The Pinnacle Mountain Trail is located 12 miles west of Little Rock on Highway 10.  It has become a benchmark of sorts for me over the past few years.   I used it to loosely gauge my fitness level.  Struggling up the mountain or flying up easily told a lot about how I was doing.

Arriving at the top of Pinnacle Mountain with the Arkansas River in the distance.

Monday, April 15, I hiked it on the warmest day so far this spring, making occasional stops to take in the view… and the breeze.

As always, there were a number of other walkers on this trail.  I always carry an extra bottle of water and usually come give it to someone who underestimates the need for water and the difficulty of the climb.  Today I picked up four empty water bottles left by other hikers along the trail.  Ah, the joys of walking among thoughtless and inconsiderate hikers!

Rockslide on Pinnacle Mountain and view of Lake Maumelle.

When I arrived at the top grumbling under my breath about litterbugs and my eyes stinging from sweat, I heard pleasant string music.  What I found was a group of young people taking in the view and making some nice music on guitars and mandolin.  They gave a friendly nod and never missed a beat.  These are the types of young hikers you like to see on the trail.  They were taking care of the trail while enjoying it unobtrusively.

Pinnacle Mountain musicians

The music, the breeze, and the view!   Found myself wishing I could sit for a couple of hours but it was time to step down the trail and begin the drive home.  Looking forward to my next benchmark test on Pinnacle Mountain!