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Arkansas
Trail
Length: 6/10 mile
Time: 3/4 - 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Brochure: Available at visitor center and
trailhead
Description: This paved loop trail with
numerous benches is the center of the 71-acre Arkansas Arboretum. Audio
sign panels interpret the variety of woody plants and trees found in the
six natural divisions of Arkansas.
Location: Exit No. 9 off I-430 at Little
Rock and travel seven miles west on Hwy. 10, then go two miles north on
Hwy. 300
Comments: Wheelchair accessible
Base
Trail
Length: 1.25 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A gently rolling to flat
trail through upland forest and floodplain hardwoods. From the boat launch
in the West Summit picnic area to the East Summit trail head, the pleasant
trail leads the hiker from the edge of the Little Maumelle River through
the boulder strewn eastern base of Pinnacle Mountain. A challenging three
mile loop awaits avid hikers who choose to hike the base trail and hike
over Pinnacle Mountain using the East & West Summit rails.
Location: Exit 9 off I-430 at Little Rock
and travel seven miles west on Hwy. 10, then go two miles north on Hwy.
300
East
Quarry Trail
Length: 1/2 mile
Time: 3/4 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This trail is a 1/2 mile spur
from the midpoint of the Rocky Valley Trail. It leads to the estern
portion of the park and climbs a steep hillside to another quarry area
which offers a rock-lined overlook with dramatic vistas of Pinnacle
Mountain and the Arkansas River Valley.
Location: Exit #9 off I-430 at Little Rock
and travel seven miles west on Hwy. 10, then go two miles north on Hwy.
300
East
Summit Trail
Length: 1.5 miles
Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Description: The trailhead is in the
southeast corner of the East Summit Parking Lot on Pinnacle Valley Road.
Walk about 10 yards down the trail to the junction, take the right fork
and follow the RED and WHITE blazes. This is the more rugged 3/4-mile
ascent to the summit of Pinnacle Mountain and requires crossing several
boulder fields. Allow 1 to 2 hours depending on weather for this 1
1/2-mile round trip workout. Remember, when you reach the summit there is
another trail that would lead you AWAY from the East Summit Parking Lot,
so be sure to follow the same RED and WHITE blazes for the shortest
descent back.
Kingfisher
Trail (National Recreation Trail)
Length: 1/2
mile
Time: 1/2 - 3/4 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Brochure: Available at visitor center and
trailhead.
Description: This hard-surfaced loop trail
winds through the floodplain of the Little Maumelle River. Unique plants,
wildflowers, animals and birds can be seen here. Along the river, large
cypress trees filter sunlight into this special bottomland forest.
Birdwatchers will enjoy exploring this trail early in the morning.
Location: Exit No. 9 off I-430 at Little
Rock and travel seven miles west on Hwy. 10, then go two miles north on
Hwy. 300
Comments: Wheelchair accessible
Ouachita National Hiking Trail
Length: The
section of this 222 mile trail that is in Pinnacle Mountain State Park is
2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour for the section of the trail
in the park
Difficulty: Easy
Description: The 222 mile trail begins at
the Visitor Center and winds for 2.5 miles through the park and then for
220 miles through the Ouachita Mountains ending in southeast Oklahoma. The
park section travels through upland forests along rocky hillsides and the
edge of the scenic Big Maumelle River.
Location: Exit 9 off I-430 at Little Rock
and travel seven miles west on Hwy. 10, then go two miles north on Hwy.
300
Rocky Valley
Trail
Length: 2
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: The trailhead starts at the
same location as the trail to the Arkansas River overlook in the upper
parking lot at the visitor center. Marked in GREEN blazes, this 2-mile
loop enters a heavily forested valley after leaving the old rock quarry
area. Allow 1-1/2 to 2 hours to go down and back up this valley. The trail
is moderately difficult. (For a longer hike and dramatic overlook, see the
description of the East Quarry Trail).
West Summit Trail
Length: 1
1/2 miles round trip
Time: 1 1/2 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Brochure: Available at visitor center
Description: This rocky trail begins at
the park picnic grounds and winds its way to the top of Pinnacle Mountain.
From the top is a spectacular view of Lake Maumelle, the Arkansas River
Valley, the Ouachita Mountains and west Little Rock. This is truly a
breathtaking view. To return, you must retrace your steps or hike down the
rugged East Summit Trail and return via the base trail for a total hike of
2 1/2 miles.
Location: Exit No. 9 off I-430 at Little
Rock and travel seven miles west on Hwy. 10, then go two miles north on
Hwy. 300 |
