Outdoor Adventure Meetup

PETIT JEAN STATE PARK
1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road
Morrilton, AR 72110

We will meet at the Bass Pro Pyramid north parking lot off Front Street (the smaller parking lot close to auto bridge over to Mud Island) at 8:45 am for those who would like to carpool. We will leave at 9:00 am. Text if you can’t find us: 901-485-8270.

About this park:
Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas classic, a natural and historic treasure that has welcomed travelers for decades. The natural beauty and ancient geology of the legendary Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’ first state park and with it our state park system. The park, which is located in Morrilton, AR, mirrors the mountain’s rugged beauty with its rustic-style, native log and stone facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) beginning in 1933. The CCC built trails, roads, bridges, cabins, and the focal point of the park, historic Mather Lodge.

Arkansas State Parks list:
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks

Planned Hike:
There are over 20 miles of hiking trails to take on at the park. Hiking trails lead through forests and meadows, canyons, and along streams and the mountainside. See where nature formed sheer bluffs, the spectacular 91-foot Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows, and such distinctive features as Bear Cave, the Grotto, Natural Bridge, and other formations like carpet rocks and turtle rocks.

We will be doing the short boardwalk trail to the falls overlook when we arrive at the park, but please also choose a 2nd trail when you RSVP.

BEAR CAVE TRAIL
CEDAR FALLS TRAIL (National Recreation Trail)
ROCK HOUSE CAVE TRAIL
SEVEN HOLLOWS TRAIL

Food: Mather Lodge Restaurant
For those who would like to join us for a meal, we are planning on eating at the historic Mather Lodge restaurant.

PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
9600 Highway 300
Roland, AR 72135

We will meet at the Bass Pro Pyramid north parking lot off Front Street (the smaller parking lot close to auto bridge over to Mud Island) at 8:45 am for those who would like to carpool. We will leave at 9:00 am. Text if you can’t find us: 901-485-8270.

About this park:
Just west of Arkansas’ capital city of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain stands as the centerpiece of this geographically diverse state park. This day-use park offers a variety of outdoor adventures on the Maumelle and Little Maumelle Rivers, in the Arkansas Arboretum, and along over 33 miles of trails including 18.95 miles of challenging mountain bike trails. Hike to the top, explore the rivers or take in one of the many interpretive programs offered by park staff. Visit the park visitor center, enjoy a picnic, or reserve a pavilion for a larger gathering.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park is also certified as a Trails of Tears National Historic Site. The mountain witnessed the hardships faced by the removal parties of the Cherokees, as well as, Choctaws, Creeks, Seminoles, and Chickasaws.

Arkansas State Parks list:
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks

Planned Hike: WEST SUMMIT TRAIL
This rocky trail begins at the park picnic grounds and winds its way to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. From the top is a spectacular view of Lake Maumelle, the Arkansas River Valley, the Ouachita Mountains and west Little Rock. This is truly a breathtaking view. To return, you must retrace your steps or hike down the rugged East Summit Trail and return via the base trail for a total hike of 2 1/2 miles

Note: the East Summit Trail is considered the most difficult climb in Arkansas. I would not recommend it to first timers.

Food: Lost Forty Brewing
For those who would like to join us for a meal, we are planning on eating at Lost Forty Brewing.

Directions to Lost 40 Brewing

NOTE: We have dates now, and we will be co-oping with Midsouth Meetup Group.

Please go ahead and sign up on that group, so Joe will have a good idea of who is coming:
https://www.meetup.com/midsouthmeetup/events/315398054/

The RSVP will now be closed on this listing, please RSVP in MidSouth Meetup instead.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED to participate in the races — Register HERE !

Come Run With Us, November 14th, through beautiful Hot Springs National Park! The Spa Running Festival is an event for everyone ... kids, walkers, beginners to elite runners and those that like a challenge!

The Squirt Race is for kids 2-10 years of age.

The 5K is a fast and flat course for both walkers and runners!

The 10K, now celebrating its 45th year, and runners enjoy the beauty of running West Mountain.

This will be the 11th running of the Summit2Summit Half Marathon. Do you like a challenge — well you get it here — the course takes you through the scenic National Park going summit to summit on Hot Springs Mountain/North Mountain AND West Mountain!

Note: All half marathon participants must maintain an 18:18 per mile pace to complete the race within the 4-hour time limit. In addition, there will be an intermediate cutoff at the West Mountain aid station (mile 8.65). Runners must arrive by 9:45 AM to continue on to the West Mountain Summit.
Participants who do not reach this checkpoint by the cutoff time will bypass the 2.4-mile summit section and continue on the remainder of the course.