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Arkansas State Parks

There are 52 state parks in the great state of Arkansas. That's one for each weekend of the year so get out and enjoy them. Please visit www.arkansasstateparks.com for more detailed information of the parks and the services offered.

Pinnacle Mountain is the park I frequent the most. It's only a short drive from Little Rock and includes a number of trails. The Rock Quarry Trail, The Base Trail, and The East Summit or West Summit Trail. You can also park at the visitor's center and hike part of the Ouachita Trail over to the mountain. I call this a mix & match trail system. You can do a combination of all of them if you'd like. This is a great place for beginning hikers.

Petit Jean is just over an hour from Little Rock and is Arkansas' first state park. This is one of my favorite places to go even if it's for just a day. Besides the Mather Lodge and restaurant, there is much to do. The Seven Hollow's Trail, The Cedar Falls Trail, and The Bear Caves are just a few. When I really want to get some miles in the B.S.A. Trail offers a good 12 miler. There is also a pool, lake, RV and tent campground. 

Woolly Hollow is a nice little state park near Greenbrier, Arkansas. It's about a 45 minute drive from the Little Rock area, and the trail system is great for beginner hikers. An RV and Tent campground is available as well as swimming and boating for a fee. The main trail, which is around 4 miles according to my GPS tracker is one of the best marked trails I've been on in the state. If you want a break from the crowds at Pinnacle, Woolly Hollow is the place! 

Lake Ouachita is located close to Hot Spings and is about 1.5 hours from Little Rock. The trailhead does recommend 3 hours to complete the 4 mile loop, although we did it in 2. There are RV and Tent sites available, swimming beach, visitor's center, and a marina. There are some remants of the orginal resort from the 1800's inlcuding 3 Sisters' Springs. Be sure to take water with you on the trail! The water in the lake is not potable unless you treat or filter it. I would recommend taking a snack to eat at the overlook.  

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