Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Rising more than a thousand feet above the Arkansas River Valley, the cone-shaped peak of Pinnacle Mountain is a central Arkansas landmark. Surrounded by wooded hillsides, lush lowlands, and clear waterways, a view from its summit provides a panorama of nature's handiwork carved into the eastern slopes of the Ouachita Mountain range. Located little more than a dozen miles west of the State Capitol in Little Rock, this natural environment was set aside in 1977 as Arkansas' first state park adjoining a major metropolitan area. Operating as a day-use only park, Pinnacle Mountain fulfills the three-fold purpose of preservation, recreation, and education.

Preservation
As the population and industrialization of central Arkansas grows, so does the need to preserve green, open spaces. Pinnacle Mountain meets this need with 1,800 acres of diverse, natural habitat. With its varied wildlife and array of plant life, Pinnacle Mountain State Park provides limitless natural encounters. Since all plants and animals, and all natural and man-made features are protected, visitors are assured opportunities to experience the beauty of natural surroundings. To ensure the safety of the wildlife and park visitors, pets must be leashed at all times.

Recreation
For those wanting to get away without traveling far, Pinnacle Mountain is the ideal place. The recreation area at the base of the mountain has shaded picnic tables, grills, water, a playground, restrooms, and a large, open air pavilion with a cooking fireplace and tables. The pavilion is a favorite place for get-togethers and can be reserved for a fee.

For those wishing to play softball, volleyball, and similar games, an open, grassy field is available. A limited amount of free loan recreational equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you enjoy hiking, it's certain you'll enjoy the many trails offered at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. From the breathtaking view at the summit to the meandering flood plain of Kingfisher Trail, park visitors have found countless hours of hiking pleasure. See our trails brochure for additional information. Also available is backpacking rental equipment. Call for rates and reservations.

Fishing, canoeing, and boating are also favorite pastimes in the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers. Boat ramps have been constructed allowing ready access to these fine streams.

Camping is not permitted at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Excellent facilities are available at Maumelle Park 3.8 miles east of Highway 300 on Pinnacle Valley Road. This Corps of Engineers park is located along the Arkansas River and contains 111 campsites with water and electrical hookups, tables and grills, pavilions, hot showers, and dump station. A boat ramp and playground are also available. Camping requires a fee year-round.

There are over 40 miles of trails maintained by Pinnacle Mountain State Park. They range from a paved, self-guided nature trail to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, perfect for backpacking.

Please observe the following:
(1) Hike only on designated trails to prevent erosion;
(2) Bikes, horses and motorized vehicles are limited to paved roads;
(3) Use caution and wear non-skid footgear on steep and rocky trails;
(4) Take plenty of water;
(5) Leave wildlife, rocks, and plants undisturbed for the enjoyment of others;
(6) Pets must be leashed at all times;
(7) While walking the trails, please pick up a piece of litter and do a valuable service in keeping the trails clean. No glass containers are allowed on the trails.

Education & Visitor Services
The park's professional interpreters offer programs in geology, botany, archaeology, wildlife and many other topics. Each presentation helps the visitor understand and appreciate their ecological relationship to earth's environment. Park facilities are available for school educational activities. Please call on Mondays to schedule programs. A special events calendar is available at the Visitor Center.

Though many programs are conducted in the park's outdoor classroom, a large number also take place in the Visitor Center overlooking the Arkansas River. In addition to the interpretive exhibits, this modern facility has restrooms, refreshments (vending), book sales, gifts, and an audiovisual room. A conference room is available for a small fee.

Environmental Education Pond - The pond demonstrates a variety of wildlife habitats. Birdhouses to brushpiles are provided to attract a diverse number of animals to the pond's borders. Used for aquatic studies, fishing clinics and wildlife observation, the pond is open to the public unless there is a school program taking place. Pond hours and rules are posted on the bulletin board just past the gate of the pond off Pinnacle Valley Road.

Arkansas Arboretum - This area is currently under development. When completed it will feature native trees and shrubs from all regions of Arkansas. Tours can be arranged for studying the various tree species. A 0.6-mile, paved barrier-free trail with interpretive signs is open for public use. More trails are planned in the future.

Library - A natural history reference library can be found at the Visitor Center to assist in answering those "What is it????" questions.

Volunteer Program
Many opportunities are available, from exhibit guides and park research to trail maintenance and fundraising. Support the park by becoming a member of Partners for Pinnacle, Inc. Volunteer Hard Hat Days are held the third Saturday of every month. Contact the park Director of Volunteers on Wednesdays for details on programs and training.

Location
Take Exit 9 off 1-430 to Hwy. 10, then west 7 miles to Hwy. 300, turn right and go 2 miles north to the park; OR, take Pinnacle Valley Road north off Hwy. 10 just 3 miles west of 1-430.

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

Pinnacle Mountain State Park
11901 Pinnacle Valley Road
Roland, AR 72135
Telephone: (501) 868-5806 (park)
After Hours Emergency (501) 868-5383 OR (501) 868-9150
Fax (501) 868-5018

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.