Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

Before continuing my drive east I decided to go for a hike in Pinnacle Mountain State Park on the outskirts of Little Rock. There are two trails up the mountain and based on recommendations from the ranger at the visitor center, I decided to hike the West Summit Trail. This heavily-used and well-constructed trail begins with a series of spaced rock steps cut into the slope before becoming a steep climb over the boulders that blanket the top third of the mountain. Near the top I wandered off trail to climb the slick face of the rock and get a closer look at the few birds coasting on the air currents just below me.

Steps on the West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

Steps on the West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

Pines growing on the side of Pinnacle Mountain, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

Pines growing on the side of Pinnacle Mountain, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

Final ascent, West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

Final ascent, West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

I then climbed the last stretch of the trail and was immediately rewarded with a 360 degree view of the valley below. Although the mountain is only about 1,000 feet in height, the 700 foot difference between the peak and the valley below provides a defined contrast and makes for a beautiful sight.

Top of Pinnacle Mountain, West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

Top of Pinnacle Mountain, West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

Me overlooking the valley, West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

Me overlooking the valley, West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

View from just below the top on the descent, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas

View from just below the top on the descent, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas