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Bufflehead Bay Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 55 Google reviews · Running trail in Roland, Arkansas · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 25 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Bufflehead Bay Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic, kid-friendly hiking paths, most of which are easy, wind along Lake Maumelle's shores.
What runners say about Bufflehead Bay Trail
“Clearly marked and nicely maintained.”
“We went on a beautiful Friday afternoon and were the only people on the trail.”
“Longer trail around water's edge and back over ridge is easy to follow, pretty views during leaf off.”
“It's a peaceful, scenic walk through the forest, a light hike up the trail to the top of a hill and then back down the other side to the edge of the lake.”
“First part of the trail is paved and level, the rest is dirt and uneven, but still an easy hike.”
I discovered this trail while looking for a place to fish. Ample size parking lot. Paved flat trail to where I fished. Benches were available along the shore. Very peaceful. I’ll have to try the hiking trail next time. I only gave it 4 stars because I didn’t catch any fish. Lol.
Ok. The reviewer who said it was an easy mostly flat 2 Mike trail was a LIAR! It's at least 3 miles and mostly very rocky switchbacks up and down the side of a small mountain!! Flip flops and 12 oz of liquid on a hot summer afternoon were NOT ideal, OK? I loved it anyways and will definitely do it again.
Great rail with wonderful views of Lake Maumelle. First part of the trail is paved and level, the rest is dirt and uneven, but still an easy hike.
Solid loop. Rocks to be mindful of but not difficult to navigate. Great views of the lakes through the forest. Enjoyable weekend day hike.
Trail conditions & character
“Longer trail around water's edge and back over ridge is easy to follow, pretty views during leaf off.”
“The last few yards of the trail are paved and there are benches for enjoying a breeze from the lake.”
“First part of the trail is paved and level, the rest is dirt and uneven, but still an easy hike.”
“It's a peaceful, scenic walk through the forest, a light hike up the trail to the top of a hill and then back down the other side to the edge of the lake.”
“It's at least 3 miles and mostly very rocky switchbacks up and down the side of a small mountain!”
“It's a peaceful, scenic walk through the forest, a light hike up the trail to the top of a hill and then back down the other side to the edge of the lake.”
“Will be going back but, wish people would keep pups on a leash.”
“There is a loop trail, a birding platform, benches and lots of bank fishing opportunities.”
“The first section is paved and would be fine for anyone, even wheelchairs with assistance.”
Plan your run at Bufflehead Bay Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance25 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitelakemaumelle.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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