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Hiking
The natural beauty of the mountain and a close up view of the flowers and wildlife beckon you to the four trails in this park. Whether its history from a century ago or the newest blossoms of spring flowers, each trail brings new sights and sounds. The Spring Trail will take you on an adventure though the woodlands below the Wonder House, built in 1931. The Reservoir Trail falls swiftly to the old stone reservoir. One of the few reminders of the 1898 lodge that once reigned on the mountain. The Lover's Leap trail winds through the woods to an overlook on the south face of the mountain. A place where an Indian maiden once took her own life- or so legends say. The Ouachita Trail meanders through the park, beginning to the west of the park near Talihina, Oklahoma and ending near Pinnacle Mountain, south of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Lovers' Leap Trail
- LENGTH: 1.3 miles
- TIME: 3/4 hour
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- BROCHURE: Available at lodge.
- DESCRIPTION: Rich Mountain offers superlative views of the Ouachita Mountains. This windblown mountaintop often looks like the high reaches of the Smoky Mountains, with heavy fog and stunted, contorted hardwood trees. The attraction of this loop trail is an overlook on a high rock bluff with a sweeping view of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest.
Ouachita Trail
- LENGTH: 225 miles
- TIME: Varies with weather, physical ability, total hiking distance, specific distance, etc.
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- BROCHURE: From the east, the first 32 miles of the Ouachita Trail (OT) are managed by Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Hikers are encouraged to leave emergency information with park staff. Trail guides and a map of this section are available at the visitor center, or you can write to: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd., Roland, AR 72135. PHONE: (501) 868-5806. Call for price of map. The next 193 miles of the trail are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Ouachita National Forest. A map of this section is available from the Forest Service by writing to the Forest Supervisor at the Hot Springs address, call for price of map. This map indicates trailhead access points, topographic contours, streams, campgrounds, etc. The last 31 miles of the trail extend into Oklahoma. Detailed guides can be purchased at area bookstores and sporting goods stores.
- DESCRIPTION: The OT is an east-west corridor which extends from Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock to Talimena State Park near Talihina, Oklahoma. This mountain trail offers the hiker a wide range of opportunities from scenic vistas, upland hardwood and pine forests to clear streams, high ridges and wide valleys.
Reservoir Trail
- LENGTH: 2/3 mile round trip
- TIME: 3/4 hour
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- DESCRIPTION: This trail begins south of the lodge at the stairs, and continues 1/3 of a mile down the hill to a stone reservoir. The reservoir was part of the water system for the 1898 hotel. Just up the hill from the reservoir is an excellent spring that was said to have curative powers.
Spring Trail
- LENGTH: 1/2 mile one way
- TIME: 20 minutes
- DIFFICULTY: Easy
- DESCRIPTION: Beginning behind the stage at the amphitheater, you’ll walk west 100 yards to the spring. This was a favorite gathering place for early settlers and is still a great oasis of relaxation and reflection. The trail continues past the spring for about ˝ mile and come out on State Hwy. 88 across from the west end of the campground. You may return by the same trail, or cross the road to the park.
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