By: Maryanne D. Stansbury

Park Interpreter, CIG

Saturday, September 1

10 a.m. - 1 p.m., EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANT WORKSHOP. Learn traditional uses for some common Arkansas plants during this workshop conducted by Mike Thennes, which will include both indoor and outdoor sessions. Space is limited. Advance reservations and payment required. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: $15 per person

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., SUNSET CANOE FLOAT

Join a relaxing journey as we gently paddle our way into a late summer sunset. Guided by a park interpreter, the float will be an excellent opportunity to explore the lowlands of Pinnacle Mountain State Park by canoe. See parts of the park that many people don’t get to see. No paddling experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable around water. Fee includes use of boats, paddles, and lifejackets.  Advance reservations and payment required. Meeting place: Big Maumelle Boat Launch. Admission: $35 per canoe

Sunday, September 2

8 a.m. - 10 a.m., LADIES HIKE. This ladies’ hike along the Rocky Valley Trail is led by Park Interpreter Maryanne. The Rocky Valley Trail is a gorgeous trail and one of the best kept secrets of Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The hike is 3-miles in length and moderately strenuous due to uneven terrain and moderate incline. Wear appropriate gear and shoes, plus bring water. The kids are always welcome if you feel they are ready for the challenge! Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., SNAKES, ALIENS OF PINNACLE MOUNTAIN OR NOT? So many people are afraid of snakes mainly because they are just so different. Join a park interpreter and let’s take a look at how Pinnacle Mountain State Park’s snakes are similar to our visitors, even though they are so different.

Meeting place: West Summit Trailhead. Admission: Free

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., LABOR DAY LAKE CRUISE. Take a break from your busy schedule and join us for a relaxing trip on Lake Maumelle. A park interpreter will be cruising the lake on the park’s pontoon to view the beautiful landscapes, historic structures, and the lake’s resident wildlife. Advance payment is required. Meeting place: Jolly Roger’s Marina. Admission: $12 adults, $6 children ages 6-12

3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., NATURE’S BODY ARMOR. Do you know what the armadillo, alligator, and turtle all have in common? See if you can figure it out as a park interpreter reveals a few creatures that have special bodies that help defend them. Meeting place: Playground. Admission: Free

Monday, September 3

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., LABOR DAY LAKE CRUISE. Take a break from your busy schedule and join us for a relaxing trip on Lake Maumelle. A park interpreter will be cruising the lake on the park’s pontoon to view the beautiful landscapes, historic structures, and the lake’s resident wildlife. Advance payment is required. Meeting place: Jolly Roger’s Marina. Admission: $12 adults, $6 children ages 6-12.

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.,BIG MAUMELLE KAYAK FLOAT. Paddle your way through Pinnacle’s majestic lowland river while viewing large cypress trees and a variety of wildlife. No prior paddling experience is required, but you should be comfortable around water. Wear shoes that can get wet. Advance payment is required. Meeting place: Big Maumelle Boat Launch. Admission: $35 per kayak

Wednesday, September 5

6 p.m. - 8 p.m., WILD WOMEN WEDNESDAY. Join Park Interpreter Maryanne for a two option hike: either up the West Summit trail or around the Base Trail of the mountain. One group is headed up the mountain, the West Summit, and for an easier trail option another group is going around the Base Trail. This gives the hiker two possibilities. Remember to dress for the weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Ladies hikes are offered every Wednesday through September 26th at 6 p.m. sharp at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, location varies week to week. Please check for location. Meeting place: West Summit Trailhead. Admission: Free

Thursday, September 6

10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., LITTLE WILD ONES. Join us every Thursday for a program suited for children ages 3-7, better known as “Our Little Wild Ones!”  These programs include story time, a craft activity, and some hands-on fun with a nature theme. The program is followed by animal feeding time at 11 a.m. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., CREATURE FEATURE. Join us every Thursday for a creature feature and feeding time of the animals on display in the visitor center. This fun for all ages experience allows you to learn about these beautiful creatures, and where they can be discovered in Arkansas. This program can be a complementary program to the Little Wild Ones early learning program that starts an hour earlier. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

Friday, September 7

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. FRIDAY HOME SCHOOL . Join a park interpreter for a home school class based on life and physical sciences. Topics change weekly; please call the park for specific class topics. Home school classes follow the same yearly schedule as public school classes. Please call (501) 868-5806 for any additional information.  Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

Saturday, September 8

9 a.m. - 2 p.m., BIG MAUMELLE CANOE FLOAT. Paddle your way through Pinnacle’s majestic lowland river while viewing large cypress trees and a variety of wildlife. No prior paddling experience is required, but you should be comfortable around water. Wear shoes that can get wet. Advance payment is required. Meeting place: Big Maumelle Boat Launch. Admission: $35 per canoe

11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., HIKING FOR NATURE. Join a park interpreter for a nature hike on the Kingfisher Trail. This nature adventure will be a great way to view active wildlife along the trail, as well as near the river. Meeting place: Kingfisher Trailhead. Admission: Free

3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., WHAT DO YOU SEE? Looking out from the overlook, what can you see? You might see song birds, Bald Eagles, plants, and other wildlife, the scene changes daily. A park interpreter will be discussing some of the nature seen from the overlook. Remember to bring binoculars or borrow ours. Meeting place: Overlook above the Visitor Center. Admission: Free

Sunday, September 9

9 a.m. - 10 a.m., COLOR HIKE. Fall is a beautiful time of the year and there is no better place to see the changing colors than at the Arboretum Trail at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.  Take a hike with a park interpreter as we explore the many changing colors of the park on this colorful 1/2-mile trail. Meeting place: Arboretum Trail Head. Admission: Free

3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m., I ATE A BUG. It is always good to know what you are eating!  Before you crunch your way into becoming an official member of the “I Ate a Bug” club, discover what makes an insect important, the importance of insects and some of the famous insects found in the park!  You may be surprised at some of the common everyday foods you find bugs in. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., OWL PROWL. Peek into the darkness and discover a world filled with owls. Join a park interpreter on a guided hike along the Arkansas Arboretum trail in search of these elusive nocturnal hunters. Advance payment is required. Meeting place: Arkansas Arboretum. Admission: $5 per person

Wednesday, September 12

6 p.m. - 8 p.m., WILD WOMEN WEDNESDAY. Join Park Interpreter Maryanne for a 2.5-mile hike on the Ouachita Trail (OT). The hike begins at the Ouachita trailhead by the visitor center, heads towards the East Summit trailhead and then doubles back to the starting OT trailhead. An additional hike around the Quarry Pond may be added on for an extra view. The degree is moderately to very strenuous due to uneven terrain and steep incline. Wear appropriate shoes and bring water. Ladies’ hikes are offered every Wednesday through September 26th at 6 p.m. sharp at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Location varies week to week; please check for location.  Starting October 3rd start time will move up to 3 p.m.

Meeting place: Visitor Center, Admission: Free

Thursday, September 13

10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., LITTLE WILD ONES. Join us every Thursday for a program suited for children ages 3-7, better known as “Our Little Wild Ones!”  These programs include story time, a craft activity, and some hands-on fun with a nature theme. The program is followed by animal feeding time at 11 a.m. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., CREATURE FEATURE. Join us every Thursday for a creature feature and feeding time of the animals on display in the visitor center. This fun for all ages experience allows you to learn about these beautiful creatures, and where they can be discovered in Arkansas. This program can be a complementary program to the Little Wild Ones early learning program that starts an hour earlier. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

Friday, September 14

1 p.m. - 3 p.m., FRIDAY HOME SCHOOL . Join a park interpreter for a home school class based on life and physical sciences. Topics change weekly; please call the park for specific class topics. Home school classes follow the same yearly schedule as public school classes. Please call (501) 868-5806 for any additional information. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

Saturday, September 15

8 a.m. - 11 a.m., LADIES HIKE. Ladies, do you want to learn more about the Ouachita Trail and Pinnacle Mountain but don’t want to hike alone? Join Park Interpreter Maryanne for a hike that is longer in length, with less vertical challenges. This scenic hike begins at the Ouachita Trailhead, travels down around the base of Pinnacle Mountain, and returns back to the trailhead. This moderately-strenuous hike is more of an endurance hike than the usual hikes up Pinnacle Mountain, around 4.5-miles. Dress accordingly for the weather and bring water and a snack. Ladies, bring the kids if you feel they are up for the challenge! Meeting place: Ouachita Trailhead. Admission: Free

2 p.m. - 5 p.m., WOODLAND WONDERS HIKE. September is a beautiful time of the year as the weather starts to cool down and fall colors begin to appear.  Take a hike with a park interpreter on the 1 1/2- mile Rocky Valley Trail as we explore this beautiful trail and see some of the wonders that fall has to offer.  Be sure to bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water as this trail is moderately strenuous. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

Sunday, September 16

9 a.m. - 12 p.m., GEOLOGY HIKE. Pinnacle Mountain State Park has so many unique geological formations from the monstrous Pinnacle Mountain to the swamps of the Big and Little Maumelle River.  One of the best places to see the unique geological formations at Pinnacle Mountain State Park has to be the Rocky Valley Trail.  Take a walk with a park interpreter on this beautiful 1 1/2- mile trail as we explore the many unique geological features of the trail before we head up to an old Quarry overlook.  This trail is moderately strenuous so bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., DO YOU SPEAK FROG? Take a walk in the evening at the environmental education pond or the Little or Big Maumelle Rivers at our park and you will hear the sounds of the many different frogs that can be found here.  Join Park Interpreter Richard at the playground today to see pictures and hear sounds of some of the many different types of frogs that can be found in Arkansas.  Afterwards, we will be trying our hand at sounding like frogs in our very own from chorus. Meeting Place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

6 p.m. - 9 p.m., SUNSET ON THE MOUNTAIN. A park interpreter will lead a hike up Pinnacle Mountain’s West Summit Trail for a special sunset viewing. This is a great hike for the whole family to get outdoors and active, while learning how to be safe hiking at dusk. Dress in layers for cool and windy temperatures at the summit. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Meeting place: West Summit Trailhead. Admission: Free

Wednesday, September 19

6 p.m. - 8 p.m., WILD WOMEN WEDNESDAY. Join Park Interpreter Maryanne for a two option hike: either up the East Summit Trail or around the Base Trail of Pinnacle Mountain. One group is headed up the toughest trail on the mountain, the East Summit, and for an easier trail option another group is going around the Base Trail. This gives the hiker two possibilities. Remember to dress for the weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Ladies’ hikes are offered every Wednesday through September 26th at 6 p.m. sharp at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Location varies week to week. Please check for location. Meeting place: East Summit Trailhead. Admission: Free

Thursday, September 20

10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., LITTLE WILD ONES. Join us every Thursday for a program suited for children ages 3-7, better known as “Our Little Wild Ones!”  These programs include story time, a craft activity, and some hands-on fun with a nature theme. The program is followed by animal feeding time at 11 a.m. Meeting place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free

11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. CREATURE FEATURE. Join us every Thursday for a creature feature and feeding time of the animals on display in the visitor center. This fun for all ages experience allows you to learn about these beautiful creatures, and where they can be discovered in Arkansas. This program can be a complementary program to the Little Wild Ones early learning program that starts an hour earlier.

Meeting place: Visitor Center

Admission: Free

Friday, September 21

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

FRIDAY HOME SCHOOL

Join a park interpreter for a home school class based on life and physical sciences. Topics change weekly; please call the park for specific class topics. Home school classes follow the same yearly schedule as public school classes. Please call (501) 868-5806 for any additional information.

Meeting place: Visitor Center

Admission: Free

Saturday, September 22

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

GREAT ARKANSAS CLEANUP

Celebrate the beauty of the Natural State by joining volunteers all over Arkansas in cleaning up our green spaces. Place your mark at Pinnacle Mountain State Park by helping to beautify the first park in Arkansas dedicated to environmental education. Contact the volunteer coordinator at the park for more information.

Meeting place: Visitor Center

Admission: Free

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

BIRDS OF PREY

Join us for a very special program by Mr. Rodney Paul, licensed bird of prey rehabilitator, presented in the Pinnacle Mountain State Park visitor center conference room.  Several live birds will be shown such as hawks and owls. Mr. Paul discusses how injured birds are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. The program is free; however, admission is limited to the first 50 guests.

Meeting place: Visitor Center

Admission: Free

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

BIRDS OF PREY

Join us for a very special program by Mr. Rodney Paul, licensed bird of prey rehabilitator, visitor center conference room. Several live birds are shown, such as live hawks and owls. Mr. Paul discusses how injured birds are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. The program is free; however, admission is limited to the first 50 guests.

Meeting place: Visitor Center

Admission: Free

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

OWL PROWL

Peek into the darkness and discover a world filled with owls. Join a park interpreter on a guided hike along the Kingfisher Trail in search of these elusive nocturnal hunters. Advance payment is required.

Meeting place: Kingfisher Trail

Admission: $5 per person

Sunday, September 23

7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

BAT WATCH

Will bats suck our blood and get caught in our hair? Come watch the bats emerge this evening, with a park interpreter as your nature guide, and learn why their airborne acrobatics are so beneficial to humans. Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to walk through low brush and tall grass.

Meeting place: Environmental Education Pond

Admission: Free

Wednesday, September 26

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

WILD WOMEN WEDNESDAY

This Wednesday ladies’ hike is led by CAMN members Nancy and Erin, and is on the Rocky Valley Trail. The Rocky Valley Trail is a gorgeous trail and one of the best kept secrets of Pinnacle. The length is 3-miles and the degree is moderately strenuous due to uneven terrain and moderate incline. Wear appropriate shoes and bring water. Ladies’ hikes are offered every Wednesday through September 26th at 6 p.m. sharp at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, location varies week to week. Please check for location.  Starting October 3rd start times will be at 3 p.m.

Meeting place: Visitor Center

Admission: Free

Thursday, September 27

10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

LITTLE WILD ONES

Join us every Thursday for a program suited for children ages 3-7, better known as “Our Little Wild Ones!”  These programs include story time, a craft activity, and some hands-on fun with a nature theme. The program is followed by animal feeding time at 11 a.m.

Meeting place: Visitor Center

Admission: Free

11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

CREATURE FEATURE

Join us every Thursday for a creature feature and feeding time of the animals on display in the visitor center. This fun for all ages experience allows you to learn about these beautiful creatures, and where they can be discovered in Arkansas. This program can be a complementary program to the Little Wild Ones early learning program that starts an hour earlier.

Meeting place: Visitor Center

Admission: Free

Friday, September 28

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

FRIDAY HOME SCHOOL

Join a park interpreter for a home school class based on life and physical sciences. Topics change weekly; please call the park for specific class topics. Home school classes follow the same yearly schedule as public school classes. Please call (501) 868-5806 for any additional information.

Meeting place: Visitor Center

Admission: Free

4 p.m. - 1 p.m.

TENTING AT THE MOUNTAIN

The Arkansas State Parks Traveling Education Nature Trailer (T.E.N.T) is at Pinnacle Mountain State Park this weekend! This trailer, which is stocked with camping and outdoor recreation gear, will help our interpreters teach your family the basics of camping. This is a special event, because Pinnacle Mountain State Park is normally for day-use only, but our TENT participants get to tent camp near the mountain! Most camping gear and all meals provided. Advance payment is required.

Meeting Place: To Be Announced

Admission: $22 adults, $11 children ages 6-12

4 p.m. - 1 p.m.

TENTING AT THE MOUNTAIN

The Arkansas State Parks Traveling Education Nature Trailer (T.E.N.T) is at Pinnacle Mountain State Park this weekend! This trailer, which is stocked with camping and outdoor recreation gear, will help our interpreters teach your family the basics of camping. This is a special event, because Pinnacle Mountain State Park is normally for day-use only, but our TENT participants get to tent camp near the mountain! Most camping gear and all meals provided. Advance payment is required.

Meeting Place: To Be Announced

Admission: $22 adults, $11 children ages 6-12

Saturday, September 29

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

SAFETY WEEKEND

Pinnacle Mountain State Park will be hosting its annual safety weekend.  Firefighters, Police Officers, EMS and other public safety specialists will be coming to Pinnacle Mountain State Park to help visitors learn a little more about what they do and the services they provide.  Interpretive programs will also be included at this event.

Meeting place: West Summit Picnic Area

Admission: Free

Sunday, September 30

12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

SAFETY WEEKEND

Pinnacle Mountain State Park will be hosting its annual safety weekend.  Firefighters, Police Officers, EMS and other public safety specialists will be coming to Pinnacle Mountain State Park to help visitors learn little more about what they do and the services they provide.  Interpretive programs will also be included at this event.

Meeting place: West Summit Picnic Area

Admission: Free

12 pm- 4 pm       HUG-A-TREE

Kids, do you love playing games and exploring the woods?  The woods is full of surprises, but it is quite easy to get lost.  As part of safety weekend, Park Interpreter Richard will be giving some basic safety tips on how to be safe if you ever get lost and some basic equipment that you can take with you when going hiking.

Meeting Place: West Summit Picnic Area

Admission: Free