Fourche Creek Urban Water Trail

Fourche Creek Urban Water Trail Map

Fourche (rhymes with push) Creek rises in Saline County and winds through Little Rock. It flows more than 20 miles generally eastward and empties into the Arkansas River. The 1,800 acres of bottomland hardwood forest downstream of here is the largest greenspace in the city.

Water Trail Length
Benny Craig Park to Interstate Park: 4.4 miles. Head upstream from Interstate Park Access for a scenic, out-and-back paddle into Fourche Bottoms.

Urban Environment
Urban streams face special challenges. The creek and its tributaries filter 73 percent of Little Rock’s runoff, and can flood quickly. They catch water from roads, parking lots and buildings that can carry oil, bottles, cigarette butts, Styrofoam and other pollutants. Fecal coliform levels are high two to three days following heavy rain.

Water Level
The U.S. Geological Survey water gauge at University Avenue should read a minimum of 2 feet for comfortable paddling to Interstate Park—3 to 6 feet is ideal. Be prepared to portage around downed trees, and avoid the creek during floods. For current gauge reading, go to waterdata.usgs.gov.

Wildlife and Habitat
Despite years of abuse and neglect, Fourche Creek continues to support a diverse population of plants and animals. It is lined with baldcypress and water tupelo trees. Look for migratory songbirds such as prothonotary warblers during spring, and wood ducks in fall and winter. Beaver, mink and otter forage in the creek.

Fishing
As a tributary of the Arkansas River, Fourche Creek hosts a large number of fish species for a waterway its size. Fifty species – 20 percent of species in Arkansas – live here, including catfish, crappie, bream and bass. Check Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fishing regulations.

Don't Get a Ticket
According to Arkansas law, children 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and anyone on a boat must have one ready to use. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have a throwable life preserver aboard. Glass containers are illegal in canoes and kayaks. Paddlers must securely fasten cooler lids, use attached, closeable trash containers and keep beverages in floating holders.