Pinnacle Mountain Summit Trail Loop

View from Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail

About a week ago, my son and I climbed up to the top of Pinnacle Mountain (at Pinnacle Mountain State Park), near Little Rock. I had been thinking that it shouldn’t be too difficult of a hike compared to some of the other hikes I had done this past year (such as climbing Winding Stair Mountain or climbing Rich Mountain).

But the Pinnacle Mountain East Summit Trail is pretty unique.

Approximate Elevation Profile Based on GPS Data

Interactive Pinnacle Mountain Summit Trail GPX Map

Click here to download gpx file.

Boulder area of the East Summit Trail (Pinnacle Mountain)

The hike we did is a loop – first climbing up the East Summit Trail to the top, then taking the West Summit Trail down the other side, and then turning right and following the Base Trail back to the beginning.

The first 4/10 mile or so of the East Summit Trail is a fairly normal uphill hike. Then it gets interesting. The rest of the way to the top (another 500 feet elevation increase) is almost entirely a boulder climb. If you have been hoping to get more upper body workout with your hiking, this is the trail for you.

View from top of Pinnacle Mountain

Tim Ernst says that the East Summit Trail is the steepest trail in Arkansas. I don’t doubt him. For an Arkansas trail, it is very steep.

Not surprisingly, the views from the top (and near the top) are stunning.

Stone Steps on West Summit Trail (Pinnacle Mountain)

If you just want the easiest climb to the top and back down, the West Summit Trail is the way to go.  The West Summit Trail is not quite as steep, and at the higher elevations, it primarily has stone steps rather than boulders to climb.

Lower Section of West Summit Trail (Pinnacle Mountain)

On the day of our hike, I was impressed with how many people there were on the trail. We probably saw 50 people climbing the mountain that day. There were even families with kids and people who brought their (leashed) dogs.

The complete loop we took is about 2.6 miles. There is parking at the East Summit Trailhead (where we started) and at the West Summit Trailhead as well.

Base Trail on North Side of Pinnacle Mountain

The climb to the top of the mountain is quite difficult, but my (15-year-old) son and I thoroughly enjoyed the hike.

As usual, I have posted some of my photos and a gpx map made from my gps data.

[Graph updated: 2011-05-09]