Knoop Park Overlook
A hidden gem in Little Rock's Hillcrest neighborhood, offering stunning city views, historic WPA rockwork, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Knoop Park Overlook
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem in Little Rock's Hillcrest neighborhood, offering stunning city views, historic WPA rockwork, and abundant wildlife.
"A beautiful, peaceful park with great views and history, worth the search to find!"
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Maps can be misleading! Look for the gated Hill Rd extension. :round_pushpin:
🚗 Park Smartly
Street parking on Martin or Hill is recommended. Be courteous! :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Downtown Little Rock Overlook
East-facing piazzas
Panoramic views of downtown Little Rock and the State Capitol building. A photographer's dream!
Historic WPA Rockwork
Piazzas and semi-circular wall
Beautifully crafted sandstone paving stones and stone walls from the 1930s, a testament to history.
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Wooded walking paths
Keep an eye out for deer, rabbits, foxes, and various birds along the scenic trails.
Butterfly Garden
East-facing hillside
A vibrant garden dedicated to butterflies, maintained by dedicated local residents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Entrance
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Maps can be misleading! Look for the gated Hill Rd extension. :round_pushpin:
🚗 Park Smartly
Street parking on Martin or Hill is recommended. Be courteous! :car:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paved paths with gentle hills are great for a stroll or light run. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
A great spot for a walk with your leashed furry friends. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Maps can be misleading! Look for the gated Hill Rd extension. :round_pushpin:
🚗 Park Smartly
Street parking on Martin or Hill is recommended. Be courteous! :car:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paved paths with gentle hills are great for a stroll or light run. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
A great spot for a walk with your leashed furry friends. :dog:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning cityscapes and nature. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Knoop Park Overlook is lauded as a hidden gem offering stunning city views and a peaceful escape. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained paths, abundant wildlife, and historic WPA rockwork. However, some find the entrance and parking a bit challenging to locate initially.
"Knoop Park is one of Little Rock's best-kept secrets. In the heart of the historic Hillcrest neighborhood a few blocks east of the larger Allsopp Park, Knoop is situated on a hilltop on which the Ozark Point Water Treatment plant is sited, and from that high vantage point, a walkway winds eastward through wooded areas next to hillsides sloping down north to the Arkansas River. It's not uncommon to encounter deer, rabbits, or foxes crossing that walkway as you meander through the park.
In the center of the park is a beautiful piazza featuring sandstone paving stones laid by WPA workers in the 1930s, with another smaller piazza uphill from that one surrounded by a semi-circular stone wall also built by WPA workers. Both areas overlook downtown Little Rock and the state capitol building to the east, and the Arkansas River to the north. On pretty days, you may find people with easels set up in these piazzas to paint the beautiful scenes the overlook areas allow you to see.
The park also offers water fountains for pets and several beautiful flowerbeds, as well as a butterfly garden planted on an east-facing hillside, all of these features created and maintained by generous civic-minded neighborhood residents. We've walked more or less daily in Knoop Park and consider ourselves very fortunate to live close enough to it to make that possible. The park is named, by the way, for Little Rock mayor Werner Knoop, who lived with his wife Faith Yingling Knoop in an interesting art moderne house on Ozark Point below the waterworks and close to the park.
The photos below were all taken in Knoop Park at various times in the past few years."
William Lindsey
"Nice little park to go on an early morning walk. We're from out of town and just wanted a nice place to take a stroll. It's located in a pretty little residential area. It's not crowded and offers some nice views of the city skyline. There are some nice gradual hills too, so if you want a slightly challenging run or walk this is a good option. It's also clean which is nice."
Tony Fuentes
"Always a lovely little walk with scenic vistas, nice benches, some tree cover and lots of flora and fauna. It’s about 15 minutes around one loop."
Jennifer Wells
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Finding the entrance can be a bit of a treasure hunt! Many visitors report that GPS can lead them to the wrong spot. Look for the gated extension of Hill Road into the park, which might initially resemble a government compound entrance. Once you're in, you'll need to find the trail entrance.
Parking isn't always clearly designated. A common tip is to park on Martin or Hill streets and walk in via the trail. Some suggest parking courteously on the street at the end of Ozark Street.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the park, given its residential neighborhood location.
Knoop Park Overlook is located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Little Rock. It's accessible from major roads like Markham Street and Cantrell Road, which lead into the surrounding residential areas.
The park is situated near the Ozark Point Water Treatment plant. The entrance itself might be mistaken for a government facility, so keep an open mind when searching!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Knoop Park Overlook is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit and enjoy the scenic views and walking paths.
The park generally closes at dusk. It's best to plan your visit to ensure you have ample daylight for your exploration.
There is no admission fee to enter Knoop Park Overlook. It's a community-maintained park for everyone to enjoy.
No, the park closes at dusk, so overnight visits are not permitted. Enjoy the views during daylight hours.
The park has rules against motor vehicles and requires all dogs to be on a leash. It's a place for peaceful enjoyment of nature.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Knoop Park Overlook offers stunning panoramic views of downtown Little Rock and the Arkansas River. You'll also find historic WPA-era rockwork, a butterfly garden, and opportunities to see local wildlife like deer and rabbits.
Yes, the park features paved paths with some gradual hills, making it a good option for a leisurely walk, a light jog, or a more challenging run.
Absolutely! The park has numerous benches along the walking paths and at the viewing points, perfect for resting and taking in the scenery.
Yes, Knoop Park Overlook is a great place to walk your dog, provided they are kept on a leash at all times.
Visitors frequently report seeing white-tailed deer, rabbits, various birds, raccoons, and even an elusive grey fox.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks offering panoramic views of downtown Little Rock and the Arkansas River are prime photography locations. The historic WPA rockwork also provides beautiful backdrops.
The east-facing overlooks are ideal for capturing sunrise views of the city. Sunset can also be beautiful, though the primary city view faces east.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can photograph the various wildlife that inhabits the park, such as deer, rabbits, and birds.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned regarding photography for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing look.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't dedicated playgrounds, the open spaces and gentle hills offer room for children to explore safely. Remember to bring snacks and water, and ensure dogs are kept on a leash if they accompany your family. The relatively hidden entrance adds a sense of adventure, making the discovery of the park a fun part of the experience for everyone.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to always keep your dog on a leash to ensure the safety of other visitors and the park's wildlife. The park's relatively quiet nature, especially during weekdays and early mornings, makes it a pleasant experience for both you and your pet. It's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful views together.
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
The park's tranquil atmosphere, especially during off-peak hours, allows for an uninterrupted workout. The beautiful views serve as a great motivator, and the benches offer opportunities for stretching or a brief rest. It's a perfect spot to combine fitness with the appreciation of nature and city vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Charm of Knoop Park
The park's beauty is further enhanced by the dedication of local residents. They have created and maintained features like water fountains for pets, beautiful flowerbeds, and a charming butterfly garden on an east-facing hillside. This community involvement makes Knoop Park a living testament to neighborhood pride and a truly special place to explore.
Named after former Little Rock mayor Werner Knoop, the park offers a tranquil escape with its wooded areas and sloping hillsides. It's a place where history, nature, and community spirit converge, offering a delightful experience for all who visit.
Navigating Knoop Park: Parking and Access
Once you've found the entrance, parking is another aspect to consider. While there isn't a large, designated parking lot, street parking is a viable option. Many recommend parking courteously on Martin or Hill streets and then accessing the park via a trail. Another suggestion is to park on the street at the end of Ozark Street, which also provides access. The important thing is to be considerate of the residential neighborhood.
For those who enjoy a bit of exploration before reaching the main viewpoint, parking on the residential streets allows you to experience the charm of the Hillcrest neighborhood and discover the park's trails organically. The effort to find the entrance and parking is often rewarded by the peaceful and scenic experience that awaits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit