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.

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.