Pinnacle Mountain Run Tour
Trail Running Route
Easy
3.34 mi
280 ft
A scenic, rocky trail run circling the base of Pinnacle Mountain.
This trail run around Pinnacle Mountain State Park pairs two of its classic loops, the Base Trail and Kingfisher Trail. While summiting Pinnacle via the [western approach]( may be popular among hikers, trail runners will likely enjoy this more *runnable* route through the park that doesn't involve scrambling or a massive climb. The Kingfisher Loop on the south side of the parking area offers a nice warm-up on soft blacktop, then the Base Trail makes its way around the mountain to complete a loop that's right at 5k.
For anyone in search of a steeper climb, you can split the Base Trail and climb up the East or West Summit Trails, then descend the other. The western is more approachable and slightly easier to hike, while the eastern approach requires a bit of scrambling. If techy terrain if your jam, consider adding that into your loop. By itself, the base loop climbs a moderate ~280' and offers a more relaxing tour of the Pinnacle Mountain SP through moderately-rocky terrain, lush forests, and maybe even some wildlife as you circumnavigate the second highest peak in the county.
The primary trailhead for this run begins at the west summit parking area, though you could also begin at the eastern trailhead. From the west, full-service restrooms are available, and drinking water stations were placed for people, as well as their 4-legged friends. Runners can also enjoy the loop with their dogs, as long as they are well-behaved and leashed at all times.
For some added miles, consider following the Ouachita Trail north around Lake Maumelle for an out-and-back mileage of your choosing. Just be sure to save enough energy for the return trip since the trail leads all the west as far as Oklahoma.
[Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
This trail run around Pinnacle Mountain State Park pairs two of its classic loops, the Base Trail and Kingfisher Trail. While summiting Pinnacle via the [western approach]( may be popular among hikers, trail runners will likely enjoy this more *runnable* route through the park that doesn't involve scrambling or a massive climb. The Kingfisher Loop on the south side of the parking area offers a nice warm-up on soft blacktop, then the Base Trail makes its way around the mountain to complete a loop that's right at 5k.
For anyone in search of a steeper climb, you can split the Base Trail and climb up the East or West Summit Trails, then descend the other. The western is more approachable and slightly easier to hike, while the eastern approach requires a bit of scrambling. If techy terrain if your jam, consider adding that into your loop. By itself, the base loop climbs a moderate ~280' and offers a more relaxing tour of the Pinnacle Mountain SP through moderately-rocky terrain, lush forests, and maybe even some wildlife as you circumnavigate the second highest peak in the county.
The primary trailhead for this run begins at the west summit parking area, though you could also begin at the eastern trailhead. From the west, full-service restrooms are available, and drinking water stations were placed for people, as well as their 4-legged friends. Runners can also enjoy the loop with their dogs, as long as they are well-behaved and leashed at all times.
For some added miles, consider following the Ouachita Trail north around Lake Maumelle for an out-and-back mileage of your choosing. Just be sure to save enough energy for the return trip since the trail leads all the west as far as Oklahoma.
[Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingfisher Loop | 0.55 mi | -16 ft | -0.0% |
| Base Trail from West Side | 2.61 mi | 125 ft | 0.0% |
| Pinnacle Base Trail - south half | 1.27 mi | 108 ft | 0.1% |
| Base Trail - East to West - Counter Clockwise | 1.43 mi | -112 ft | -0.0% |