The Coolest Visitor Center In Arkansas Has A Hiking Trail And An Emerald Quarry Where You Can Rent Paddle Boats
By Melanie Johnson|Updated on May 02, 2024(Originally published August 03, 2023)
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Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
It’s not often that you come across a visitor center in Arkansas where you could easily spend an entire day exploring all that it has to offer. But that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center in Little Rock. While most visitor centers provide basic informational materials for travelers and explorers, this visitor center is unlike any other. Featuring hiking trails, scenic overlooks, live animals, as well as a stunning emerald, green quarry with paddle boats, this visitor center is perfect for a day trip. In my humble opinion, this is by far, one of the coolest visitor centers in Arkansas. Are you ready to explore? Let’s go!
If you've been to Pinnacle Mountain State Park and you haven't explored the visitor center and surrounding area, then you are missing out.
Just off the parking lot, you'll find the 3-mile Rocky Valley Trail. It leads to scenic overlooks as well as to the most breathtaking emerald green quarry in Arkansas.
There is no swimming or fishing in the stunning oasis, but you can rent a paddle boat at the visitor's center, which would be a blast for the entire family.
The trail itself is very rewarding as it features lots of boulders and interesting sites along the way.
Once at the overlook, be prepared to be awestruck by the views of the Arkansas River and the valley below. There's no doubt that this stunning view is a sight to behold.
Between the hiking trails, the scenic overlooks, live animals, as well as the breathtaking emerald quarry, you'll agree that Pinnacle Mountain has the best visitor center in Arkansas. And if you ask me, it's perfect for a day trip with your family.
Have you ever been to the Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center in Little Rock? If so, did you hike to the beautiful emerald-green quarry or to one of the scenic overlooks? Share your experience in the comments below.
The visitor center isn’t the only cool thing in the area. I recommend exploring the hiking trails inside Pinnacle Mountain State Park. And before you venture on your hike, be sure to download the AllTrails+ app for access to offline maps and more.
