Discover Arkansas' Delta Heritage Trail: Your Ultimate Cycling Adventure Basecamp

Nestled in the heart of Arkansas's Mississippi Delta, the Delta Heritage Trail stretches from six miles west of Helena to Rohwer, offering cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts one of the most remarkable rail-to-trail experiences in the South. At The Edwardian Inn in Helena, we're perfectly positioned to serve as your home base for exploring this extraordinary 84.5-mile adventure that follows the historic Missouri Pacific Railroad corridor through the crown jewel of the Delta.

Following History: The Missouri Pacific Railroad Legacy

The Delta Heritage Trail utilizes the former Wynne Subdivision of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, providing a historic and scenic trip through the Delta communities, farms and forests of Southeast Arkansas. The railroad was built as an effort to connect St. Louis and New Orleans using a route on the western side of the Mississippi River, opening up miles of swampland and river bottoms to loggers, farmers and manufacturing.

As you pedal along this historic route, you're literally following in the tracks of the famous Delta Eagle passenger train that once carried travelers through these very landscapes. Imagine standing at Helena Junction in 1946 at 5:42 p.m., hearing the whistle of the southbound Missouri Pacific Delta Eagle departing from nearby Lexa—a romance of rail travel that echoes through every mile of your cycling journey.

Trail Specifications: What Cyclists Need to Know

Distance and Surface

When the rail-to-trail project is complete, it will be an astounding 84.5-miles long, with 69.8 miles of trail currently completed. The trail features a crushed limestone bed that leads through a shaded canopy of native hardwoods, alongside agricultural fields and across streams.

With a nearly flat grade of around 1 percent and a firm surface, the route is ADA-compliant and a pleasant ride for most ages and abilities. However, cyclists should note that the first two miles from Lexa to the Barton visitors center comprises chunkier gravel that is perfectly passable for a hybrid bike but requires more effort.

Current Trail Segments

The trail is divided into accessible sections: - Northern corridor: 41.7 miles from Lexa to Snow Lake - Southern corridor: 28.2 miles from Yancopin to Arkansas City, including 15 miles of shared-use roadway on the Mississippi River Mainline Levee

Access Points Near Helena

Helena Junction Trailhead (Near Lexa)

The Helena Junction trailhead near Lexa serves as the northernmost access point, located just six miles from downtown Helena—making The Edwardian Inn the ideal overnight accommodation for trail adventurers.

Key Trailheads from North to South:

There are currently ten trailheads at Lexa, Barton, Lick Creek, Lake View, Elaine, Mellwood, Snow Lake, Watson, Rohwer, and Arkansas City. Trailhead restrooms are available at Barton, Elaine, Mellwood, Snow Lake, Arkansas City, Watson, and Rohwer.

Barton Visitor Center

The Delta Heritage Trail State Park's visitor center is located at the Barton trailhead, near the northern end, featuring 24-hour access restrooms (no showers), five primitive campsites with tent pads, picnic tables, standing grills, and a community water spigot. The visitor center also has a gift shop, with bikes available to rent and interpretive programming offered.

What to Expect on Your Cycling Adventure

Terrain and Scenery

The trail passes through many scenic areas, crossing through forests of native hardwoods, farm fields, and over streams. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities abound along the route in the heart of the Delta and the famed Mississippi Flyway.

Visitors are likely to see many different types of wildlife during their stay, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, and beavers, along with snakes and turtles. Blue jays, hawks, woodpeckers, and wild turkeys are frequent visitors to the park.

Special Features

- Old Towne Lake at the Lakeview TH offers amazing views of a cypress filled ancient Mississippi River Channel, where the river flowed circa 800-900 AD - The Rohwer Heritage Site where more than 8,000 Japanese Americans were interned between 1942 and 1945 - A treasure chest of railroad history secrets along the Helena Junction to Lick Creek section—about 7.5 miles round trip

Best Cycling Conditions

The best times to visit this trail are April through September. Be prepared for the north part of the trail to be less shaded from about Lakeview to Mellwood.

Future Trail Connections

The trail will be epic when the White and Arkansas River crossings are complete, supposedly by late 2025. Distance cyclists will enjoy a series of trails starting in Memphis, Tennessee, crossing the Big River Bridge, riding the Big River Levee Trail to Marianna, Arkansas, riding through the St. Francis National Forest to Helena-West Helena, and then getting on the Delta Heritage Trail for nearly 200 miles of unique riding.

The Edwardian Inn: Your Perfect Trail Basecamp

After a day exploring the Delta Heritage Trail's crushed limestone pathways and discovering railroad history hidden in the hardwood forests, return to the comfort and elegance of The Edwardian Inn. Built in 1904 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, our historic bed & breakfast offers the perfect blend of period charm and modern comfort.

Wake to the aroma of our signature Southern breakfast—featuring fresh-baked biscuits and locally-sourced ingredients—before setting out for another day of cycling adventure. Our ten uniquely decorated guest rooms provide the restorative rest you'll need after miles of Delta exploration.

Located in downtown Helena, you're perfectly positioned not only for trail access but also to explore the rich blues heritage of our Mississippi Delta community. The Delta Cultural Center and Cherry Street's historic district are just steps away, offering evening entertainment after your cycling adventures.

Planning Your Delta Heritage Trail Adventure

It's a super chill ride that's good for all ages and experience levels, making it perfect for solo cyclists, couples, or family adventures. Bike rentals and trail maps are available at the Visitor Center, so be sure to pick up a map before setting out.

Image opportunity: Cyclists on the tree-canopied Delta Heritage Trail near Helena, with morning light filtering through the native hardwood forest—showcasing the peaceful, shaded riding conditions that make this trail special.

Whether you're planning a weekend cycling getaway or a longer Delta exploration, The Edwardian Inn serves as your gateway to Arkansas's most ambitious rails-to-trails project. Book your stay with us and discover why the Delta Heritage Trail represents the very best of Arkansas cycling, where history, nature, and Southern hospitality converge along 84.5 miles of pure adventure.

Arkansas State Parks - Delta Heritage Trail