The Natural State makes the outdoors cheap. Arkansas’s state parks are free to enter [1], central Arkansas has a 15.6-mile riverside loop for walking, running and biking [2], and a North Little Rock community center card costs residents $15 a year [3].
At a glance
- State park entrance fee
- None [1]
- Arkansas River Trail loop
- 15.6 miles, Little Rock and North Little Rock [2]
- Big Dam Bridge
- Nation's longest bridge built for bikes and pedestrians [2]
- North Little Rock rec center card
- $15 a year for residents [3]
- Weekly activity goal
- 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity [4]
State parks: free to get in
Many state park systems charge an entry fee. Arkansas doesn’t [1]. That makes a state park hike, trail run or long walk one of the cheapest workouts in the state: you pay for gas, not admission.
A few activities do cost money. At Crater of Diamonds State Park, for example, there’s a small fee to dig in the 37½-acre plowed search field, and tools can be rented [1].
If you ride, Arkansas State Parks also has the Monument Trails, a collection of mountain biking destinations inside the park system [1].
The Arkansas River Trail
The best-known urban trail in the state runs along both banks of the Arkansas River. The City of Little Rock describes a 15.6-mile loop on both sides of the river, anchored by the Big Dam Bridge and the Clinton Bridge [2]. The Big Dam Bridge, completed in 2006, is the nation’s longest bridge built for bicyclists and pedestrians [2].
You don’t have to do the whole loop. Pick a stretch near you, walk or run out for 15 minutes, and turn around. Cross a bridge and back when you want some hills.
Rec centers: what North Little Rock charges
North Little Rock’s 2026 parks fee schedule shows how low a city membership can go [3]:
| What | Residents | Non-residents |
|---|---|---|
| Community center card (Glenview, North Heights, Rose City, Sherman Park), annual | $15 | $20 |
| Community center daily guest pass | $4 | $4 |
| NLRCC fitness, adults 18-49, monthly | $15 | $18 |
| NLRCC fitness, adults 18-49, annual | $120 | $144 |
| NLRCC fitness, seniors 50+, monthly | $10 | $12 |
| NLRCC fitness, seniors 50+, annual | $60 | $72 |
| NLRCC fitness, military or veteran, monthly | $5 | $5 |
The same schedule lists a splash pad at Glenview that’s free with or without a membership card, and outdoor pickleball and tennis options at Burns Park [3]. Other Arkansas cities set their own rates, so check your city’s parks and recreation department.
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for adults to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, such as brisk walking, plus muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days a week [4]. Three 45-minute walks on the river trail plus two short strength sessions at a rec center would get you there.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [5]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [5]
- 12-inch loops [5]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [5]
- Made of latex [5]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor or in the grass, with a strap to carry it to the park. [6]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [6]
- About 74 x 24 inches [6]
- Elastic carrying strap [6]
- Hand wash only [6]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and bike rides. [7]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [7]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [7]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [7]
- Quick-release buckle [7]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- Arkansas Tourism (Arkansas State Parks), Arkansas State Parks Offer One-of-a-Kind, Affordable Experiences
- City of Little Rock, Arkansas River Trail
- City of North Little Rock, Parks and Recreation Department Fees and Charges 2026
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
Do Arkansas state parks charge an entrance fee?
No. Arkansas's state parks are free to enter, unlike many state park systems. Some activities cost extra; at Crater of Diamonds State Park, for example, there's a small fee to dig in the diamond search field.
How long is the Arkansas River Trail loop?
The City of Little Rock describes a 15.6-mile loop on both sides of the Arkansas River, anchored by the Big Dam Bridge and the Clinton Bridge. The Big Dam Bridge, completed in 2006, is the nation's longest bridge built for bicyclists and pedestrians.
How much is a rec center membership in North Little Rock?
A community center membership card for the Glenview, North Heights, Rose City and Sherman Park centers costs $15 a year for North Little Rock residents and $20 for non-residents, or $4 for a daily guest pass. The North Little Rock Community Center's fitness area is priced separately, from $10 a month for residents 50 and older.
How much exercise should adults get each week?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, such as brisk walking, plus muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days a week.