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Places We Protect

Ranch North Woods

Arkansas

A woman and child in a kayak exploring a swampy area with cypress trees growing out of the water and a rocky hill in the background.
Ranch North Woods Paddler A paddler at William Kirsch Preserve within Ranch North Woods in Little Rock, Arkansas © Mitchell Allen/The Nature Conservancy

Hiking, kayaking and nature in Little Rock

Overview

Description

Looking for hiking trails in Little Rock, kayaking spots near Pinnacle Mountain, or a peaceful escape into nature? Ranch North Woods offers all that and more. This 234-acre preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, is located just minutes from downtown Little Rock.

Originally slated for development, this preserve was protected in 2014 to maintain its natural floodplain and provide a public green space. Today, Ranch North Woods is a quiet, peaceful natural space where visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature without venturing far from the city. It’s one of the best places for outdoor recreation in Little Rock, offering stunning views of Pinnacle Mountain and a serene environment for all ages.

The preserve features trails that wind through open fields, hardwood forests and riverbanks. Visitors can enjoy kayaking and canoeing with convenient launch points and even borrow canoes for free. Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to admire, from migratory birds and bald eagles to deer and seasonal wildflowers. Picnic tables, fire pits and a fishing pier make it an ideal place to relax after exploring the trails.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Hours

Dawn to Dusk

Highlights

Trails along the Little Maumelle River. Canoe and kayak put-ins. Canoes available to borrow. Picnic areas, fire pits, and a fishing pier. Floating camping platform.

Size

234 acres

Explore our work in Arkansas

Visit Ranch North Woods

Open daily sunrise to sunset.

  • The Ranch North Woods Loop Trail is a quiet, spacious spot with plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors and feel a sense of distance from other users. The trail is divided into four sections: gravel, woods, river, and field, creating a full scenic loop for hikers and bikers.

    The first section is a gravel path surrounded by tall grasses and seasonal wildflowers. From here, you can continue straight into the woods or turn left to follow the field trail. The wooded section runs north through hardwoods toward the Little Maumelle River. This connects to the River Trail, and follows the river west with occasional water views. Both trails are clearly marked for easy navigation.

    At the end of the River Trail, you’ll find an open field with picnic tables, a fire pit, and a fishing dock. This area offers great views of the wetlands and is perfect for photos. 

    The final section of the loop is a trail through tall grass and wildflowers, with clear views of Pinnacle Mountain to the west.

    View or download our trail guide.

  • Whether you're exploring the trails, paddling the river or just enjoying the scenery, there’s always something new to discover.

    • Hike and bike our trails.
    • Canoe and kayak stations. We keep two kayaks, free to use on the property, as they are available from the kayak station. You can also bring your own, just be prepared to portage them to the water access points. 
    • A fishing pier near the kayak station offers a great spot for casting a line or setting up binoculars and tripods for birdwatching over the water.
    • A floating camping platform.
    • Scenic views of Pinnacle Mountain, the Little Maumelle River and the surrounding wetlands
    • Spot migratory birds, deer, and other native species.

  • The William Kirsch Preserve plays a key role in protecting the health of the Little Maumelle River watershed.

    The preserve uses science-based restoration practices like controlled burns to maintain healthy forests and native grasslands. These practices help ensure the preserve remains a thriving habitat for wildlife and a clean water source for the community.

  • Every visitor has an impact. Please follow these guidelines to protect yourself and nature.

    • Preserves are open to the public during daylight hours. 
    • Recreation such as hiking, biking, bird watching and photography is welcome.  
    • Stay on the trails. 
    • Leave plants, insects or other species, soil, rocks and artifacts right where you found them.
    • Local laws and ordinances regarding pets apply. We encourage responsible pet ownership to ensure safety for wildlife and other visitors.
    • All dog owners must pick up and properly dispose of pet waste.

    The following activities are NOT permitted at William Kirsch Preserve:

    • Leaving trash. There are no restrooms or trash receptacles at trailheads or along the trails. Take out what you brought in and please consider taking an extra piece of litter with you.
    • Hunting
    • Cooking or making campfires
    • Driving an ATV or off-road vehicle

Photos from Ranch North Woods

Visual highlights of the recreation and habitats found at William Kirsch Preserve.

Cypress trees growing out of the water in Arkansas.
A distant mountain covered in snow.
Two women in a kayak.
A man and child walking along a trail.
kayak tied up to a dock.
Cypress trees growing out of the water in Arkansas.

Ranch North Woods: With 234 acres of fields and forest, breathtaking views of Pinnacle Mountain, and 1.7 miles of the Little Maumelle River, it is a rare slice of nature in the heart of the city © Jeanne Hadley

A distant mountain covered in snow.

Ranch North Woods Snow: William Kirsch Preserve within Ranch North Woods after snow. © TNC

Two women in a kayak.

Ranch North Woods Paddle: Woman and girl canoeing at Ranch North Woods. © TNC

A man and child walking along a trail.

Ranch North Woods Trails: Father and son walking together on trail at the William Kirsch Preserve within Ranch North Woods trail. © Tommy Metthe

kayak tied up to a dock.

Dock at Ranch North Woods crop: Dock with kayak at William Kirsch Preserve within Ranch North Woods © Joshua Kwekel

Explore Other Preserves in Arkansas

Need more nature? Visit TNC's other preserves in Arkansas.

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