Little trail in middle of big city provides plenty of scenery
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey through Wildlife Observation Trail.
It is not uncommon for Sandy and me to strike out during the wee hours of the morning and spend an entire day traveling and gathering information for potential destination articles. And many are the times when we don’t return home until late into the night.
Fortunately, we don’t mind embarking upon such road trips, as these excursions prove one of the few times when we have the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company without interruptions of some form or fashion.
But on the other hand, there are times when we simply can not find the time or energy to dedicate an entire day to kicking around along the back roads of Arkansas.
And when these rare occasions do rear their head, we simply choose a location nearby. But there is a downside to remaining close to home, as revisiting the same locations time and time again is not remotely as exciting as is exploring unchartered territory.
Of course, we are always on the lookout for new places, most of which will obviously be situated far from home. However, we do still happen upon new locations, on rare occasions, that are situated in the midst of what I refer to as “our stomping grounds.” And it just so happens that I enjoyed a pleasant trek along a newfound trail near little Rock just last week.
Accessible from the Little Rock Audubon Center, the Wildlife Observation Trail is relatively easy to find and hardly an hour from Hot Springs. Take Highway 70 east and travel 17 miles to Interstate 30 and continue east, toward Little Rock.
Remain on the interstate for
27 miles and take a right onto Interstate 440 east. Go 1.5 miles and take Exit 1 onto Highway
365. Travel three-tenths of a mile and take a left onto Springer Road, then travel four-tenths of a mile and turn right into the Little Rock Audubon Center parking lot.
The trailhead is located at the back of the building. Simply park at the right-hand side of the location and the trailhead should be within sight.
I suppose this is a good time to remind folks that one should bear in mind that this particular destination is in close proximity to a large city. And although my visit was pleasant and uneventful, it would prove wise to lock one’s vehicle prior to striking out, and not leave any valuables where they can easily be seen.
Now, back to the walk. The ADA paved path veers to the right and begins a slight ascent up the hill. Although the trail continues to climb for a distance, to atop a knoll, it is extremely mild. In fact, the entire trail only produces a
100-foot elevation gain during its 1.2-mile loop.
The path begins beside a flowerbed and makes its way alongside a spur leading out on an observation deck shortly thereafter. Both of these spots are worthy of mention, especially for those with an appreciation for plant life.
The flowerbed at the beginning of the route sports cultivated species of showy plants and is maintained on a regular basis. Those who stop and spend some time at this particular location are apt to see butterflies, insects and possibly hummingbirds feasting and gathering pollen.
And those who stray out along the boardwalk to the lookout platform will be privy to seeing these same animals feeding on plants that are native to central Arkansas.
Speaking of native plants, the landscape will be an ever-changing palette of colors throughout the remainder of summer and on into the fall, as various sun-loving species will be making a showing
The trail continues for a short distance, prior to splitting. One need not worry about getting lost, at this point, as the trail simply makes a loop and returns back to this spot. Although one could travel in either direction, I chose to veer right as I suspect this would naturally prove the general flow of foot traffic.
That being said, I was the only person taking advantage of the trail during my recent visit, other than a member of a local master gardener organization, who was maintaining the aforementioned flowerbed.
The path meandered through an oak/savannah habitat to atop the knoll, to a spot where one could see a distant Little Rock skyline. It was somewhat interesting to see the tall buildings in the distance, as the environment was a far cry from what one might think they would find in close proximity to the largest city in the state.
Stopping and reading an interpretive sign at the vista, I noticed the melodic songs of various bird species resonating in the morning air. In fact, I noticed several bird boxes suited within sight of the trail.
Of course, the bat boxes were easily identified, But there were other designs situated on poles and along the side of trees as well, leading me to believe that a number of species might be roosting and rearing their young in the area.
Peering to the opposing side of the trail, I watched as tall grass blanketed the hillside to atop the knoll. And although aware that Little Rock was literally only minutes away, I was confident that deer and other mammals likely frequented the area, browsing the thick understory for their next potential meals.
Waking close to the trail’s edge, I watched as hoards of grasshoppers took flight and landed deeper into the tall grass, where they felt safe. I also watched as a lizard scurried across the pavement and quickly disappeared into the heavy cover.
The lizard was quick. However, the box turtle that was crossing the designated path wasn’t capable of moving so hastily. In fact, she continued her slow pace as I neared. But she did stop, peer up and acknowledge my presence as I walked by.
The path made its way alongside a couple of benches. I had no intention of stopping and sitting, however, and the reason was two-fold. The trek was far from strenuous, in the first place. But I also suspected that the tall grass brushing against the seats was likely infested with chiggers. And I was still nursing bites from my most recent bad decision.
The designated path eventually veered to the left and continued a slight ascent to the very top of the knoll where it ran along the ridgeline. Heading back in the direction of the intersection, the route ran alongside another designated path. This unsurfaced trail would make a small loop prior to tying back into the pavement.
The main route eventually veered left and began a slight descent toward the intersection we happened upon early in the excursion. I remained right at the intersection, and backtracked to the parking area, where the walk originated.
I was pleasantly surprised to have located this little trail meandering through an intriguing environment that was so close to Little Rock. And I suspect the Wildlife Observation Trail is a destination where I will return again, possibly during the upcoming spring, when the understory will be painted with an array of showy, native wildflowers.