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I moved to central Arkansas a little over nine years ago and one of the first things I did after moving in was explore the area around me. I love to get outside during the summer months and walk and finding a good park to walk was at the top of my list of things to do. After trying several of the parks in my area I finally found “the one”, Mills Park in Bryant AR. At the time it wasn’t too far from my apartment, had a fantastic walking trail and had other fun things to do as well.
My favorite time to go is first thing in the morning. It’s the coolest part of the day by far and all of the dog walkers are out! Now that I have my Sophie pup she gets to have a little social interaction as well as getting her walk in and she loves the other dogs there. Since originally discovering the park I have moved a little further away from it (when I bought my house) but it’s still my favorite and I don’t mind the drive!
Mills Park was founded in 1973 and has been added on a few times since then. The walking trail around the park is 1.6 miles and Sophie and I usually do two laps with a water break in between our laps. So it’s a good three mile walk with amazing scenery, but then again this is The Natural State so of course it’s going to be gorgeous!
As well as the walking trail the park also has a pool, tennis courts, riding area playground and has covered pavilions with picnic tables! I have seen people attending boot camps in the open area, birthday parties being held under the pavilions, baseball, softball and soccer games being played and numerous games of hide and seek going down.
I love that the walking trail is a mix of being covered by trees and being out in the open. It makes me feel like I am back at home in the woods or something, LOL! The walking trail is also home to endangered plants.
I really just love how pretty the park is and the fact that I can get a good walk in outdoors rather than hoofing it on the treadmill, ugh.
So if you are ever in central Arkansas and are looking for a good park to get your walk on (by yourself, with friends or with your fur baby) then check out Mills Park in Bryant!!
Do you like walking in parks??
What park is your favorite??
Your little Sophie is adorable! That’s a pretty park and it’s so neat. I also love walking outdoors rather than working out at home.
Oh wow. It’s so pretty there! Some parks are only parks in name, but not this one. It looks like a great place to enjoy Mother Nature.
Cute baby dog! Walking in parks like this is such a calming spiritual experience. Arkansas is a beautiful state. My family is from Arkansas. There is a beautiful park in Batesville, Riverfront Park is on White River and even though it is in town, it is peaceful.
What a beautiful park. I would love to have a long walk/job through those grounds. Your dog is precious by the way!
I would SO much rather walk in nature than on a treadmill! Sophie is such a darling! I love all those trees! I bet she does too haha!
So nice to find a place you can really enjoy. Sounds like you have a good thing going! I too would rather be outside than stuck on the treadmill.
What a relaxing and quite peaceful park. Yes, I enjoyed walking with my fur baby as well. Glad that your little sophie enjoyed it too.
Oh wow! I wouldn’t mind walking here everyday! It’s a lovely trail and it’s peaceful too. It’s definitely a place that I’d enjoy with my dog, Riley!
That looks like a great place to go for a jog. I can never find places around here with trees to block the sun, I love that!
What a pretty park it looks like a great place to enjoy fun and the beautiful nature.
What a beautiful park! Your dog looks quite happy that you brought him to the park. We also have a park near us and it is so nice to just take a quiet walk.
What a pretty park. I can see why it’s a fun place to visit with dogs.
Aww that park is so pretty and looks very quiet too!
It really looks a peaceful park and a perfect place to bring my kids they did not like a crowded park.
You have a cute little dog! I’d love something that shaded here. We don’t have enough trees!
Looks like a peaceful park. You remind me I need to take some strolls in my own parks.
What a beautiful park! I would love to visit central Arkansas one day, the scenery is amazing.