Temperatures have dropped, leaves have fallen 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.
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.
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. Bonus: Pinnacle just opened its brand new visitor center, so make sure to check it out.
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.
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 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 March 31 tornado, leveling some areas and leaving a lasting mark on the area. The city has been hard at work ever since and has gradually reopened sections of the park in recent weeks. Some areas are still closed, but there are multiple hiking routes to choose from and many miles of trails open to the public, so you can still make a day of it at Burns. More info here + view the most recent map here.