Mountain biking and hiking opportunities continue to grow west of Little Rock, with Central Arkansas Water (CAW) approving a new 13.5-mile trail expansion on the south side of Lake Maumelle. The decision, made at the CAW Board of Commissioners meeting in mid-August, marks another step forward in the Maumelle Pinnacles Project an ambitious plan to connect and expand outdoor recreation opportunities across the lake’s watershed.
A Broader Vision: The Maumelle Pinnacles Project
Launched in 2022, the Maumelle Pinnacles Project is a collaborative effort between CAW, the City of Little Rock, and several conservation and outdoor partners to balance recreation with protection of one of Central Arkansas’s most important drinking water sources. The initiative envisions a network of trails, overlooks, and natural spaces tying together Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Rattlesnake Ridge, Blue Mountain, and other protected lands.
“We are excited about the progress of the Maumelle Pinnacles project as construction is set to begin on a 13-mile trail on Central Arkansas Water property,” said Becky Flynn, Deputy Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. “By linking Pinnacle Mountain State Park with Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain, we’re expanding access to some of Central Arkansas’ most stunning landscapes while keeping conservation and watershed protection at the forefront. This next phase reflects the strong partnerships that make the Maumelle Pinnacles vision possible and showcases how recreation and natural resource stewardship can work hand in hand.”
According to the project’s master plan, future amenities will focus on both public access and watershed protection, with trails designed to highlight the rugged ridges and rolling forests that define the Lake Maumelle basin. The newly approved expansion is one of the first major steps in putting that vision on the ground.
Details of the New Trail Expansion
The 13.5-mile trail, slated for construction by Affordable Trail Solutions (ATS), will run westward from Pinnacle Mountain State Park across Highway 300, connecting to the Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain trail systems before finishing near the Lake Maumelle Marina. At that point, it will link directly to the existing Bufflehead Bay Trail.
Unlike some of the machine-built routes at Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain, the new trail will feature more hand-cut segments, offering a rugged, technical feel that appeals to advanced riders and hikers. The construction budget is set at $500,000, with volunteer support from groups such as the Ozark Society and Sierra Club expected to assist with final connections.
“This project is about creating access while keeping conservation at the forefront,” said Bryan Rupar, CAW’s Watershed Protection Manager, who presented the plan to the Board.
Connecting the Outdoors Around Lake Maumelle
When completed, the new route will complement a rich variety of trails already in place:
- Ouachita National Recreation Trail – traversing the full length of the north side of Lake Maumelle on its way to Oklahoma.
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park Monument Trails – award-winning mountain biking and hiking trails.
- Arkansas Arboretum to Visitor Center Multi-use Path – a paved trail connecting educational and recreational hubs inside the park.
- Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain Trails – popular mountain biking and hiking destinations west of Little Rock.
- Bufflehead Bay Trail – a shorter south-shore route near the marina.
Together, these trails are gradually forming a network that could one day circle the entire reservoir, offering outdoor enthusiasts everything from family-friendly walks to challenging backcountry adventures—all within minutes of the city.
What’s Next
With approval secured, CAW will move forward on contracting and coordinating with partner organizations. Trail construction is expected to roll out in phases, with progress updates and volunteer opportunities announced in the months ahead.
For hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, this expansion represents more than just new mileage. It’s part of a long-term effort to make Central Arkansas a destination where conservation and outdoor recreation go hand in hand.
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!
