Visitors to Pinnacle Mountain State Park may notice smoke and temporary trail closures this week as Arkansas State Parks conducts a prescribed burn aimed at improving forest health and safety.
Resource management staff plan to carry out the controlled burn on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, beginning around 9 a.m. each day. The burn will cover approximately 315 acres on and around Pinnacle Mountain and will only take place when temperature, humidity and wind conditions meet strict safety requirements.
During burn operations, several popular trails are expected to close for visitor safety, including the West Summit Trail, East Summit Trail, Base Trail, Lichen Link and a portion of the Ouachita Trail. The Visitor Information Center, West Summit parking area, playground and Kingfisher Trail are expected to remain open, conditions permitting. Park officials encourage visitors to check the park’s social media pages or call 501-869-5806 before arriving, as closures may change based on daily conditions.
Smoke may be visible from surrounding communities, Highway 300 and parts of the Little Rock metro area within a two- to five-mile radius. Drivers are asked to use caution, turn on headlights in smoky areas and remain alert for park staff and equipment. Prescribed burns are a key management tool used to reduce hazardous fuels, support native plants and wildlife, and promote long-term forest health while lowering the risk of more dangerous wildfires.
Photo courtesy of Frank Moseley
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