Delta Heritage Trail State Park

Delta Heritage Trail State Park, at the heart of the Arkansas Delta in southeast Arkansas, is a rail to trail conversion of one of the routes of The Delta Eagle trains, donated by the Union Pacific Railroad Company in 1992. The conversion of this 73 miles right-of-way, from Lexa, which is about one mile south of Helena, to Cypress Bend (about five miles northeast of McGehee) is undergoing a new development in phases. Once completed, see the trail stretch through one of the most scenic and remote areas of the Delta region of eastern Arkansas.

The trail

Currently, 14 miles of trails paved with crushed rock, between Helena and Lake View, are already completed. The trail is accessed by trailheads located at Helena junction near Barton, Walnut Corner, Lick Creek and in Lake View. The trail runs along side agricultural fields and across native hardwoods and several streams. Most of these woods are the finest examples of the remaining original hardwood and wetland forest that stretched from Cairo, Illinois, to the mouth of the Mississippi. The trail is followed either on foot or bicycle. Visitors often enjoy the many birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.

At the visitor center, located on Ark. 49 in Barton, one of the trailheads has restrooms, a gift shop, picnic sites, five tent sites and trail maps. Visitors can also rent bicycles here. At the end of the completed section in Lake view, visitors can also explore the scenic views of Old Town Lake.