Events at Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Start off your New Year’s resolutions right with a chance to give back to your favorite state park by volunteering some time to minor trail maintenance on Saturday, January 2. There will be projects for every skill level and age! Come meet and have a chance to chat with other people that love Pinnacle Mountain State Park enough to volunteer their time, and get yourself and your family involved in the community. January will also feature the always popular Bald Eagle with two weekends of eagle lake cruises, special interpretive programs in the park, and two chances to hear Rodney Paul, an experienced raptor rehabilitator, who brings his birds every year so that you can have a chance to see them up close and personal. If you’re considering joining us for an eagle cruise, we’d love to see you! Please keep in mind before you register that we will not give refunds for “cold”…we recommend wearing as many clothes as you can fit on your body! I personally wear 2 pairs of socks (1 wool, 1 thermal wool), 3 pairs of pants (1 of which is a pair of water resistant coveralls), 4-5 shirts, a water resistant coat, a scarf, gloves, and a hat or band that covers my ears. All this and I still sometimes get chilly!
Our program schedule also includes cold weather favorites such as a Dutch oven workshop, many guided hiking opportunities, and simple crafts and games that you can learn and then use at home. Our visitor center is open 7 days a week from 8 – 5 p.m. and features exhibits on Pinnacle Mountain State Park history, geology, plants and animals, several scenic overlooks, a gift shop, and live reptiles that you can see up close. Stop by and say “Hi!” this winter…we’d love to see you!
To discover the latest programs and more park information go to www.ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.
Wednesday, January 6
9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Critter Creations
Park Interpreter Susan will be around the picnic area making fun and easy animal crafts; join her to make one of your own to take home. Perfect for the whole family! Meeting place: Picnic Area Admission: Free
10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Interpreter On The Run!
Brave the mountain and search for Park Interpreter Susan somewhere on the West Summit Trail to learn about slithery, scaly animals that can be found on Pinnacle Mountain. Please be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water. Meeting place: West Summit Trail Admission: Free
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday Walk-About
Join a park interpreter on an adventure through forest and field as we go off-trail and explore some of our favorite secluded spots. Wear sturdy shoes and natural colors of the forest for best results. Binoculars are welcome. Contact the park for meeting place. Admission: Free
Saturday, January 9
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Eagle Lake Tour
Join Pinnacle Mountain State Park interpreters for a cruise on Lake Maumelle to seek wintering bald eagles. We often see several eagles and migratory waterfowl. Dress in layers for extreme cold and windy lake weather. Advance payment required. Meeting place: Jolly Roger's Marina
Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 6-12
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
GPS Challenge
Test your park knowledge and your land navigating skills with this GPS challenge. Meet Park Interpreter Kristina at the visitor center to begin. Make sure to bring our own GPS unit, hiking shoes, and be prepared to travel to all areas of the park. You might even want to stop at a few geocaches while you are out on the hunt! Meeting place: Visitor Center Admission: Free
Sunday, January 10
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Eagle Lake Tour
Join Pinnacle Mountain State Park interpreters for a cruise on Lake Maumelle to seek wintering bald eagles. We often see several eagles and migratory waterfowl. Dress in layers for extreme cold and windy lake weather. Advance payment required. Meeting place: Jolly Roger's Marina
Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 6-12
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Rocky Valley Ramble
Join Park Interpreter Kristina on this 2-mile guided hike on the Rocky Valley Trail. Explore the park's diversity from the upland ridges to the lowland forest. Wear hiking footwear and bring water.
Meeting place: Rocky Valley Trailhead Admission: Free
Wednesday, January 13
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday Walk-About
Join a park interpreter on an adventure through forest and field as we go off-trail and explore some of our favorite secluded spots. Wear sturdy shoes and natural colors of the forest for best results. Binoculars are welcome. Contact the park for meeting place. Admission: Free
