OUTDOORS: Enjoying the Two Rivers Trail
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Two Rivers Park.
Well, we recently bid farewell to 2018 and are already in the midst of the first couple of months of the new year. And with this change came a plethora of resolutions, many of which are health-related. There are those who plan to knock off a few pounds. Others plan to eat more healthy. Then there are those who are aware of the importance of physical fitness and are focused on spending more time exercising.
All of the aforementioned goals are worthy of consideration. However, it is also hard to remain steadfast to one’s commitment to following these particular challenges. That being said, let’s make things a little tougher. Each of these challenges goes hand in hand, and are often codependent upon each other. And if one plans to experience success, they must tackle them all.
Having recently lost 65 pounds, I can say that my challenge was lessened exponentially by the support of a wife who is health conscious and nutrition savvy.
Of course, she helped me choose foods that were both nutritional and low in calories. But the most important information she shared with me was pure and simple. There were more diets out there than I care to mention. Many of which touted as an easy way to drop the pounds.
But Sandy was quick to explain that there is no magical cure. In a nutshell, you simply must move more and eat less. And her concluding statement was by far the most profound. “You can lose weight. But If you plan to experience success and remain healthy, a diet will not prove effective. You must make a commitment to change your lifestyle.”
Sandy sure didn’t lead me astray. In fact, her approach was beneficial severalfold. Not only did I reach my weight goal, but I also reached a level of physical fitness that I had not experienced in many years. My heart rate decreased noticeably, my blood pressure lessened and my overall stamina went through the roof.
That being said, it was easy to remain on an exercise regiment during those months when the temperature didn’t fall below 40 degrees. I could get out and ride my bike or walk at the break of day, even on the hottest of days. And for some reason, it was much easier to eat healthy when I was exercising on a regular basis.
But with the cold days of winter, exercise became a far greater chore. In my case, those 20- and 30-mile bike rides came to a halt, and I even found myself dreading lengthy treks through the forest.
But fortunately, all was not lost. I finally came to the conclusion that it would prove most effective to simply maintain during the winter. I would find new routes that were shorter for the next few months. And if all went as planned, I would still be in decent shape and could easily revert to the longer routes with the arrival of spring.
There were plenty of such destinations, right here in our backyard that fit my needs to a T. However, these short jaunts have grown somewhat boring after a few rides. Despite their difficulty levels, even back-to-back climbs to atop West and North mountains become redundant with time. That in mind, I am always in search of another location where I might experience new scenery during a hike or ride.
I recently loaded my bike and embarked upon a drive to Little Rock. I’m not necessarily one who finds a lot of pleasure in spending time in a big city. But there was one destination of interest. I had visited Two Rivers Trail a few times prior. And although partially owned by the city of Little Rock, this particular spot was situated in a wooded setting, several miles from town.
Nestled at the confluence of the Little Maumelle and Arkansas rivers, Two Rivers Park lends to a beautiful and pleasant setting. The Two Rivers Trail begins at the parking lot, makes a slight ascent and immediately crosses a huge and impressive bridge spanning the Little Maumelle River.
Although those choosing to ride their bikes along the designated route will likely be focused predominantly on remaining in their lane and avoiding hikers and other riders, the view from the large structure is impressive.
Peering to the right, one will see the Interstate 430 bridge in the distance. And with a little luck, one might even see a barge towing goods along the Arkansas River. The view to the left lends to a totally different scene.
Although not likely during the wintertime, one will often notice paddlers and anglers maneuvering their kayaks along the Little Maumelle during the warmer months of the year.
And although one can see Pinnacle Mountain towering in the horizon during all seasons, it is interesting to see her jagged landscape during the winter months, when the hardwoods are barren of leaves. The paved path reaches an intersection immediately after crossing the bridge.
The trail leading to the right makes a short loop prior to tying back into the main trail. Although the loop is short, it is certainly worth a detour off the main path, as it runs out on a peninsula overlooking the Arkansas River.
This appears to be a popular spot during the warmer months of the year, as I have noticed people spreading blankets on the ground and breaking bread with family and friends in this area on several occasions during previous visits.
The main trail veers to the left where the aforementioned trail ties back in and begins a level journey through a wooded area whi le paralleling the Arkansas River. I noticed a short spur trail along this particular section during our recent visit, leading to a large picnic table situated near the river’s edge.
The path makes its way alongside several impressive trees on the right-hand side, including a couple of huge cottonwoods. One of the trees is hollowed at the bottom. The crater is large enough that a grown person can actually squeeze inside the trunk.
A stand of large pines is situated on the left-hand side of the path, lending to a totally different look from what awaits on the opposing side of the trail. Very little understory grows beneath the towering pines providing an opportunity to peer through open woods.
The trail reaches yet another intersection shortly thereafter. Those choosing to take a right can add several miles to their excursion. In fact, the path continues along level terrain for 4.3 miles to Maumelle Park.
This section of path meanders through an area providing habitat for an array of native wildlife to thrive. In fact, whitetails are often seen browsing within sight of the designated path.
And those who are still longing for more distance upon reaching Maumelle Park can continue for 2 more miles to Pinnacle Mountain. And of course, there are some trails at Pinnacle Mountain that make steep ascents to a vista atop the jagged ridgeline.
Those choosing to take a lefthand turn at the previously mentioned intersection will make their way alongside a fielded area for a short distance prior to returning back to the bridge spanning the Little Maumelle. Although close to civilization, this area also looks suspect of providing the perfect habitat to beckon whitetails and other critters.
Upon reaching the bridge, simply turn to the right and follow the trail back across the bridge to the parking area.
Although the Two Rivers Trail is very easily traversed and is not a destination where one will push themselves physically, it is a location where one can strike out and get a little exercise in the midst of the wonderful outdoors. And if nothing else, one will likely leave the destination with confidence that they spent the portion of a day improving mental well-being.
To get to Two Rivers Park from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east for 19 miles and keep left to merge onto Interstate 30. Remain on I-30 for 18 miles and take Exit 129 onto Interstate 430 north. Go 9.2 miles and take Exit 9 onto Highway 10. Turn left onto Cantrell Road, go 2.8 miles and take a right onto Pinnacle Valley Road. Follow Pinnacle Valley Road for 3.1 miles to the parking area.