Chenal Valley Trail System Expansion Breaks Ground
A $4.2 million trail expansion project in Chenal Valley broke ground in late February, adding 8 miles of paved multi-use trail that will eventually connect the neighborhood's residential corridors to the Pinnacle Mountain State Park boundary.
The expansion, funded through a combination of Pulaski County park district funds and a state recreational trails grant, adds a connected trail loop through the western Chenal Valley residential areas and extends existing segments toward the Pinnacle Mountain corridor. The project is designed to be completed in phases, with the first 4-mile section expected to open in fall 2026.
What It Connects
Phase 1 connects the existing trail segment at Chenal Parkway to a new loop through the Villages of Wellington and the Chenal Country Club area, improving trail access for a large residential population that currently relies on streets for cycling and running routes. Phase 2 (projected 2027) extends the trail westward toward the Pinnacle Mountain State Park boundary, creating what the county describes as a potential 'front door' connection from the west Little Rock suburbs to one of the state's most visited outdoor destinations.
Why It Matters for Buyers
Trail access is consistently cited in Chenal Valley buyer surveys as a desired amenity, and the current gap between residential density and trail infrastructure has been a noted limitation of the corridor. The completed expansion would give Chenal Valley a connected trail system that strengthens its case as one of the metro's most complete family-oriented residential environments.
What This Means
For families considering Chenal Valley, this expansion addresses one of the neighborhood's most cited infrastructure gaps. Completion of Phase 1 in fall 2026 gives buyers who are purchasing now an amenity that comes online shortly after move-in.
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