A major new effort aimed at expanding outdoor recreation in central Arkansas is officially underway.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the Maumelle Pinnacles Master Plan, a long-term vision designed to increase access to outdoor spaces while preserving one of the region’s most vital natural resources.
Spanning more than 24,000 acres from downtown Little Rock to Lake Maumelle and beyond, the project is a key part of the Governor’s Natural State Initiative. The plan focuses on growing Arkansas’ outdoor economy, improving the quality of life and strengthening its reputation as a top destination for outdoor recreation.
“The Maumelle Pinnacles project builds on what makes Arkansas special,” said Gov. Sanders. “We are expanding access to the outdoors, supporting our growing outdoor economy, and making it easier for more Arkansans to experience the Natural State.”
At the heart of the plan is a connected network of trails and outdoor experiences linking Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Rattlesnake Ridge, Blue Mountain, Lake Maumelle and surrounding conservation lands. The goal is to create seamless access points for hikers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts while protecting sensitive areas like the Lake Maumelle watershed, a critical source of drinking water for central Arkansas.
Gravel Route(s) Opportunities
The initiative brings together a wide range of partners, including the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Central Arkansas Water and The Nature Conservancy.
“This is a prime example of how public-private partnerships can deliver meaningful results for Arkansans,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “We are creating new opportunities for people to get outside and connect with The Natural State while ensuring these landscapes are protected for future generations.”
With central Arkansas continuing to grow, state leaders say the plan will help ensure that conservation and recreation remain priorities for both residents and visitors. Work is already in progress, with new trail development and connectivity projects moving forward across the region.
Feature Photo Credit: iStock
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