feet in the White River area ”looking at bald cypress trees that may be a thousand years old,” according to a piece in the winter 2020 Arkansas Highways magazine.

January 1, 2025 is the scheduled completion date for the final sections of the trail. The plan also includes to honor John Johnson, of Arkansas City (a town filled with historical markers telling the story of this remarkable town) who was the creator and publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines. I’ve enjoyed many places in Arkansas, the ”natural state.” This is one reason why the state earns the motto.