Mt. Nebo State Park

Rising 1,350 feet above the mountain valleys of west central Arkansas, majestic Mt. Nebo favors visitors with a spectacular view of 34,000-acre Lake Dardanelle, the Arkansas River and the surrounding mountain ridges. Atop this biblically named plateau, fringed by the Ozark National Forest, is Mt. Nebo State Park.

Mt. Nebo, inhabited since pre-Civil War years, has always been a favorite vacation spot. During the 1890s, a resort hotel was built to house steamboat passengers on the Arkansas River. These summertime visitors enjoyed the mountain's cooler temperatures, lush vegetation, abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery. In 1933, Mt. Nebo was designated as a state park. The majority of the trails, cabins, bridges and pavilions at the park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, numerous private residences are maintained atop the mountain. We ask park visitors to respect these private land holdings.

The approach to the summit of Mt. Nebo is as breathtaking as the park itself. State Hwy. 155 (paved) zigzags up the eastern side of the mountain. From base to top there are a series of tight hairpin turns. We recommend no trailers or RV's over 15 ft. long attempt the climb. Be sure your vehicle is in good condition, use low gear and turn off the A/C to avoid overheating. There are several scenic overlooks along this road where you can stop to enjoy the panoramic view and rest your vehicle.

Lodging Facilities

Cabins - Ten rustic and five modern A-frame housekeeping cabins located at scenic points around the mountain, provide year-round vacation comfort. All-electric kitchens, spacious rooms, fireplaces (13 cabins only), linens, and kitchen utensils, plus heating and air-conditioning make these cabins a favorite retreat.

Camping - A wooded campground, accommodating up to 25 camping units, is open year-round. Some sites are equipped with tables, grills, water and electricity. A modern bathhouse, open April to November, is located in the campground. Self-contained camping units may use the sanitary dump station at nearby Lake Dardanelle State Park free of charge. Mt. Nebo also offers 10 hike-in campsites located along the "Bench." The sites may be reached by well-marked access trails (tents only).

Recreational Facilities

Picnicking/Pavilions - A tree-shaded picnic area and unique wooden playground are located near the swimming pool. Picnic tables and playgrounds are also near both tennis courts. A large, enclosed pavilion (3,000 sq. ft.) may be rented by groups for occasions such as square dances, picnics, meetings or weddings. A smaller pavilion, ideally suited for group picnics or family reunions, is also available for rent.

Swimming/Games - At the south end of the mountaintop visitors will find space for activities ranging from tennis courts to a ballfield where groups can have organized or impromptu games. Located near the amphitheater are horseshoe pits for your enjoyment year-round. Looking out over the eastern rim of the mountain is a modern swimming pool and bathhouse. Generally open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the pool offers hours of refreshing fun.

Trails - One of Mt. Nebo's finest attractions is its unique trail system. Seven trails provide more than l4 miles of hiking pleasure. Some of the trails, built by the CCC, follow the "Bench" around the mountain. Others lead to the park's fascinating historical and natural features. Please, for your safety, stay on marked trails!

Other Facilities - The park's Visitor Center provides a small store stocked with a good supply of camping and picnicking needs plus a variety of gift items. For those who wish to take a two-wheel tour of the park, bicycles may be rented at the Visitor Center. Televisions are available for rent at the Visitor Center. (Cabin use only.) Complete shopping, service stations, laundry, restaurants and medical facilities are located in nearby towns (off the mountain).

NOTE: Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site. All sites are assigned; limited reservations available. The group pavilions must be reserved before being used (deposit required). Reservations for pavilions and cabins can be made by calling or writing the park. Cabin assignments are made upon arrival at the Visitor Center. Please, no pets in the cabins!

Interpretive Services

Programs - Summer interpretive programs offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the geology, history and environment of Mt. Nebo. Evening programs of slides and movies are shown at the amphitheater while daytime programs range from guided hikes to nature demonstrations. Organized groups may request special interest programs by calling or writing the park in advance.

Location

From l-40, Exit 81, take Hwy. 7 south through the city of Russellville to Dardanelle, turn right onto Hwy. 22 west, then left on Hwy. 155 south up the mountain.

For further information on park hours, fees or services, contact:

Mt. Nebo State Park
Rt. 3, Box 374
Dardanelle, AR 72834
Telephone: (501) 229-3655
For cabin reservations ONLY: 1-800-264-2458

For information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.