Gov. Hutchinson To Bike Part Of The Delta Heritage Trail

If the thought of biking the Delta Heritage Trail with the Governor sounds like your kind of fun, this weekend is your chance. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson invites the public to join him as his rides his bicycle near Helena-West Helena on Sunday (Oct. 11).

The “Bicycle with the Governor” event is begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Delta Heritage Trail State Park visitor center located at 5539 U.S. 49 in Barton (six miles west of West Helena). Gov. Hutchinson will ride a five-mile loop on the trail. The trail surface is crushed packed limestone, perfect for hybrid, cruiser, or mountain bikes (narrow-tired road bikes are not recommended). Bring a bicycle and helmet. Water will be available.

From the park visitor center, riders will head south on the trail through a canopy of native hardwoods and alongside farmlands, exit the trail to make a small loop on Ark. 85, go north towards the Lick Creek trailhead, get back on the trail, and return to the visitor center.

The Delta Heritage Trail is a rail-to-trail conversion for hiking and biking being developed by Arkansas State Parks in phases along the former Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way stretching from one mile south of Lexa to Rohwer, and extending via the Mississippi River levee to Arkansas City.

In the northern section, the first 21 miles of trail have been completed from Helena junction to Elaine. Leading through some of the most scenic areas of the region and crossing streams, the trail offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Upon completion, the long-distance trail will total 84.5 miles in length and include views from bridges that span the Arkansas River and White River.