Pinnacle Mountain East Summit Trail Is A Challenging Hike In Arkansas That Will Make Your Stomach Drop
Arkansas has no shortage of breathtaking mountain views, but Pinnacle Mountain East Summit Trail offers some of the very best. No matter what the season, this incredibly scenic, yet challenging hike is worth every bit of effort. Take a look:
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Among the highest-rated challenging hikes in Arkansas, Pinnacle Mountain East Summit Trail packs a punch in its brief, 1.2-mile distance. It does involve a fair amount of rock scrambling, however the awe-inspiring summit views are worth every drop of sweat.
The trail starts off relatively flat and leads through a beautiful forest setting. Marker #7 is about when the uphill trek starts -- so enjoy the leisurely stroll and enchanting woodland scenery while they last.
Luckily, the hardest stretch only lasts a few minutes. Much like ripping off a bandaid, the pain is over before you know it! Upon reaching the top, sprawling vistas of the surrounding lush greenery promise to take your breath away.
Foggy days are some of the best, as the low-lying clouds swirl around the mountain for a scene best described as ominously breathtaking. It's so eerie, you'll be half-expecting to hear a crack of lightning at any minute!
Boxed in on either side by Lake Maumelle and the Arkansas River, the trail boasts unparalleled waterfront views. You could sit up here all day and never get bored!
Pro-tip: arrive shortly before sunset (sunrise works, too) to reach the peak just as the sky is erupting in a spectacular pastel display. It's little moments like this that make us truly grateful to live in the Natural State.
Pinnacle Mountain East Summit Trail is worth visiting any time of year. As the seasons change, so too does the scenery: fall brings vibrant foliage, winter, a snowy wonderland, spring boasts eye-popping wildflowers, and summer features healthy, flourishing vegetation.
Have you ever hiked Pinnacle Mountain East Summit Trail? If so, are the views worth the challenge? Let us know your thoughts, and check out our previous article for another scenic, yet difficult hike: Hike To This Peak For Some Of The Best Views In All Of Arkansas.
Address: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Big Rock Township, AR 72135, USA
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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