Pinnacle Mountain State Park

● Length: Approximately 19 miles

● Level: Challenging

● Best for: Experienced hikers

One of the most frequented places for hiking in Little Rock is just outside the western part of the city at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The region offers more than 20 miles of trails with varying difficulties. Some of the best trails include:

● West Summit Trail – Steep and rocky but offers views of nearly the entire Central Arkansas Region

● East Summit Trail – A shorter trail but incorporates a bit more rugged incline obstacles

● Base Trail – A loop surrounding the entire mountain, moderately difficult.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a great option if you want a challenge in your hiking adventure.

Allsopp Park

● Length: Approximately 8 miles

● Level: Easy to moderate

● Best for: Beginners to experienced hikers Located in Hillcrest, another great trail close to home is Allsopp Park, a wooded trail great for shorter hikes, jogging, and dog walking. There are well-defined trails, shaded areas, creek crossings, and more in this tranquil setting just minutes outside downtown.

Little Rock Air Force Base Nature Trail

● Length: Approximately 20 miles

● Level: Easy to challenging

● Best for: Beginning to experienced hikers For those residents near the Air Force Base in Jacksonville, this wonderful trail system is a wooded experience with flat terrain good for children. Wildlife abounds on these paths and portions run along small streams through shrubby habitats.

If you're looking for more extensive, Washington-like hiking trails that keep you in the hiking in Arkansas section without venturing toward the Ozarks just yet, check out these state parks/trails between Little Rock and the Ozarks.

Petit Jean State Park

● Length: More than 20 miles

● Level: Easy to challenging

● Best for: Beginning to experienced hikers This impressive state park has many trails at varying distances but beautiful views and lots of terrain diversity. Some of the best trails include:

● Cedar Falls Trail – A moderately strenuous trail that leads to one of the most photographed waterfalls in Arkansas.

● Bear Cave Trail – Rock formations, narrow passages between cliffs, and overlooks.

● Seven Hollows Trail – A loop that's a bit longer featuring natural bridges and rock shelters.

This park is a great option if you want to see neat scenes, like waterfalls and wildlife.

Mount Nebo State Park

● Length: Approximately 32 miles

● Level: Moderate to challenging

● Best for: Experienced hikers

Another great place for hiking in Arkansas between Little Rock and the Ozarks is Mount Nebo State Park. Known for its dramatic views and sunsets, check out these hikes:

● Rim Trail – A loop around the mountain with multiple overlooks.

● Bench Trail – A moderate trail halfway down the mountain.

● Summit Park Trail – A short, rocky ascent to scenic views.

This location is great if you want to go a little further out of town for an adventure.

Best Hiking in Arkansas: Heading North Toward Jasper

The most popular hiking spots in Arkansas and those deemed "best hiking in Arkansas" are often found in the Jasper area as the Ozarks can be so rugged with certain shaped valleys and countless waterfalls.

Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point)

● Length: Approximately 3 miles

● Level: Moderate to challenging

● Best for: Experienced hikers

One of the most photographed spots in the whole state, Hawksbill Crag awaits in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness. You'll find forested paths that lead to rock formations that overlook a scenic valley.

Lost Valley Trail

● Length: Approximately 3 miles

● Level: Easy to moderate

● Best for: Beginning to experienced hikers



Another popular trail not too far from Jasper is Lost Valley Trail, a route leading to waterfalls, caves, and towering rock formations like:

● Eden Falls – A seasonal waterfall located inside the bluff shelter.

● Natural Bridge – A stone arch located in the woods.

● Relatively flat terrain with educational signs along the way.

This option is great if you want to see both waterfalls and explore a cave.

Buffalo National River Trails

● Length: Approximately 135 miles

● Level: Easy to challenging

● Best for: Beginning to experienced hikers



The Buffalo area has miles of some of the best hiking in Arkansas, diverse ecosystems populate areas around this 135 mile waterway. Some great trails include:

● Hemmed-In Hollow Trail, which leads to the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians.

● Centerpoint to Goat Trail, which is precariously located on a cliffside with treacherous overlooks.

● Ponca to Steel Creek, which travels along the riverbank—good for good photos!

This location is great for anyone who wants to explore the great outdoors and see different places.

Why Arkansas Is a Hiker's Paradise

If you're looking for silence and easy forest hikes or dramatic mountain views, Arkansas is home to:

● Year-round seasonal hikes across vastly different terrains.

● Well-taken care of state parks and trails.

● Easy access from trailheads and scenic drives from one location to another.

You'll find both long and short trails for early morning excursions or all-day outdoor adventures.

Live Near Great Trails at Vantage Point in Little Rock

If you're a hiker searching for your next home in Little Rock, then visit us at Vantage Point Apartment Homes. With walking trails on the property, its easy to stay active from the comfort of your community, and we offer the city’s coziest 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments and townhomes, featuring a range of amenities including double-galley kitchen layouts, energy efficient appliances, hardwood-style flooring, plush carpeting, large closets, and much more. Schedule your tour today and rediscover home at Vantage Point.