Big Dam Bridge
4000 Cooks Lndg Rd, North Little Rock, AR
North Little Rock, AR
A long, curving span that carries only walkers and cyclists across the Arkansas River atop a working dam, the centerpiece of Little Rock's riverside trail loop.
The Big Dam Bridge is exactly what its plain-spoken name promises, a very big bridge built on top of a dam, carrying only walkers and cyclists across the Arkansas River. Rising high over the Murray Lock and Dam, it is one of the longest bridges in North America constructed for foot and bicycle traffic alone, with not a single lane for cars.
The name began as a joke and stuck, and the bridge has become a genuine landmark of central Arkansas. It stitches together the riverside parks and trails of Little Rock and North Little Rock into one long loop, and its high, curving deck offers some of the best river and skyline views in the region, a favorite for sunrise runs, evening rides, and lingering sunsets.
What Guests Love
- The wide river views from high atop the dam, with the city skyline downstream
- Rolling or strolling a bridge built only for people, with no cars to dodge
- Linking it into the long paved loop of trails on both riverbanks
- Sunset and after-dark, when the span and river light up
Worth Knowing
- It is a long climb up and over, so pace yourself, especially in summer heat
- The bridge and trails are shared by walkers, runners, and cyclists, so keep right and pass with care
- Bring water and sun protection, as much of the span and trail is open and exposed
- The riverside trails can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions in high water
Details
North Little Rock, AR
Learn about Big Dam Bridge
How the big bridge got its name
For years, local officials referring to the planned crossing over the Murray Lock and Dam simply called it the big dam bridge, a wry play on words describing exactly what it was. When the span opened in 2006, the nickname had become too beloved to replace, and it stayed as the official name, one of the friendliest place names in the state.
The bridge was built to close a gap in the region's growing trail network, giving people a safe way to cross the river on foot or by bicycle without competing with highway traffic. It quickly outgrew that practical purpose to become a destination in its own right, drawing walkers, runners, cyclists, and sightseers by the thousands.
A river, a dam, and a long span
The bridge rides atop the Murray Lock and Dam, part of the system of locks and dams that made the Arkansas River navigable for barge traffic. From the high deck, visitors can watch the river work below, sometimes catching a tow pushing barges through the lock, a reminder that this is a working river as well as a recreational one.
The long approaches climb gradually to carry travelers up and over the dam, and the deck curves as it spans the water, opening changing views up and down the river. On a clear evening the Little Rock skyline glows downstream, and the bridge itself is lit, making the crossing as rewarding after dark as by day.
The Arkansas River Trail loop
The bridge is the crown of the Arkansas River Trail, a long paved loop that runs along both banks of the river through a chain of parks. Cyclists and walkers can cross on the Big Dam Bridge, follow the riverside path downstream past marinas, ballfields, and river overlooks, and cross back on another bridge to complete a scenic circuit through both cities.
Along the way the trail passes wetlands, sculpture, and shaded riverbank, with connections to still more paths reaching out into the surrounding parks. It has made central Arkansas a surprising haven for cyclists, and the Big Dam Bridge lends its name to a major annual ride that draws riders from across the country.
Wildlife, seasons, and the city beyond
The river corridor is a green ribbon through the city, and it brings wildlife close. Herons and egrets stalk the shallows, ospreys and eagles hunt over the water in the cooler months, and turtles and waterfowl gather in the quiet backwaters along the trail. Spring and fall bring migrating birds and comfortable weather for a long ride.
Summer here is hot and humid, best enjoyed in the early morning or evening, while spring and fall are ideal for the full loop. Winter is mild enough that the trails stay busy on fair days. Just upriver, Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers hiking, and downtown Little Rock's River Market and museums round out an easy day in the capital.
Closest Boutels
The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is an independently owned, editorially selected place to stay.
Things to Do Near North Little Rock
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
About 8 miles west
A cone-shaped peak with steep, rewarding hiking trails and river-and-woods views over central Arkansas.
Little Rock River Market
About 8 miles southeast
The riverfront heart of downtown, with a market hall, museums, riverside park, and the Clinton Presidential Center.
The Old Mill
About 10 miles east
A picturesque re-created 1800s water mill in North Little Rock, famous as a scene in Gone with the Wind.
Museum of Discovery
About 8 miles southeast
A hands-on science museum in the River Market district, popular with families.