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Arkansas
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Arkansas State Parks

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Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park Pinnacle Mountain © Jackie DeBusk
Clouds brew over Pinnacle Mountain
Pinnacle Mountain State Park Cypress tree © Jackie DeBusk
Tree frames kayakers paddling
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PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
11901 Pinnacle Valley Road
Little Rock, Arkansas   72223

Phone: 501-868-5806
Email: park email button icon
Pinnacle Mountain is a day-use park dedicated to environmental education, recreation, and preservation. Located just west of Little Rock, this natural environment was set aside in 1977 as Arkansas's first state park adjoining a major metropolitan area. Operating as a day-use only park, Pinnacle Mountain is dedicated to preservation, recreation, and environmental education. Park interpreters and volunteers help visitors and students understand man's relationship to the environment in the 2,000-acre park that offers a rich diversity of natural habitat.

Special interpretive programs that are conducted by the park interpreters may be scheduled by contacting the park.

The park's dominant natural feature, Pinnacle Mountain, rises more than a thousand feet above the Arkansas River Valley. The mountain's cone-shaped peak has long been a central Arkansas landmark. Two of the park's hiking trails lead hikers to the mountain's summit.

Park facilities include picnic sites, two standard pavilions with restrooms, launch ramps, and hiking trails. The park visitor center overlooking the Arkansas River includes exhibits, A/V programs, a meeting room, and gift shop.

Within the park's environs is the Arkansas Arboretum, a 71-acre site exhibiting native flora representing Arkansas's six, major natural divisions. Below Pinnacle Mountain along the Little Maumelle River, the arboretum includes a .6-mile barrier-free, interpretive trail.

Camping is not available at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. However, campsites are available at Maumelle Park, located just 3.8 miles east of Ark. 300 on Pinnacle Valley Road. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park on the Arkansas River contains 129 campsites with water and electrical hookups, and tables and grills; bathhouses with hot showers; two pavilions with restrooms; a playground; dump station; and boat ramp.

Park gates at Pinnacle Mountain State Park are closed one hour after sunset.

History of the Area
Located in Arkansas, the park was established in 1977. It spans over 2,000 acres and features Pinnacle Mountain as its centerpiece. The area is known for diverse habitats including upland ridges, wetlands and hardwood forests.

In prehistoric times it served as a landmark to Native Americans traveling through the region. In more recent history, during World War II an auxiliary army airfield existed near present-day visitor center.

The state acquired land for this public space from private owners between 1973-75 with help of federal Land & Water Conservation Fund money.

Today it offers various recreational activities like hiking trails reaching summit of mountain or along Big Maumelle River; picnic spots; interpretive programs etc., attracting nature lovers annually.

Fishing
Visitors can enjoy river fishing along the Little Maumelle River and Lake Maumelle within the park boundaries. Common species include largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. Fishing is subject to Arkansas Game & Fish Commission regulations; a valid license is required for anglers 16 and older. Bank access provides easy entry points for those looking to cast their lines in peaceful natural surroundings.


Location
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is located near Alexander, Benton and Bryant

Picnicking
Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers scenic picnic areas with tables and grills, overlooking the Arkansas River or forested hills.
Trails
Arkansas Trail

Length: 6/10 mile Time: 3/4 - 1 hour Difficulty: Easy Brochure: Available at visitor center and trailhead

Base Trail

Length: 1.25 miles Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy

East Quarry Trail

Length: 1/2 mile Time: 3/4 hour Difficulty: Moderate

East Summit Trail

Length: 1.5 miles Time: 1 to 2 hours Difficulty: Strenuous

Kingfisher Trail (National Recreation Trail)

Length: 1/2 mile Time: 1/2 - 3/4 hour Difficulty: Easy Brochure: Available at visitor center and trailhead.

Ouachita National Hiking Trail (National Recreation 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

Rocky Valley Trail

Length: 2 Time: 1.5 to 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate

West Summit Trail

Length: 1 1/2 miles round trip Time: 1 1/2 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Brochure: Available at visitor center
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can explore diverse habitats, including forests, fields, and riverine areas. Commonly sighted species include warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers. The park's location along the Arkansas River attracts waterfowl like ducks and geese during migration seasons. Raptors such as bald eagles are often observed near the mountain summit or soaring above riverside cliffs.

Visitors may also spot songbirds like Eastern bluebirds throughout open spaces or catch glimpses of wild turkeys meandering in wooded regions. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars for a chance to see less common birds such as scarlet tanagers or indigo buntings during spring migrations.

The Kingfisher Trail is particularly popular among bird watchers due to its proximity to wetlands where belted kingfishers might be seen hunting fish.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
March 25 FANTASTIC by BroGEM
park review stars; one to five Marvelous place to get back to nature; hiking, canoeing, biking, climbing, listening, strolling - something here for everyone and it is 20 minutes from Little Rock
March 24 Come back to nature by Jerry Meeks
park review stars; one to five Marvelous trails from rocky peaks to wetland strolls, magnificent vista, great interpretive programs - PMSP has it all except for overnight facilities - but it is just outside Little Rock
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Area Campgrounds
Downtown Riverside RV Park
250 South Locust Street
North Little Rock, AR
501-340-5312
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
To reach Pinnacle Mountain State 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.

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Arkansas
425

Arkansas State Parks

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