HomeArkansasVan Buren › Lee Creek Reservoir Recreation Area

Lee Creek Reservoir Recreation Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 280 Google reviews · Running trail in Van Buren, Arkansas · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Lee Creek Reservoir Recreation Area'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.

LoopScenicDog-friendlyRestroomsQuiet

Park with fishing and boat access to the Lee Creek Reservoir, plus trails for hiking, walking and biking.

What runners say about Lee Creek Reservoir Recreation Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (280 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“It was amazing and every bit of the scenery was beautiful the hike was amazing we had so much fun all the trails are labeled”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

One of the only places, our family continues to hike decade after decade. Simple trails to choose from, that offer contrasting sights and intensity.

★★★★★ — Nikita , Mar 2021

This is a great place to go for a hike they have several trails of different difficult levels. My family's favorite is cracked Rock. Its not difficult it takes about an hour to complete. We've done this trail three different times and I would highly recommend it.

★★★★★ — Brian , Jan 2021

My family has been fishing here every yr for many yrs now... It's definitely our #1 go to place for sure.... Beautiful & serene.... There's also a couple different walking trails around the water that my kids love.

★★★★★ — Tiffany , Apr 2023

Pretty sweet local spot! The trails are very nice. Would advise to download a GPS map before hand as service is spotty here, and the trail markers aren't the best. Pretty easy to wonder into a different trail than what you're currently on.

★★★★★ — Michael , Apr 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 280 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 14 mentions

“The views are good, and the trail is mostly very moderate inclines and declines with some streams that can get muddy, so I wouldn't recommend flipflops.”

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🔁 Loop trail 3 mentions

“The Cemetery Loop has a wonderful view overlooking Lee Creek at the top - that's where the picture is taken from.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Great trails and just a wonderful hike to a really cool swimming hole The dogs really like to cool off and We had a good time hiking”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“There are walking trails and bathrooms as well as a boat dock and pier to fish off of.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

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Plan your run at Lee Creek Reservoir Recreation Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitevanburencity.org
  • Phone+1 479-471-5006

Hours

Monday 5 am–9 pm
Tuesday 5 am–9 pm
Wednesday 5 am–9 pm
Thursday 5 am–9 pm
Friday 5 am–9 pm
Saturday 5 am–9 pm
Sunday 5 am–9 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Lee Creek Reservoir Recreation Area

3808 Gelly Dr, Van Buren, AR 72956

Get directions

Running trails near Van Buren

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Colley Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 14 reviews

Van Buren, AR

1.6 miles away

City Park

3.9 ★★★★☆ 42 reviews

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LitDog-friendly

4.5 miles away

Fort Smith Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 453 reviews

Fort Smith, AR

PavedLitScenicDog-friendly

Riverside park boasting a dog park, a playground and picnic tables, plus trails.

4.5 miles away

Lee Creek Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 272 reviews

Van Buren, AR

Scenic

Quiet park featuring a boat ramp and riverside trails, as well as picnic areas.

4.6 miles away

Peer Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 83 reviews

Van Buren, AR

Dog-friendly

Park with a playground, basketball court, picnic tables, and walking trails.

4.8 miles away

Big CottonWoods Bike Trail.

4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

Fort Smith, AR

5.4 miles away

All running trails in Van Buren, AR →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.