TAKE A HIKE

Seek out the best bird’s-eye views The Natural State has to offer

Seek out the best bird’s- eye view The Natural State has to offer

Those who find the indoors to be a bit tame for their taste can tiptoe to the top of Arkansas’ most scenic and breathtaking views. While most of the state has a plethora of fields for harvest, many elevated trails and roads can be found stretching from Rich Mountain outside of Mena to Mount Kessler Greenways in Fayetteville.

Whether looking to hike, climb, mountain-bike, drive or take a leisurely stroll, the state has an ample amount of state parks to choose from, with a little something for everyone.

PINNACLE MOUNTAIN

Trails: East Summit Trail, West Summit Trail Difficulty level: Strenuous

Length: 1.5 miles round-trip

Time: 1 1/2 hours

Ambitious travelers in central Arkansas looking to scale a few boulders can dust off their sturdy tennis shoes and go for a climb on Pinnacle Mountain. There are two trails that lead to the top — the West Summit Trail and the East Summit Trail. The West is considered the easier side — but do not take the word “easy” lightly. While often referred to as easy, those who do not regularly exercise may find the course incredibly challenging and strenuous. This trail begins at the park picnic grounds and winds up a mostly shaded, but rocky, path. New hikers shouldn’t be discouraged at the vast number of children speeding past them, and those who get winded can take a break on one of the several benches at various overlooks. The East trail, otherwise known as the hard side, is great for those who enjoy a challenge. The top of the mountain provides a generous overlook from the rolling hills of Roland and

Maumelle to the skyscrapers in downtown Little Rock, as well as the Arkansas River. Other trails are available for those who do not wish to climb to the top, yet get a good sneak peek of central Arkansas’ beauty.

MOUNT MAGAZINE

Trail: Bear Hollow Trail

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate Length: 2.8 miles

Time: 2 hours

Novice hikers and frequenters alike can absorb the state’s splendor on the Bear Hollow Trail in Mount Magazine State Park. Some scenic points of interest on this 2.8-mile trail include Works Progress Administration steps, Sunrise Rock, Inspiration Point, Bear Head Bluff and Big Shoal Creek. This trail crosses creeks and leads to a couple of waterfalls. A unique factor about this particular park is that it is home to some of the last remaining virgin hardwood trees in the state. There are more opportunities to hike, drive, bike and even go horseback riding through this park.

PETIT JEAN

Trails: Cedar Falls Trail

Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous Length: 2.25 miles round-trip

Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Located in Morrilton, Petit Jean State Park offers the best of both worlds when it comes to waterfalls, overlooks and beauty. Cedar Falls is one of the state’s biggest waterfalls, and it can be observed several ways. One way is to begin the Cedar Creek Trail, where the overlook is fairly easy to get to. Those looking to hike down can do so on this moderate hike of 1.25 miles. However, those looking for a large overlook can begin the Cedar Falls Trail, where the trailhead lies behind Mather Lodge. Those looking for a simple drive can easily roll up to Petit Jean’s gravesite at Stout’s Point on the mountain’s East Brow. This is the most well-known overlook and can be enjoyed by those of all ages and all physical abilities.

MOUNT NEBO

Trails: Bench Trail

Difficulty level: Easy

Length: 4 miles

Time: 3 to 4 hours

Mount Nebo is arguably one of the most notable landmarks in the River Valley area. The mountain is 1,350 feet tall and has more than 14 miles of trails within Mount Nebo State Park. The magnificent views from both the Sunrise Point and Sunset Point are enough to have visitors flocking to the overlooks. The Bench Trail sweeps the entire mountaintop, and even though it is 4 miles long, it is very easy to leisurely walk. There are other trails that go down and around the mountain, too, for those interested in getting more exercise.

For more information about all parks and trails that Arkansas has to offer, go to a visitor center or visit

...

...