Natural Area Hiking Trails: System of Natural Areas map of regions of remaining examples of Arkansas natural communities

Enews Signup

Lorance Creek Hiking Trail

Description:

Lorance Creek Natural Area, just 15 minutes south of Little Rock, is a deep swamp that spreads out along both sides of Lorance Creek. This natural area is situated at the transition of the West Gulf Coastal Plain to the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The entire system is a diverse mosaic of open water, cypress-tupelo gum, beaver ponds, and sandy washes. All of these features are inter-connected by a complex network of small streams and seeps, which support a rich aquatic flora.

Access:

Click the map for a print version (pdf)

From Little Rock, take interstate 530 (old U.S. Highway 65) south approximately 10 miles, exit at Bingham Road (Exit 9). Turn left (east) on Bingham Road, cross over the interstate, and continue through a residential area. At the first "Y" in the road, go right on Bingham Road. At the second "Y" in the road, bear right on Border Lane and the Lorance Creek parking lot is approximately 100 yards on the right.

Trail Information:

Click the map for a print version (pdf)

The trail at Lorance Creek is a short 0.5 mile round-trip on a paved foot-trail and a boardwalk out into a cypress-tupelo swamp. Along the trail are interpretive panels and benches. April and May are great months to visit Lorance Creek, as mosquitoes and flies are not abundant and the magnificent Virginia willow will be flowering in the swamp. This is a good trail for families with young children.