| Pinnacle Mountain State Park | |
|---|---|
 Lake Maumelle fromPinnacle Mountain (February 2015) | |
  Pinnacle Mountain State Park (the United States) Show map of the United States | |
| Location | Pulaski County,Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°50′29″N92°29′09″W / 34.841416°N 92.485815°W /34.841416; -92.485815 |
| Area | 2,356 acres (9.53 km2) |
| Established | 1977[1] |
| Named for | Pinnacle Mountain |
| Governing body | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism |
| Website | Pinnacle Mountain State Park |
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a 2,356-acre state park located inPulaski County, Arkansas just outside ofLittle Rock.[1] The main attraction isPinnacle Mountain, an iconic landmark surrounded by the bottomlands of the Big Maumelle and Little Maumelle rivers.
The first people to settle the area referred toPinnacle Mountain as "Mamelle", the French name for a breast-shaped hill.[2] "Mamelle" eventually became "Maumelle", which is the name used for the Big Maumelle and Little Maumelle rivers, as well as the nearby city ofMaumelle.[2] A trip toPinnacle Mountain was a popular activity in the 1800s.[2] Climbing became even more popular with the construction of the local railroad in the 1890s and common use of the automobile in the 1900s.[2]
Quarrying for sandstone and shale within the modern park began inabout 1920.[2] The eastern slope ofPinnacle Mountain was a major source of material for the construction of theLake Maumelle dam in the 1950s.[2] Located immediately northwest ofPinnacle Mountain,Lake Maumelle is a high-quality raw water supply serving a population of almost 398,000; the reservoir went online in 1958, at least two years after the Big Maumelle River was impounded.[3] In the 1960s, extensive quarrying ofsandstone took place at the modern visitor center, the result of which can be seen by the quarry pond.[2]
The idea for a park had been considered for many years, but did not get off the ground until the 1970s.[2] In 1973, the Arkansas General Assembly approved the creation of Pinnacle Mountain State Park.[2] Since then, 2,356 acres have been set aside for various purposes including environmental education, outdoor recreation, and preservation.[1]
Pinnacle Mountain State Park features a number of hiking trails.[4]
Trails that start at the West Summit parking lot are the 0.5-mileKingfisher Trail, which passes by the Little Maumelle River, and the 1.5-mileWest Summit Trail (marked by yellow blazes).[4] The West Summit Trail is the standard route upPinnacle Mountain and is easily one of the most trafficked trails in Arkansas.[4]
Trails that start at the East Summit parking lot are the 1.5-mileEast Summit Trail (marked by red and white blazes), which also ascendsPinnacle Mountain, and the 2.5-mileBase Trail (marked by light green blazes).[4] The Base Trail loops completely around the base ofPinnacle Mountain and connects the East Summit trailhead to the West Summit trailhead.[4]
Trails that start at the visitor center are the 2-mileRocky Valley Trail (marked by green blazes) and the 1-mileEast Quarry Trail, a spur of the Rocky Valley Trail.[4] The 223-mileOuachita Trail (marked by blue blazes) also starts at the visitor center, crosses Pinnacle Valley Road at the East Summit parking lot after 1.5 miles, and overlaps a 0.5-mile section of the Base Trail before continuing west towardsLake Maumelle.[4]
The 0.75-mileArkansas Trail is located near the center of theArkansas Arboretum, a 71-acre site exhibiting native Arkansas flora.[4]
Camping is not allowed inside Pinnacle Mountain State Park, however, it is allowed at Maumelle Park, a nearby public campground operated by theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers.[1]
New mountain biking trails opened in 2020. This trail system currently consists of 13 miles including cross-country, downhill, flow, and beginner sections. Called the Monument Trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park; built with the latest technology to improve ride enjoyment and sustainability. These new trails also take you to places never before accessible in the park. While these trails are optimized for mountain biking, all but a few are open to hiking and trail running.
Trails
Armadillo RunCarnasawCentipedeCoachwhipDynamiteGlade RunnerJackforkJim Allen LoopLower StickMiddle Mountain RunRiver Trail ConnectorTurkey TracksTwistflowerUpheavalUpper Stick
Access/Parking areas: There are 3 parking areas currently, the visitor center has the largest parking area, The Middle Mountain Trailhead has limited parking (where the visitor center road has a "Y" intersection). Also, the lower trailhead where the Visitor Center Road first turns off Pinnacle Valley Road.
There is some overflow parking at the Arboretum on Pinnacle Valley Road. Also, when riding the Arkansas River Trail (along Pinnacle Valley Rd) from Two Rivers Park, there is a trailhead at the Pinnacle Mountain State Park sign that will take you to the Jackfork Trail.
