11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Little Rock, AR 72223
Located only about a dozen miles west of the state capital in Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park was set aside in 1977 as a day-use park committed to environment education, recreation and preservation. Rising to more than one thousand feet, the cone shaped peak of Pinnacle Mountain has long been an Arkansas landmark.
Surrounded on all sides by wooded hillsides, clear streams and an abundance of foliage, the two considered summits provide an exceptional panoramic view stretching for miles across the Ouachita mountain range.
The park offers multiple trails covering more than forty miles. These trails range from half mile paved, self guided nature trails to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail which is perfect for backpacking.
With the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers readily accessible it is possible to fish, canoe and go boating out on the water. Just watch out for those snapping turtles!
West Summit Hike 1.5 miles
The hike starts from close to the pavillion and playground just by the edge of the treeline. It’s advisable to bring drinking water with you (as it is on every hike) and wear tennis shoes/trainers although there were some who embarked on the hike in flip flops, Megan included.
Initially the path makes it way through the trees with moderate sized stones and yellow painted markers to highlight the route. The going is easy and the scenery is pretty through the wooded section of the trail. The terrain begins to steepen about halfway to the summit and from this point there is a lot of clambering over big rocks needed. This makes the trail more fun and with MOST of the rocks very stable it doesn’t slow the ascent by much. Small children and old people alike are able to pick their way through although a reasonable level of fitness is needed to prevent this fun hike from turning into something else.
As you reach the section that forms the last push to the top, you’re treated to your first glimpse of the exceptional view that awaits. This part of the trail takes you close to the edge of the mountain and it’s from here the elevation gained can be first appreciated.
Once at the top you realize the climb was worth it as you look out across Lake Maumelle in one direction and the Arkansas River in the other. There are two summit areas that can easily be reached from the top. It’s worth taking the time to reach both which are only a matter of two minutes walk apart from one another.
Be surefooted, bring a camera and water with you and you’re in for a treat.
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