How New Trail Happens

Much of the Pfeifer Loop has been underwater lately.  Not like a couple of years ago when all the sand moved in but still, mostly underwater. For the last few years we have had a dream of building a trail in the area that would be above most flooding. After working with management (Jeff and Ian) at North Little Rock Parks and Recreation, a partner of Central Arkansas Trail Alliance, we had a plan. 

The group, minus a few how had to leave early. Great crew and thanks to all who made it out today.

Over the past couple of weeks we've been busy flagging routes for a trail on the north side of Lake Campbell paralleling Northshore Trail. The terrain is a bit more varied than other parts of Pfeifer Loop trails but the plan is to build something that could be enjoyed by everyone, hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.

Getting started at one end.

On March 4th, we started our build. A lot was accomplished in the first two hours before the rain came.

The workers cut trail so fast we had to speed up this video to get as much as possible in. (thanks to John Norris for this video.)

This trail will have great views of Lake Campbell.

Sometimes CATA President, Paul Norris seems a little too happy to be in the woods but we don't mind. (photo by John Norris)

You see the darnedest things when out in the nature. (photo by John Norris)

The trail winds its way under several Bodark trees. (photo by John Norris)

Although we got some rain a few stayed and others came back and even someone passing by on a road bike chipped in and we got most of the first half cut in. There is still some grubbing to be done and just a little dirt work but for the most part the first section is done. We will be hosting more work parties to finish the work we started and then continue on to the next section plus add in some fun alternative lines like the one below. Thanks to everyone who came out to help and thanks to North Little Rock Parks and Recreation for allowing us to create something new in their parks.

Later in the afternoon we took a break as a possible new line was tested. It is similar to the Gravity Cavity at Devil's Den State Park. So what do we call it?