Pulaski County
Little Maumelle River Water Trail
From Arkansas Highway 10 (Cantrell Road) in west Little Rock, turn on Arkansas Highway 300. Travel 2 miles and turn right at the Pinnacle Mountain State Park entrance. Continue .25 miles through the park to the boat launch.
From Arkansas Highway 10 (Cantrell Road) in west Little Rock, turn north on Pinnacle Valley Road. After crossing the Little Maumelle River, continue straight on County Farm Road to Two Rivers Park Road and veer right. Continue through the park to the boat launch.
From Arkansas Highway 10 (Cantrell Road) in west Little Rock, turn north on River Mountain Road. Travel 1 mile, cross the railroad tracks and continue straight to the boat launch.
Quick Facts
- Download the free Avenza Map app from the App Store on mobile device.
- Choose a trail and tap on the geo-referenced map.
- Tap on the map again and choose “Open in Avenza Maps” or choose “More” and tap on the Avenza Map icon.
- Map is saved in Avenza Map app.
- A blue dot marks your location on the map.
- The trail map uses the phone’s GPS. If cell reception is poor, put phone on airplane mode to conserve power.
- Download the free Avenza Map app from the App Store on mobile device.
- Choose a trail and tap on the geo-referenced map.
- Tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Choose “Send File” and tap the Avenza Map icon.
- Map is saved in Avenza Map app.
- A blue dot marks your location on the map.
- The trail map uses the phone’s GPS. If cell reception is poor, put phone on airplane mode to conserve power.
Water Trail Length
Pinnacle Mountain State Park Access to Two Rivers Park Access: 8.2 river miles. The Little Maumelle River flows east to the Arkansas River.
Towering cypress trees, sprawling American lotus and solitude near the city draw paddlers and anglers to the Little Maumelle River.
The Little Maumelle River is free of rapids, although high water can create dangerous conditions around trees. At normal water level, paddling downstream and returning is an option from Pinnacle Mountain State Park Access. From Two Rivers Park Access or River Mountain Park Access, paddling upstream is an option. Contact Rock Town River Outfitters or Pinnacle Mountain State Park for guided float trips, and canoe and kayak rentals.
Warning
The Little Maumelle River-Arkansas River confluence just west of the Interstate 430 bridge can be dangerous during high flow.
Don’t Get a Ticket
According to Arkansas law, children 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and anyone on a boat must have one ready to use. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have a throwable life preserver (type IV) aboard. Glass containers are illegal in boats such as canoes and kayaks that can be swamped easily. Paddlers must securely fasten cooler lids, and use attached mesh litter bags and floating holders for beverages.
Emergency Contacts
Pulaski County EMS
911
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
501-945-1268
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
501-868-5806
Pinnacle Mountain State Park (emergency)
501-367-0064
Watch for wading birds, ospreys, bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, barred owls, migrating waterfowl and warblers. Beavers, white-tailed deer, raccoons and opossums are common along the water. Harmless broadbanded water snakes, an occasional alligator and several species of turtles live along the river.
Anglers go for largemouth and spotted bass, crappie and bream. Minnows, jigs, spinners and light line are recommended. Fish for catfish on the bottom with worms, minnows and stink baits. Check Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fishing regulations.
Hidden among the cypress trees, not far from the banks of the Nature Conservancy in Arkansas’s William Kirsch Preserve at Ranch North Woods, floats a new camping platform. This is a spot for paddlers to stop for the night and experience solitude, stars and the sounds of nature. The platform is available by reservation only. To request a reservation, click here.