Events at Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Many shaded hikes, evening lake cruises, water activities, and other evening beckon all ages to experience the fun of summer. Several opportunities are available for star gazing including star gazing cruises on nearby Lake Maumelle.

As always the diverse habitats of the 3 square miles of Pinnacle Mountain State Park offer a multitude of opportunities to discover the natural world. From 7 peaks to three rivers, our programs and special events give visitors the chance to discover them all.

All programs are FREE unless otherwise stated.

To discover new programs and more park information go to www.ArkansasStateParks.com/pinnaclemountain. For photos, media kits and more go to http://www.arkansasmediaroom.com/.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park. :much more than a mountain!

Wed. 22 Home School Days: Beautiful Batik Bugs! 2:00 4:00 pm Pinnacle Pavilion

Batik is an Indonesian way of making art from wax, dye and cloth. The wax stops the dye from coloring the fabric leaving behind a beautiful design or pattern. Come on out and learn to batik as we use the wonderful collection of flying bugs at Pinnacle State Park as inspiration.

Wed. 22 Froggin' Around 5:00 6:00 pm Picnic Area

Help form a frog symphony with Park Interpreter Susan! We will learn what the frogs of Arkansas look like and some of the unique sounds they make, then imitate their calls to hear what a summer night full of frog calls sounds like.

Wed. 22 Stuckey Stargazing 8:30 10:30 pm Stuckey Field

This week in July is going to be perfect for stargazing! Join Park Interpreter Susan in Stuckey Field for an orientation program about stargazing including constellations, stars, planets, and satellites, then lay back and watch the night unfold. Bring bug spray as well as blankets or lawn chairs!

Thurs. 23 Black Night Kayak Float 8:00 11:00 pm Big Maumelle Boat Launch

Join Park Interpreter Kristina on a moonless night through the flat waters of the Big Maumelle River. We'll spend time star gazing, listening to the local amphibians, and watching bats. Make sure to bring a light! Space is very limited and advance payment is required. Age 10 and up. Height and weight restrictions may apply please call ahead! Fee: $35 per kayak.

Fri. 24 Arboretum Stroll 9:00 10:00 am Arkansas Arboretum

Park Interpreter Kristina will be taking a shady stroll around the Arkansas Arboretum, and she is inviting you all to join her! The trail is a ¾ mile paved, barrier free walking trail and is great for the whole family. Make sure to bring water.

Sat. 25 Star Party 9:00 11:00 pm Visitor Center

Join amateur astronomers at the visitor center for an evening with the stars and other celestial phenomena. As twilight settles in, the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society provides telescopes for viewing objects in the night sky. If cloudy skies prevent observation with telescopes, an indoor program on astronomy is available at 9 p.m.

Sun. 26 Lizard Looking 9:00 10:00 am Kingfisher Trailhead

Come along for a guided hike along the Kingfisher Trail in search of lizards with Park Interpreter James. Take a look at some reptiles, learn some of their habits, and discover what kind of lizard you might find in your own backyard.

Sun. 26 River's Edge Hike 10:00 11:00 am Picnic Area Boat Launch

Walk with Park Interpreter James along the edge of the Little Maumelle to search for interesting plants, wildlife, and other natural things in the coolest part of the forest. Long pants are recommended.

Sun. 26 Evening Fishing Float 6:00 11:00 pm Big Maumelle Boat Launch

Fishermen ready your poles! Join an interpreter to learn how lures imitate life, then create your own lure to try out while canoeing down the river. Intermediate canoe skills recommended. Participants age 16 and up must have a valid Arkansas fishing license. Limited space is available advance payment and registration is required. Fee: $45 per canoe.

Wed. 29 Home School Days: Wacky Winged Weathervanes 2 4 pm Pinnacle Pavilion

A weathervane is an artful instrument used to show which direction the wind is blowing. Join us for this project using fun materials like clay and copper foil to create a craft inspired by birds that can be found in our very own Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Fee: $2 per weathervane.

Wed. 29 Night Hike 8:00 9:30 pm Rocky Valley Trailhead

There are lots of different creatures roaming the park at night. Join Park Interpreter Kristina to explore all the animals that come out after dark and maybe even see our only flying mammal! Bring a flashlight if you can.

Thurs. 30 Natural Fireworks 8:30 10:00 pm Arkansas Arboretum

The Arkansas Arboretum can look like a beautiful fireworks display late at night. The glowing lights are not coming from actual fire, but a small beetle. Join Park Interpreter Kristina for a stroll along the ¾ mile paved trail to get a glance at this natural light display, then stick around for a fun firefly craft.

Fri. 31 Creatures of the Night Kayak Float 7:00 9:30 pm Big Maumelle Boat Launch

Head out on a kayak with Park Interpreter Susan to hunt for the nocturnal critters of Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Space is very limited and advance payment is required. Age 10 and up. Height and weight restrictions may apply please call ahead! Fee: $35 per kayak.