Just west of Pinnacle Mountain State Park, down Barrett Road, just before the bridge over the Little Maumelle River, on the right, you’ll find Rattlesnake Ridge Natual Area. The property is managed by The Nature Conservancy partnered with the Arkansas Department of Natural Heritage. The terrain is similar to Pinnacle Mountain with beautiful views from the top of the ridge and rocky woodlands on the slopes. The property goes from the ridge south to Barrett Road, the other side of the ridge is owned by Central Arkansas Water. Mitchell Allen with The Nature Conservancy manages the property and is responsible for much of the trail construction including the incredible bridges. Affordable Trail Solutions was hired to construct the trails, the first machine built mountain bike trails in the Little Rock area. They are wonderful.
The trail is rated mainly intermediate to expert, if you’re looking for more of a beginner trail, check out Grilled at Boyle Park in midtown Little Rock. There are currently about 5 miles of trails with more on the way. There are many rock features, most with ride-arounds and some nice berms, jumps, and drops. It is a mountain bike playground where riders can work on skills.
The video below, shot by Nathan Proctor gives a nice overview of the trails, the parking lot is small and sharing rides to the trailhead is encouraged. Watch for hikers and climbers as the area has been a hidden magnet for rock climbing fans for decades and hikers are beginning to find the hike to the ridge a must-do in the area.
