State Parks and National Parks

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

The cone-shaped peak of Pinnacle Mountain rises more than 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River Valley, and is located only a dozen miles from the state capitol at Little Rock.

The day-use park is a vibrant and inviting spot for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore Pinnacle Mountain along miles of hiking trails that meander from the summit to the flood plain below.

This unique park offers lowland environments, including a beautiful cypress slough and the quiet waters of the Big Maumelle River, within sight of Pinnacle Mountain and the eastern slopes of the Ouachita Mountain range.

Although camping is not permitted at the park, excellent facilities are available at Maumelle Park just 3.8 miles east of Hwy. 300 on Pinnacle Valley Road.

Fishing, canoeing and boating are also favorite activities at the park. Boat ramps are available.

A special feature of the park is its emphasis of interpretive and educational programs. Professional educators offers programs in geology, botany, archaeology, wildlife and ecology. Programs are held in the park's outdoor classroom and at the visitors center overlooking the Arkansas River.

An environmental education pond is used for aquatic studies, fishing clinics and wildlife observation programs.

The park includes the Arkansas Arboretum, a 71-acre site exhibiting native flora representing Arkansas' six natural divisions from the mountains to the delta. Tours can be arranged for studying the various tree species.

A 0.6-mile, paved barrier-free trail is open to the public. Interpretive signs along the trail provide information about the flora and fauna.

To reach the park, take Exit 9 off I-430 at Little Rock and travel seven miles west on Ark. 10, then go two miles north on Ark. 300.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Tim Schick, courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Photo by A.C. Haralson, courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Photo by A.C. Haralson, courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.