Trailblazing Arkansas: How Trails Are Powering a Statewide Transformation
I was in a meeting recently, when someone made a statement that the most popular outdoor activity in the United States is walking. Walking has a very low barrier to participation, making it extremely accessible. That got me to thinking about the trails in Arkansas and how they are impacting the state. Arkansas is investing in, and focusing on, its outdoor recreation economy, and a big part of this is developing and connecting trails that will be major economic drivers.
The impact of trails in our lives is significant. I moved to Northwest Arkansas, or “NWA” for short, to be close to trails and to be connected to my community and work. I also wanted to be able to use bike trails as an alternate means of transportation—and live in a community that prioritized that access. NWA has invested millions to make this one of the attractions to encourage people to move to the area, and it’s proving to be a good investment.
“The cycling industry contributed $159 million to the region’s economy.”
Transforming the Delta
The latest study on the economic impact of cycling in NWA, conducted by the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas, reveals impressive figures for 2022. The cycling industry contributed $159 million to the region’s economy, encompassing cycling-related jobs, tourism revenue and taxes. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Arkansas ranks sixth nationally in cycling growth as a share of GDP since 2012.
During my career, I’ve had an opportunity to travel to many different locations to witness how trails impacted people, and how the creative use of trails can impact and customize the experience—the crushed stone of a rail-trail, the soft surface of a single track weaving through an amazing natural landscape, or the paved dedicated trail that connects neighborhoods across urban areas. What I learned from interactions with cities, trail builders and major park systems is that communities and greenspace are always amplified exponentially when connected by trail.
When I was appointed as Arkansas State Parks Director in 2016, I made it my goal to complete the Delta Heritage Trail State Park (DHT), which has been in development for about 30 years and is about 82% constructed. To date, the project has received significant investments totaling over $40 million, including a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation that was matched by the Walton Family Foundation. Eventually, the trail will create a seamless route in East Arkansas between Arkansas City in the south and Lexa in the north.
The DHT will have a significant economic impact on the communities across the trail while helping to preserve the region’s natural beauty. Historically, East Arkansas—which comprises mostly farmland—has struggled with attracting tourism to the area. Trail advocates anticipate that the DHT, which meanders by ancient oxbow lakes (remnants of the Mississippi river) as well the Arkansas and White rivers and connects to the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, will become a major tourism destination.
As Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, stated in a December 2024 article in Arkansas Outside, “When complete, the nearly 85-mile trail will create new recreational and tourism opportunities across the Delta that benefit travelers and Arkansans alike.”
Connecting Two Cities
In Central Arkansas, the 65-mile Southwest Trail—an ongoing project to connect Little Rock and Hot Springs that’s been many years in planning—is anticipated to have a major impact on the region as well as the communities through which it will pass.
Partners just recently celebrated the opening of phase 1, a 4-mile stretch of trail from the Saline County line to Hilaro Springs Road in Pulaski County. This section is considered a key milestone for building momentum for the trail’s eventual completion through Pulaski, Saline and Garland counties.
It is estimated that the project by Metroplan will generate $1.2 million annually from tourism, attracting approximately 20,000 new visitors while reducing health-care costs by $5 million per year. Construction of the trail is estimated to support 320 direct jobs and 130 indirect jobs, with an additional 27 jobs sustained annually through tourism. Proximity to the trail could increase property values by $22 million, leading to a property-tax revenue boost of $160,000 per year.
I believe that after the Southwest Trail is completed, these numbers will increase significantly based on how other rail-trails have impacted local economies. The Southwest Trail will connect numerous communities in the most populated area of Arkansas and will become part of the fabric of the communities along its corridor.
From Investment to Impact
A few years ago, the city of Hot Springs invested in the Northwoods trails system—a set of 31 miles of various mountain biking trails. Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Steve Arrison asked me how he would know if the investment was a success. I told him that success would be when he started seeing vehicles with bike racks and bikes driving through town, parked at restaurants and local breweries and visiting other attractions.
It did not take long.
Today the Northwoods bike park attracts visitors for mountain biking and other outdoor activities, supporting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and bike shops. The bike park is an integral part of the Hot Springs tourism industry.
Communities all around the state are focusing on developing bike trails and routes that connect people to their cities and regions. They understand that trails impact quality of life; They are more than just paths; they are economic engines and community builders. Trails are important to all of us—and they should be accessible to everyone.
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Everyone deserves access to safe ways to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.
