Delta Heritage Trail State Park is a public state park in Arkansas near Lexa in Arkansas, Desha, Phillips County. Spanning 960 acres and established in 2002, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Arkansas |
| Nearest City | Lexa |
| County | Arkansas, Desha, Phillips |
| Park Size | 960 acres |
| Established | 2002 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Delta Heritage Trail State Park is located near Lexa, Arkansas. The park’s coordinates are 34.2000, -91.1667.
Things to Do
Arkansas state parks showcase the Natural State’s stunning Ozark and Ouachita landscapes — ancient mountains, spring-fed rivers, dramatic bluffs, and pristine caves. Activities include hiking scenic bluff trails with panoramic views, swimming in clear Ozark streams and resort-style park pools, fishing in trophy bass lakes and trout-stocked rivers, camping in forested valleys, kayaking and canoeing spring-fed waterways, caving on guided tours, mountain biking world-class trail systems, rock climbing sandstone bluffs, and exploring Native American heritage sites and Civil War battlefields. Devil’s Den, Petit Jean, and Pinnacle Mountain rank among the finest state parks in the South.
Best Time to Visit
Arkansas parks are best from March through November. Spring brings wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid (90s°F) — swimming, floating, and early morning hikes are the way to go. Fall (October–November) delivers beautiful Ozark foliage peaking mid-to-late October, with excellent hiking conditions. Winter offers peaceful trail solitude and mild temperatures (40s–50s°F) that make hiking pleasant. Arkansas’ extensive lodge system means comfortable indoor stays are available year-round at many parks.
Visitor Tips
Arkansas state parks are free to enter — no vehicle or entrance fees. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms vary in price. Reservations through arkansasstateparks.com. Arkansas is unique in offering full-service lodges with restaurants inside many state parks — a great option for non-campers. The Diamond Crater and Crystal Mine parks let visitors keep whatever gems they find. Cell service is spotty in the Ozark backcountry. Ticks are very active March through October — take precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Arkansas state parks free?
Yes, all Arkansas state parks are free to enter. There are no entrance fees or vehicle permits. Camping, cabin, and lodge fees apply separately. The free admission makes them exceptionally accessible.
What are the best state parks in the Ozarks?
Top Ozark parks include Devil’s Den (sandstone caves), Petit Jean (canyon views), Mount Magazine (Arkansas’ highest point), and Hobbs State Park (lakeside trails near Beaver Lake).
Can I explore caves at Arkansas state parks?
Yes, Devil’s Den State Park features stunning sandstone caves and crevices that visitors can explore along marked trails. Blanchard Springs Caverns (US Forest Service) nearby offers guided cave tours.
What is the best time to visit Arkansas state parks?
Spring and fall are ideal. Spring brings dogwood and redbud blooms. Fall foliage peaks in late October. Summer is hot and humid. Winter is mild enough for comfortable hiking most days.
Explore More Arkansas State Parks
Delta Heritage Trail State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Arkansas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Arkansas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Delta Heritage Trail SP — a 21-mile rail-trail through the Arkansas Delta — one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. The trail’s bottomland forest, rice fields, and wetlands support bald eagles, great blue herons, and thousands of migrating waterfowl (the Delta is along the Mississippi Flyway).
Nearby Attractions
Barton to Lexa — trail endpoints. Helena-West Helena — 10 miles east — historic Mississippi River port. King Biscuit Blues Festival — annually in Helena.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Arkansas Post Museum (within about an hour’s drive) or Louisiana Purchase State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Delta Heritage Trail State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed, caged or otherwise restrained under direct physical (not verbal) control; no maximum leash length is specified.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted at swimming beaches or pools at any time, nor in public buildings.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly cabins and lodge rooms exist at all lodging parks (about 25% of cabins at 14+ parks incl. Petit Jean, Mount Magazine, DeGray Lake Resort, Devil's Den); limit 2 dogs per unit, non-refundable per-dog fee at check-in, proof of vaccinations required.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; a non-refundable per-dog fee applies for dog-friendly cabins/lodge rooms.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs (no other pet types) are allowed in lodging units.
Are dogs allowed at Delta Heritage Trail State Park?
Pets are allowed in Arkansas State Parks, including many trails, but must be restrained and under the owner's direct physical control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via codeofarrules.arkansas.gov. More: Arkansas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Delta Heritage Trail State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
