Building Your Post-Pandemic List (Part 2)
Right now in Memphis, some of us are slowly starting to get back out and enjoy our city. Memphis has so much to offer, and our family has really missed the experiences! As part of our personal plan to “reopen,” we’re planning as many outdoor activities as possible. It’s a good way to avoid large clusters of people and savor the beautiful spring season we’re having!
This past weekend we got our bikes and headed to the Big River Crossing. While not hidden, this walking/biking bridge that stretches over the Mississippi River is certainly a gem in our city – it’s also the longest active rail/bicycle/pedestrian bridge in our country! There is a great photo-op in the middle of the bridge at the state line between Arkansas and Tennessee. The views of the river and city skyline from the bridge are breathtaking – especially if you catch a sunset over the river. On our most recent bike ride our family rode across the bridge and enjoyed a picnic at the shaded picnic tables that are just to the left as you glide down the big hill that drops you on the Arkansas side of the river. Then we jumped back on our bikes and followed the path that winds around and drops you at the river’s edge on the Arkansas side. It’s a really special spot that is only accessible when the river isn’t too high, and offers a fun little beachside experience on the Mississippi River! There are boulders and lots of puddles where you can find snails and minnows, which is very fun for littles :) Older kids can spend plenty of time skipping rocks into the river and watching the barges up close.
The Tennessee / Arkansas state line halfway across the bridge is a fantastic photo op!
Early risers on the Big River Crossing bridge can enjoy the view of a beautiful sunrise on the way back into Memphis.
Memphis has so many unique biking trails and areas to walk or jog, and the Big River Crossing is certainly one of them. The bridge is about a mile long one way, and for more serious cycling, the Big River Trail keeps going past the bridge about 70 miles into Arkansas. As restrictions loosen and you’re looking for more ways to get outdoors and enjoy nature, be sure to add the Big River Crossing to your post pandemic list!