Outdoor recreation in Arkansas continues to grow, but the trails, parks, and green spaces people enjoy every weekend do not maintain themselves. Behind many of the state’s best outdoor destinations are volunteers who spend countless hours clearing brush, repairing trails, building new connections, and helping keep public lands accessible for everyone.
Two upcoming volunteer events in Central Arkansas highlight how local organizations, agencies, and everyday outdoor enthusiasts are working together to improve trails and strengthen the outdoor community.
Help Complete the Maumelle Pinnacles Connector Trail
On Saturday, June 6, Central Arkansas Water and several partner organizations will host a volunteer workday for the new Maumelle Pinnacles Connector Trail.
The developing 13.5-mile trail system will connect WestRock Landing to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, while also linking to Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain Natural Areas. Once completed, the trail network will provide expanded recreation opportunities and create stronger connections between some of Central Arkansas’s most popular outdoor destinations.
Volunteers will work alongside staff and partners from Affordable Trail Solutions, The Nature Conservancy, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Arkansas Department of Transportation, Arkansas State Parks, and the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation.
The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to noon, with lunch provided afterward at WestRock Landing Marina.
Participants are encouraged to bring:
- A refillable water bottle
- Gloves
- Loppers, pruners, or hand saws if available
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
The group will meet at WestRock Landing Marina, located at 11800 Maumelle Harbor Road in Roland.
Organizers have designated Saturday, June 13, as a backup date in case of bad weather.
Burns Park Trail Work Party Scheduled for May 30
The Central Arkansas Trail Alliance, commonly known as CATA, will also host a trail work party at Burns Park on Saturday, May 30.
Volunteers will focus on grass and weed clearing along the Green Loop trail system. The workday runs from 8:00 a.m. until noon, with participants meeting near the Shelby Smith Pavilion parking lot.
Like many trail organizations across Arkansas, CATA depends heavily on volunteers to help maintain trails that see regular use from hikers, runners, and mountain bikers throughout the year.
Organizers are asking volunteers to bring:
- A refillable water bottle
- Gloves
- Loppers, pruners, or hand saws if available
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Clothing appropriate for the weather
Coffee and donuts will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring their bikes for a ride after the work is complete.
Why Volunteer Trail Work Matters
Trail systems do more than provide recreation. They support tourism, improve quality of life, encourage healthier communities, and help connect people to Arkansas’s natural beauty.
Volunteer trail days also provide a way for outdoor enthusiasts to directly contribute to the places they use most often. Whether clearing overgrown sections, helping build new trail corridors, or simply showing up to lend a hand, volunteer efforts often save organizations and public agencies thousands of dollars in maintenance costs.
For many volunteers, trail work days also become social events where people meet fellow hikers, cyclists, paddlers, and runners who share a passion for Arkansas outdoors.
As Arkansas continues investing in outdoor recreation infrastructure, volunteer support remains a critical part of keeping trails sustainable and enjoyable for future generations.
Those interested in participating in either event are encouraged to RSVP with the organizing groups ahead of time.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
