Delta Heritage Trail State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Delta Heritage State Park |
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 Delta Heritage State Park
Location in Arkansas
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| Location | Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, Desha, Phillips, Arkansas Delta, Arkansas, United States |
| Area | 960 acres (390 ha) |
| Established | October 25, 2002 |
| Named for | Arkansas Delta |
| Governing body | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism |
| Website | Delta Heritage Trail State Park |
The Delta Heritage Trail State Park is a special place in Arkansas. It covers about 960 acres (388 hectares) across three counties: Arkansas, Desha, and Phillips. This park is unique because it used to be a railroad track! It's part of a cool idea called "rails to trails." This means old train tracks are turned into paths for people to enjoy.
The plan is for the trail to be about 73 miles (117 km) long. Right now, about 14 miles (22 km) are open. You can explore this part from Lexa to Barton. The park officially opened on October 25, 2002. It's a great spot to learn about nature and history in the Arkansas Delta region.
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What is Delta Heritage Trail State Park?
Delta Heritage Trail State Park is a long, narrow park. It follows the path where trains once traveled. Now, it's a peaceful place for people to walk, bike, and enjoy nature. It helps protect the natural beauty of the Arkansas Delta. This area is known for its flat lands and rich soil.
From Railroad to Recreation
The idea of "rails to trails" is simple but smart. It takes old, unused railroad lines and turns them into public trails. This saves the land from being developed. It also gives communities new places for outdoor activities. The Delta Heritage Trail is a perfect example of this idea.
A Path Through History
Before it was a park, this land was a busy railroad. It belonged to the Union Pacific Railroad. Trains carried goods and people across Arkansas. When the railroad stopped using these tracks, the land became available. People saw a chance to create something new and useful. They wanted to preserve the land and its history.
Exploring the Trail
The Delta Heritage Trail is a wonderful place to visit. It offers many ways to have fun outdoors. You can spend a day exploring the trail with your family or friends.
Nature and Wildlife
As you travel along the trail, you will see many plants and animals. The park goes through different types of land. You might see forests, open fields, and wetlands. Keep an eye out for local birds, small animals, and interesting plants. It's a great spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Fun Activities
The trail is perfect for several activities:
- Biking: The smooth path is great for riding your bicycle.
- Walking and Running: It's a safe and scenic place for a stroll or a jog.
- Nature Watching: Look for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
- Photography: Capture beautiful pictures of the landscape.
How the Park Was Created
Creating a state park from an old railroad line takes a lot of work. Many people and groups helped make Delta Heritage Trail State Park a reality.
Working Together
The creation of the trail was helped by a law called the National Trails System Act. This act helps protect and create trails across the United States. It encourages turning old railways into trails. This law made it easier to get the land from Union Pacific Railroad. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism manages the park today. They make sure it stays a great place for everyone to enjoy. The first part of the trail was officially opened in 2002. This was a big step towards completing the full 73-mile vision.
