The Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area is located in western Little Rock and stretches into western Pulaski County. With rich natural landscape ripe for both conservation and recreation, the area is easily accessible to a large metropolitan region. The plan provided specific strategies for bringing nature into urbanized areas in Little Rock’s jurisdiction, as well as enhancing conservation and recreation opportunities to draw diverse visitors from urbanized areas into the natural realm. In Phase 2 of the project our team is providing detailed wayfinding considerations to orient users on foot, bike, or watercraft to the many exciting destinations in the area.

We were commissioned for a multi-year contract to envision, plan, design and provide construction administration for outdoor recreation amenities and connectivity within the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area, a 55,000-acre study area encompassing parks and natural areas from Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock westward to Lake Maumelle and onward to Lake Sylvia in Perry County. The project, currently in progress, leverages a multi-agency partnership of state, local, and non-profit organizations to garner public input, assess recreation gaps, and outlay projects that will connect and enhance a wide variety of recreation experiences throughout the project area. Walking, hiking, biking, paddling, boating, hunting, fishing, birding, rock climbing, and gathering are among the recreation types offered within the area and planned for expansion and enhancement. In 2026, Central Arkansas Water opened 15 miles of soft surface trails connecting the Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center to WestRock Marina.

Project partners include the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Central Arkansas Water, The Nature Conservancy, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, Pulaski County, City of Little Rock, and Metroplan.