The vision of a 65-mile trail connecting downtown Little Rock and Hot Springs National Park is becoming reality, one segment at a time.
What began as a planning effort nearly a decade ago is now visible on the ground. Cyclists, runners, and walkers can already enjoy nearly six miles of completed trail stretching across the Pulaski-Saline county line, while additional sections are advancing through construction, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition.
Following the recent opening of Saline County’s first completed segment, interest in the Southwest Trail has surged. With projects moving forward simultaneously in Pulaski, Saline, and Garland counties, now is a good time to look at where the trail stands and what users can expect in the coming years.
The Southwest Trail Vision
The Southwest Trail traces its roots to a Federal Lands Access Program grant secured by Pulaski, Saline, and Garland counties in 2017. The program supports transportation projects that improve access to federal destinations, making the proposed connection between Little Rock’s Central High School National Historic Site and Hot Springs National Park an ideal candidate…