R.V. 0 to 3

River Valley Trails-0 to 3 Miles

Spring Lake Trail, Spring Lake Recreation Area, Ozark National Forest

• Miles: 2.0 • Rating: Easy • Allowed:

• Map and Trail description available: None

• Contact: www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark or Phone 479-963-3076

This two-mile loop trail takes you through scenic hardwood forests. Lots of wildflowers too.

Tollantusky Trail, Toad Suck Ferry, Cadron Settlement, Corps of Engineers

• Miles: 1.5 miles • Rating: Easy **A portion of the trail is wheelchair accessible** • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Lake Manager, 6298 Hwy. 60 West, Conway, AR 72032

• Contact: Phone 501-329-2986

The Tollantusky Trail is located along the Arkansas River in the historic Cadron Settlement. The trail begins just west of the entrance parking lot and loops back to its starting point. This historic trail interprets Arkansas and its settlers in the early 1800s. A short section of the trail is designed to be barrier free. This section begins up the hill from the trailhead and travels along the ridge to a point overlooking the Arkansas River.

River Bluff Nature Trail, Ozark Lake, Reed Mountain Park, Corps of Engineers

• Miles: 1.0 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Lake Manager, COE, Ozark Lake Project Office, 6042 Lock & Dam Rd, Ozark, AR 72949

• Contact: Phone 479-667-2129

This self-guided trail is much as it was before man settled this country. Beginning atop the high bluffs overlooking Ozark Lake, it winds its way down to their base. The trail then makes its way along the forest floor before traveling to the overlook shelter at the top of the bluffs. From the overlook you have a view of the river as it begins its journey through Arkansas. Enjoy the displays at the overlook describing the history of the area.

Tower Heights Trail, Blue Mountain Lake Area, Corps of Engineers

• Miles: 1.0 • Rating: Easy • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Park Manager, Rt. 1 Box 173-AA, Waveland, AR 72842

• Contact: Phone 479-947-2372

A trip down the trail begins near the park entrance complex. This rustic trail travels one mile through the forest along a ridge overlooking Blue Mountain Lake. If you are interested in a guided tour of the trail or would like more park information, please contact the park ranger.

Bridge Rock Loop, Corps of Engineers

• Miles: six-tenths of a mile (.6) • Rating: Easy • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: Lake Dardanelle Ph. 479-968-5008

This is one of the most scenic short trails in the state. There is a little bit of climbing involved, but it’s worth it! The trail is located in Shoal Bay Park on Lake Dardanelle, just off of Hwy. 22.

Pinnacle Mountain Summit Loop, Pinnacle Mtn. State Park

• Miles: 2.6 • Rating: Difficult and steep • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst

• Contact: pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or Phone 501-868-5806

This is the steepest hiking trail in Arkansas-it limbs up the standing spine of Pinnacle Mountain-the views and rock formations are simply spectacular! There is no camping in the Park, but it does offer a whole host of educational opportunities, and great exhibits at the Visitor Center. A parking fee may be required-check with the office. The park closes at 10pm.

Will Apple’s Road, Mount Magazine State Park

• Miles: 2.3 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: mountmagazine@arkansas.com or Phone 479-963-8502

Named after a farmer who cultivated several acres of corn on the northeastern leg of the mountain, this was one of the first roads to the summit. Features include: historic homesites, wildflowers, escaped domestic flowers, woodland songbirds, stone fences, and ruins of a swimming pool built in the 1920’s

Rocky Valley Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park

• Miles: 2.0 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or Phone 501-868-5806

The trailhead starts at the same location as the Overlook Trail in the upper parking lot of the visitor center. This 2-mile loop enters into a heavily forested valley after leaving an old rock quarry area.

Cedar Falls Trail, Petit Jean State Park

• Miles: 2.0 • Rating: Easy down, steep back up • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: Petit Jean State Park Phone 501-727-5441

The Cedar Falls Trail is one of the most used trails in the state, and with good reason, since it takes you to one of the most impressive waterfalls in this part of the country! The area is also an ecological garden-lots and lots of neat plant life. One word of caution-the last part of the hike out is pretty tough, and is not recommended for anyone with problems climbing hills.

Mossback Ridge Trail, Mount Magazine State Park

• Miles: 2.0 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst (part of Mt. Magazine Trail description)

• Contact: mountmagazine@arkansas.com or Phone 479-963-8502

Mossback Ridge was named after Albert Morsbach, a settler, farmer, and teacher. Most of the walking is easy on top of the ridge. Watch for a variety of wildflowers and signs of bears moving rocks and logs.

West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park

• Miles: 1.5 round trip • Rating: Difficult • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst (part of Pinnacle Mtn. Loop Trail description)

• Contact: pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or Phone 501-868-5806

This rocky trail begins at the park picnic grounds and winds its way to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. From the top is a spectacular views of Lake Maumelle, the Arkansas River Valley, the Ouachita Mountains and west Little Rock. This is truly a breathtaking view. To return, you must retrace your steps or hike down the rugged East Summit Trail and return via the base trail for a total hike of 2 1/2 miles.

Signal Hill Trail, Mount Magazine State Park

• Miles: 1.5 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst (part of Mt. Magazine Trail description) or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: mountmagazine@arkansas.com or Phone 479-963-8502

This is the highest point in Arkansas. A wide variety of plants make this a nice nature walk.

Base Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park

• Miles: 1.25 • Rating: Easy • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst (part of Pinnacle Mtn. Loop Trail description)

• Contact: pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or Phone 501 868-5806

Starting at the north side of the Little Maumelle boat ramp at the far end of the picnic area, this 1 1/4 mile trail one way curves around the southeastern base of Pinnacle Mountain and connects with the East Summit trailhead parking lot. The first portion of the trail is fairly level and offers views of the river. Several moderate slopes and a variety of plant life will be encountered.

Benefield Trail, Mount Magazine State Park

• Miles: 1.0 • Rating: Easy to Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: mountmagazine@arkansas.com or Phone 479-963-8502

This trail leads through a CCC picnic area, which is now abandoned. Some picnic structures are still evident. After crossing Highway 309 the trail leads to a wildlife pond. This trail connects with the Mossback Ridge Trail at the pond and loops back via road to the picnic area. Watch for deer and bear.

Canyon Trail, Petit Jean State Park

• Miles: 1.0 • Rating: Easy to Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: Petit Jean State Park or Phone 501-727-5441

Accessed from Cedar Falls Trail. Once crossing the bridge on the Cedar Falls trail turn left and begin this beautiful hike into Cedar Canyon. The trail follows Cedar Creek’s many small splashing falls and deep emerald pools. Car sized boulders have slid down the hill and partially blocked the creek’s path in many places. Many sections of the trail are on terraces of rock put in place by the CCC.

Greenfield Trail, Mount Magazine State Park

• Miles: 1.0 • Rating: Easy to Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: mountmagazine@arkansas.com or Phone 479-963-8502

The Greenfield picnic area was a family farm before the Great Depression. This trail crosses the headwaters of Big Shoal Creek and connects to the Mossback Ridge Trail and is a good place to start a longer trek across the park. Some hikers continue all the way to Cove Lake for over night trips.

Summit Park Trail, Mount Nebo State Park

• Miles: 1.0 • Rating: Moderate to Difficult • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: mountnebo@arkansas.com or Phone 479-229-3655

This loop trail begins at a point on the northwest side of the mountaintop. Named for the Summit Park Hotel, built near the trailhead in 1889, it meanders down to Fern Lake along the same path that it has taken since it was first used by guests of the famous hotel. The Civilian Conservation Corps improved the trail with beautiful rock work in the 1930s. This trail intersects the Bench Trail near Fern Lake. A self-guided trail brochure may be obtained at the park visitor center.

Meadow Brook Self-Guided Trail, Lake Dardanelle State Park

• Miles: three-quarters of a mile (.75) • Rating: Easy • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: lakedardanelle@arkansas.com or Phone 479-967-5516

The theme of the Meadow Brook Self-Guided Trail is change: the succession of plants, man’s influence on the environment, and the variety of flowers, plants, and trees in the Arkansas River Valley. The trail begins and ends near the park amphitheater.

Nebo Springs and Nebo Steps Trail, Mount Nebo State Park

• Miles: three-quarters of a mile (.75) • Rating: Difficult • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: mountnebo@arkansas.com or Phone 479-229-3655

A delightful hike to moss covered Nebo Springs begins behind the visitor center on the Rim Trail. Turn right onto Rim Trail then down Nebo Steps to the Bench Road Trail. Turn right on the Bench until you get to the sign for Nebo Springs. The climb back up Nebo Springs trail, then right onto the Rim Trail. Completes a rectangular circle. Highly recommended for the historical significance and natural beauty.

East Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park

• Miles: three-quarters of a mile (.75) • Rating: Moderate to Difficult • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst (part of Pinnacle Mtn. Loop Trail description)

• Contact: pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or Phone 501-868-5806

The start of this trail is in the southeast corner of the parking lot. Follow the red and white blazes. The trail will take you to the east summit.

Arkansas Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park

• Miles: six-tenths of a mile (.6) • Rating: Easy **Wheelchair accessible** • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or Phone 501-868-580

This paved loop trail with numerous benches is the center of the 71-acre Arkansas Arboretum. Audio sign panels interpret the variety of woody plants and trees found in the six natural divisions of Arkansas.

Varnell Springs Trail, Mount Nebo State Park

• Miles: one-half of a mile (.5) • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: mountnebo@arkansas.com or Phone 479-229-3655

This trail winds through natural features, a diverse forest and many wildflowers. The spring was once the water supply for the town of Dardanelle. Some of the old water pipes remain visible.

East Quarry Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park

• Miles: one-half of a mile (.5) • Rating: Moderate to Difficult • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or Phone 501-868-5806

This trail is a spur from the Rocky Valley Trail. It leads to the eastern portion of the park and climbs a steep hillside to another quarry area which offers a rock-lined overlook with dramatic vistas of Pinnacle Mountain and the Arkansas River Valley. The trail is 1 mile round trip from the Rocky Valley spur.

Kingfisher Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park

• Miles: one half of a mile (.5) • Rating: Easy **Wheelchair accessible** • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or Phone 501-868-5806

This hard-surfaced loop trail winds through the floodplain of the Little Maumelle River. Unique plants, wildflowers, animals and birds are easily visible. Along the river, large cypress trees filter sunlight into this special bottomland forest. Birdwatchers enjoy exploring this trail early in the morning.

Waterfall/Gum Springs Trail, Mount Nebo State Park

• Miles: one-quarter of a mile (.25) • Rating: Moderate to Difficult • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: mountnebo@arkansas.com or Phone 479-229-3655

Developed by the CCC in the 1930’s using only hand labor and mules, this trail passes the seasonal waterfall enroute from the Waterfall Overlook to Gum Springs. The trail is very steep with many switchbacks and huge rock steps.

Bear Cave Trail, Petit Jean State Park

• Miles: one-quarter of a mile (.25) • Rating: Easy • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: petitjean@arkansas.com or Phone 501-727-5441

No actual cave is here but you can walk between and through the high rocks in the area. They form a series of narrow passageways and shelters. Bear Cave was named when the last bear killed on Petit Jean Mountain met its end. The cathedral of rock running down the center of the loop is believed to have been formed by Cedar Creek long ago. This passageway is called “The Eye of the Needle”

Rock House Cave Trail, Petit Jean State Park

• Miles: one-quarter of a mile (.25) • Rating: Easy • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: Petit Jean State Park or Phone 501-727-5441

Rock House Cave is not a true cave but a large rock shelter. Rock House contains evidence that Native Americans once lived on or near Petit Jean Mountain many years ago. Look closely for the faint remains of pictographs high on the wall and imagine what they mean. As you turn to the parking lot notice the large turtle rocks on whose backs you are walking.

Scenic Overlook Trail. Pinnacle Mountain State Park

• Miles: three-hundredths of a mile (.03) • Rating: Easy to Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Visitor Center

• Contact: pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or Phone (501)868-5806

To reach the trailhead, start from the east corner of the upper parking lot. Follow the main trail to the first intersection and turn left up the flight of stairs. The overlook is 75 yards from the parking lot. You will find the scenic views of the Arkansas River Valley, Pinnacle Mountain and Lake Maumelle. It is an excellent location for observing migrating hawks in the fall.