Big Dam Bridge
North Little Rock is home to the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America. The Big Dam Bridge is a 4,226-foot bridge built on top of the Murray Lock and Dam, open to bicycles, pedestrians, and pets on leashes. This gorgeous bridge is a must if you’re visiting the Little Rock area. Whether you choose to walk the bridge or bike it, you can’t go wrong with this amazing, true Arkansas experience.
Visiting the Big Dam Bridge (BDB)
The Big Dam Bridge is elevated up to 90 feet above the Arkansas River and connects over 14 miles of scenic trails, all river-side, in North Little Rock and Little Rock. It assists in connecting 70,000 acres of a plethora of federal, state, county, and city parkland. This trail offers access to the River Market, museums, restaurants, the Clinton Presidential Center, and more.
The Big Dam Bridge is one of several bridges in Little Rock with bicycle and pedestrian access. With family fun, free activities, and sports facilities you don’t want to miss out on this terrific piece of Arkansas. Free parking is available for the bridge. It’s also pet-friendly, so every member of your family can enjoy.
History of the Big Dam Bridge
The Big Dam Bridge had its opening ceremony in 2006. It was originally going to be called Murray Bridge, but the name was changed due to a a play on words made by a judge in the area when funding concerns made completion of the bridge seem impossible. The total construction cost of the bridge when all was said and done was $12.8 million.
One of the first Exemplary Human Environment Initiative Awards offered by the Federal Highway Administration was given to the bridge. The LED lighting design on the bridge also received an Award of Merit at the International level from the Illuminating Engineer Society.
Events at the BDB
This beautiful, large bridge has many events to offer North Little Rock natives and tourists. The biggest event offered each year is the Big Dam Bridge 100. The BDB 100 is the largest cycling tour in Arkansas. In 2017, it drew in a crowd of nearly 3000 cyclists from all around the nation.
This cycling tour offers many different routes ranging between 10 and 100 miles with incomparably beautiful scenery and, on the longer routes, some challenging hills. Participants are provided with maps, an event t-shirt, a finisher product, plus food and drink. The finish line is in the Argenta District of downtown North Little Rock where a BDB 100 block party will be set up, complete with live music.
If you’re going to be in the Little Rock area, you must include a visit to the Big Dam Bridge. The longest pedestrian/bike trail in North America has tons of family- and pet-friendly fun to offer, completely free of charge. Whether you choose to bike the path or walk it, you’ll enjoy your time spent on the BDB.
If you love drinks, check out the Rock Town Distillery!