Emerald Park: North Little Rock's Scenic Overlook

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Discover breathtaking views and tranquil trails at Emerald Park, North Little Rock's hidden gem overlooking the Arkansas River Valley.

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Emerald Park

Emerald Park, perched atop the 'Big Rock' in North Little Rock, offers stunning views of the Arkansas River, the Little Rock skyline, and Pinnacle Mountain. With both paved and unpaved trails, it's perfect for hikers, cyclists, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape.

A brief summary to Emerald Park

3098 W Scenic Dr, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72118, US
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Monday 7:30 am-8 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am-8 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am-8 pm
Thursday 7:30 am-8 pm
Friday 7:30 am-8 pm
Saturday 7:30 am-8 pm
Sunday 7:30 am-8 pm

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and stunning sunrise or sunset views.
Bring a picnic blanket and pack a lunch to make the most of your time in the park.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to explore the walking and biking trails.
Check the park's schedule for any community events or activities happening during your visit.
Be sure to pay attention to the warning signs along the bluffs.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Burns Park

Burns Park: North Little Rock's Outdoor Oasis

Burns Park Funland

Burns Park Funland: A Whimsical Family Escape

Allsopp Park

Allsopp Park: Little Rock's Natural Escape

Getting There

Driving

If you are traveling by car, start your journey from downtown Little Rock. Head north on I-30 N. After approximately 2 miles, merge onto I-440 N toward North Little Rock. Continue on I-440 N for about 5 miles. Take the exit toward US-165 N/North Little Rock and merge onto US-165 N. Continue on this road for about 1 mile. Turn right onto W Scenic Dr. Emerald Park will be on your right at 3098 W Scenic Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72118. Parking is available on-site.
Public Transport

For those using public transportation, start by taking the Rock Region Metro bus from downtown Little Rock. Board the Route 3 bus towards the North Little Rock Transit Center. The fare is $1.35. After about 25 minutes, disembark at the North Little Rock Transit Center. From there, transfer to Route 6, which heads towards the area near Emerald Park. This route will take around 15 minutes. Get off at the Scenic Dr stop. Walk about 0.3 miles west on W Scenic Dr, and you will reach Emerald Park at 3098 W Scenic Dr.
RideShare

If you prefer a more direct route without public transport, consider using a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Simply enter 'Emerald Park, 3098 W Scenic Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72118' as your destination. The cost will vary based on your starting location but typically ranges from $10 to $30 depending on the distance from your location in Central Arkansas. UberX from Little Rock to North Little Rock typically costs around $16.

Discover more about Emerald Park

Emerald Park, a 135-acre linear park, sits on a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River and Big Rock Quarry Park. Originally named 'Le Rocher Français' (the French Rock) by French explorers in the 1700s, who were told by Native Americans that there was a large green rock along the river, but it turned out to be a hill covered with trees. The park provides a serene retreat with walking and biking trails, a gazebo, and scenic overlooks. The most popular route is the Highland Trail, a 1.8-mile paved path accommodating bikes, strollers, runners, and walkers. Unpaved spurs offer access to scenic overlooks and the river below. From various points, visitors can see Pinnacle Mountain, the Big Dam Bridge, the Riverdale/Hillcrest area, and downtown Little Rock. The park is also pet-friendly and accessible to people with disabilities. Emerald Park is located near several attractions, including Burns Park, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, and the Old Mill. It's a great spot for a day trip, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities.