Temperatures have dropped, leaves are falling and our calendars are quickly filling up with holiday gatherings. It’s time to take a breather and head to one of these local trails.
West Summit Trail
In it for the views? We don’t blame you. At Pinnacle Mountain State Park, incredible scenes of Lake Maumelle, the Arkansas River Valley, the Ouachita Mountains and west Little Rock await at the top, but be prepared for a bit of a climb on this 1.5-mile route. More info here.
East Summit Trail
If you’re hungry for a challenge, opt for the East. These Pinnacle hikers can expect 1.5 miles of much more actual rock climbing and crossing several boulder fields. It may not be for the faint of heart, but the payoff is huge. More info here.
Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism
Rattlesnake Ridge
It’s pick your poison at this system of trails just west of Pinnacle. Alongside the Blue Mountain Natural Area, these hikes range from the easier Cliffbrake Trail to the more difficult Mountain Boomer Trail. Either way, you don’t want to skip the ridge, aka “one of the most dramatic rocky summits in the eastern Ouachita Mountains.” More info here.
Emerald Park Trail
If you want a little bit of everything, head for this scenic trail in North Little Rock. You’ll get some paved paths, some natural paths and some climbing rocks, if you’re so inclined — plus some pretty stellar bluff views. More info here.
Burns Park Trails
This beloved NLR park took a big hit in the 2023 tornado, leaving a lasting mark on the area and some trails looking a little different than you may remember. But as ever, there are multiple beauitiful hiking routes to choose from whether you want a paved stroll along the river or to log some miles under the tree canopy, and all are worth the short drive. More info here.
Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism
Knapp Trail
If the Plum Bayou Mounds (formerly known as the Toltec Mounts) are one of those lived-here-for-years-but-never-seen locations, now’s your chance to change that. Located in Scott, this loop clocks in at about three quarters of a mile and makes for a flat, easy trip. More info here.
Plum Bayou Trail
If you’re looking for something a little more lengthy, but still want to learn about the area’s history, the Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park has a second trail that offers 1.6 miles in a figure-eight loop. More info here.
Bonus: And if you want a taste of foliage without leaving the neighborhood, Allsopp Park, Knoop Park and Boyle Park never disappoint.