The new Owl Pass Trail connects key destinations inside the park and welcomes visitors of all abilities.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to get outside this weekend, Pinnacle Mountain State Park just handed you one. Arkansas State Parks has officially opened the Owl Pass Trail, a brand-new paved multi-use path that makes one of Central Arkansas’s most beloved parks even more accessible and connected.
Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner, a cyclist, a wheelchair user, or someone who just wants a smooth, scenic walk without worrying about roots and rocks, this trail was built with you in mind.
What Is the Owl Pass Trail?
The Owl Pass Trail is an approximately one-mile paved trail at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, just west of Little Rock. It’s designed for walkers, runners, cyclists, and users of track chairs, wheelchairs, and mobile scooters. The trail begins along the scenic Little Maumelle River and winds through the natural landscape, offering a relaxed, enjoyable route through one of the prettiest corners of Central Arkansas.
It’s not just a standalone path, either. The Owl Pass Trail functions as a connector within the park’s growing trail network, linking the West Summit Day-Use Area to the Arkansas Arboretum. That means more options, more loops, and more ways to explore the park in a single visit.
Where Can You Access It?
You can hop onto the Owl Pass Trail from several points around the park:
- The Monument Trails via the Lichen Link
- The paved sidewalk starting at the visitor center, which connects to the West Summit Day-Use Area
- West Summit Parking Lot
- Arkansas Arboretum Trail Parking Lot
That kind of flexibility makes it easy to fold the Owl Pass Trail into whatever kind of outing you’re already planning, whether you’re hitting the summit trails, exploring the Arboretum, or just starting fresh from the parking lot.
Why It Matters
This trail is part of the larger Maumelle Pinnacles master plan, a long-range vision for improving connectivity and outdoor access across Central Arkansas. The goal is an interconnected outdoor experience that stretches from downtown Little Rock all the way to Pinnacle Mountain.
“This new trail reflects our continued commitment to ensuring Arkansas State Parks are welcoming and enjoyable for everyone,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “By expanding access to outdoor recreation, we are creating opportunities for all visitors to experience the natural beauty and health benefits of our state parks. This investment also supports the broader Maumelle Pinnacles master plan, which is focused on improving connectivity and creating a seamless outdoor experience from downtown Little Rock to Pinnacle Mountain and beyond.”
Make It a Spring Weekend Trip
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is an easy drive from Little Rock, and the new Owl Pass Trail gives you one more reason to make a day of it. Pack a picnic, bring the kids or the dog, and plan a loop that takes you from the visitor center down to the river and over to the Arboretum. Spring wildflowers, mild temperatures, and now a smooth new paved path? That’s about as good as an Arkansas weekend gets.
For more information, visit ArkansasStateParks.com.
