Arkansas Arboretum Trail
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking
- Length: .6 mile Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: ½ hour
- Requirements: None
- Description
- The center of the Arkansas Arboretum, this paved loop trail is an easy access to anyone visiting the park. Lined with benches and audio sign panels, the trail educates visitors about the variety of wooded plants and trees found in Arkansas' six natural divisions. The Arkansas Arboretum trail is also wheelchair accessible.
- Additional Info
- Camping: No
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s): Arkansas Arboretum parking lot
- Trail Markings:
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season:
Base Trail
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking
- Length: 1¼ miles Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: ½ hour - 1 hour
- Requirements: None
- Description
- A relatively flat to gently rolling trail, the Base trail connects the East Summit and West Summit trails via circling the base of Pinnacle Mountain. Hikers who climb one side of the mountain, then descend the other side can use this trail to return to their starting point, creating a 3 trail, 2¾ mile loop. Parts of the Base trail follow the Little Maumelle River, then wanders thru the boulder strewn base of the east side of the mountain.
- Additional Info
- Camping: No
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s): West Summit trailhead; East Summit trailhead
- Trail Markings:
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season:
East Quarry Trail
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking
- Length: ½ mile One Way
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: ½ hour
- Requirements: None
- Description
- The East Quarry trail is a ½ mile spur trail that leads from the midpoint of the Rocky Valley trail. It leads to the eastern side of the park and passes another quarry, ending atop a rocky overlook with great views of Pinnacle Mountain and the Arkansas River.
- Additional Info
- Camping: No
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s): Midpoint along Rocky Valley trail
- Trail Markings:
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season:
East Summit Trail
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking
- Length: ¾ mile One Way
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: 1 hour
- Requirements: None
- Description
- Beginning at the East Summit parking lot located on Pinnacle Valley road, take the trail about 10 yards, then turn right at the junction, following the red and white blazes. This is the more rugged ascent/descent on Pinnacle Mountain. The trail crosses many boulder fields, requiring good balance and sturdy boots/shoes. Children are not recommended on this trail, as it is very rugged, strenuous, and steep in many places. The reward, however, is the view from the top! Remember, there is another trail that leads down the other side of the mountain, so be shure to follow the red and white blazes if you wish to return back the way you came. The West Summit trail can also be followed, and hikers can return to the East Summit parking lot via the base trail.
- Additional Info
- Camping: No
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s): East Summit parking lot, Pinnacle Valley Road
- Trail Markings: Red & White Blazes
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season:
Kingfisher Trail
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking
- Length: 1¾ miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 1½ hours
- Requirements: None
- Description
- This wheel chair accessible paved trail travels through the flood plain of the Little Maumelle River. Many unique plants, wildflowers, and wildlife can be seen along this National Recreation Trail. Large cypress trees line the trail, and signs along the way help to identify plants and animals. Birdwatchers will especially love this trail during the morning hours.
- Additional Info
- Camping: No
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s): West Summit picnic/parking area
- Trail Markings:
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season:
Ouachita Trail - East Trailhead
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking (Hiking, Backpacking)
- Length: 2.5 miles One Way (223 miles One Way)
- Difficulty: Easy (Easy - Strenuous)
- Time: 1-2 hours for section in park
- Requirements: None
- Description
- The Ouachita National Recreation Trail ends, or begins, at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas. The 223 mile trail runs from Talimena State Park in southeast Oklahoma, to Pinnacle Mountain. The section of trail located within the state park is 2.5 miles in length. Inside the park, it travels along rocky, wooded hillsides and at the edge of the Big Maumelle River.
- Additional Info
- Camping: Not allowed along trail inside park boundaries; allowed within the Ouachita National Forest
- Water: No water on trail within park
- Trail Head(s): Visitor Center parking lot; Talimena State Park, OK
- Trail Markings:
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season:
Rocky Valley Trail
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking
- Length: 1½ miles Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 1 hour - 1½ hours
- Requirements: None
- Description
- Follow the green blazes along this 1½ mile loop trail past the old rock quarry. The trail passes along a densely wooded valley floor, and offers an additional ½ mile spur (East Quarry trail) for a dramatic view of Pinnalce Mountain. The trail is moderately difficult, so please allow for extra time, especially if you plan on hiking the additional spur.
- Additional Info
- Camping: No
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s): Visitor Center parking, Arkansas River overlook
- Trail Markings: Green Blazes
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season:
West Summit Trail
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking
- Length: ¾ mile One-Way
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: 1 hour
- Requirements: None
- Description
- Beginning in the West Summit picnic/parking area, this is the eaiser of the two ascents/descents to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. But don't be fooled, it is still a strenuous hike. Upon reaching the top, unimaginable views await! Climbers can see for miles in any direction. Awesome views of Lake Maumelle, the Arkansas River Valley, and the Ouachita Mountains abound. This is a steep hike, so children should accompany parents or guardians at ALL times. Hikers can retrace their steps back down, or descend the East Summit trail, then follow the Base trail for an almost three mile loop back to the starting point.
- Additional Info
- Camping: No
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s): West Summit picnic/parking area
- Trail Markings: Yellow Blazes
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season: