The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT), in partnership with Central Arkansas Water (CAW), proudly announced a major milestone in the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area (MPCA) plan with the opening of new trail connections within the area. The announcement also includes the addition of two new concessionaires operating within the opportunity zone around Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The event took place at the park and included Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders along with Blake Weindorf, chief operating officer of CAW, marking significant progress toward the long-term vision outlined in the MPCA master plan.
The MPCA, the system of recreation and public land access stretching from downtown Little Rock to Lake Sylvia, represents years of coordinated planning and a shared commitment to protecting Arkansas’ natural resources. This collaboration ensures long-term conservation of important public lands and expanded access to outdoor recreation for residents and visitors throughout central Arkansas.
New Trails at Lake Maumelle
A key feature of this milestone is the opening of 13.5 miles of new natural-surface trails along the south side of Lake Maumelle. These trails wind along shoreline, connecting Blue Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge and Pinnacle Mountain in a wooded setting just minutes from the city.
The new system includes the South Lake Trail, a smooth but challenging 9.8‑mile route stretching from WestRock Landing Marina to the Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center. Three additional spur trails link the lakeshore route to Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain, allowing visitors to take on this trail in many different ways. The Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center offers the perfect base camp for adventures along the entire system. Linked by soft surface and paved pathways, Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers connection to adventure.
These trails offer an immersive outdoor experience, expansive lake views, rugged terrain, mature hardwood and pine stands, and a new opportunity to explore areas around Lake Maumelle.
As future phases advance, more on- and off‑road routes will link destinations across the MPCA, ultimately contributing to the long-term vision of a continuous outdoor corridor stretching from Downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock to the Lake Sylvia Recreation Area. With more than 50 miles of planned and existing mountain biking and hiking trails, the MPCA represents one of the most significant trail-based recreation projects in the state.
Whether hiking, cycling, fishing or paddling between parks and natural areas, visitors will enjoy a deeper connection to the landscape and the spirit of exploration that defines the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area.
“Arkansas is home to some of the most incredible trails, vistas, lakes, and waterways in the country, and the Maumelle Pinnacles Project connects many of those areas together, making them more accessible for Arkansans and visitors alike,” said Governor Sanders. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Central Arkansas Water, and the many other partners that have made this project possible. Because of their hard work and love of the outdoors, the Natural State is one of the world’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation.”
“Little Rock is one of the most beautiful capital cities in the country, surrounded by rivers, lakes, forests and mountains,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of ADPHT. “The Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area recognizes that our greatest natural assets are worth both protecting and sharing. By connecting these remarkable places to one another and to downtown Little Rock, we are creating new opportunities for generations of Arkansans to experience the outdoors, develop a lifelong connection to nature and, in turn, become stewards of these special places.”
“Central Arkansas Water is proud to partner with so many great organizations to expand access to the outdoors while protecting Lake Maumelle, the primary drinking water source for 500,000 Arkansans,” said Blake Weindorf, COO of CAW. “The Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area demonstrates that thoughtful planning, conservation, and recreation can work hand in hand, creating opportunities for people to connect with nature while preserving one of Central Arkansas’s most important natural resources for future generations.”
New concessionaires expand visitor services and community programming
In addition to the trail expansion, two new concessionaires will offer new experiences for visitors at Pinnacle Mountain State Park:
Point Remove will operate in the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center. They will provide food and beverage services as an extension of their established concepts in Morrilton and Russellville. Their offerings will include pizza by the slice, whole pizzas, salads, sodas, and locally brewed craft beer.
“We are genuinely excited to announce Point Remove Brewing Company’s partnership with Arkansas State Parks. We share a passion for the great outdoors and a deep commitment to seeing our local communities thrive,” said Lee Green, Point Remove. “Together, we’re excited to offer something distinctively Arkansan, bringing people together to toast to the places and spaces that make our state so special.”
Apple Seeds, an Arkansas-based nonprofit organization serving more than 21,000 students annually through hands-on garden and culinary education, will operate in the historic Butterfield House and barn at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. This concept will introduce hundreds of new young explorers to the park every year and expand recreation opportunities for a new generation. Their programs will include youth-focused nutrition and food education, community events and workshops.
“We’re excited to partner with state parks to advance our shared commitment to child health and outdoor education,” said Mary Thompson, Appleseeds Arkansas. “We look forward to building on this partnership to create meaningful opportunities that help children thrive and strengthen healthier communities across our state.”
