Monument Trails Partnership Creates Opportunity to Refurbish Hiking Trail

DARDANELLE, Ark. – Arkansas State Parks has completed the restoration and improvement project for the Rim Trail at Mount Nebo State Park with support from the Walton Family Foundation and the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation (APRF). The completed project initiates a new era for the popular, 86-year-old hiking trail by adding it to the state’s growing system of Monument Trails.

“Exceptional hiking and mountain biking trails are hallmarks of Arkansas’s State Parks,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Restoring the Rim Trail perfectly captures the passion of our Department by ensuring this treasured experience from our past will be used by Arkansans and our guests for years to come.”

Rock Solid Trail Contracting, the firm that helped develop the 25-mile master plan for trails at Mount Nebo State Park, completed the substantial rehabilitation work to restore the trail to its original glory and improve the hiking experience for visitors.



“The new rockwork is very impressive,” said Grady Spann, director of Arkansas State Parks. “The natural rock steps and rebuilt switchbacks will allow visitors to safely navigate this beautiful landscape, taking generations of new park visitors to the special places that previous generations have enjoyed for more than 80 years.”

Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, the trail has long been a fixture at the state’s second-oldest park.

“It is a privilege to not only be a part of the birth of the new Monument Trail system in state parks but also to honor historic trails by restoring them,” Executive Director of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation Suzanne Grobmyer said. “These trails have been a part of making our state parks some of the best in the country.”

The Monument Trails, a collaboration between Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation (APRF), and the Walton Family Foundation, is a world-class trail system including trails at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Devil’s Den State Park, and Mount Nebo State Park.

“It goes beyond the safety aspects to also enhance the visitor experience. These improvements will allow more of our guests to access the views and other special places in the park,” said Mount Nebo State Park Superintendent Scott Waniewski.

About Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. The system includes 1,100 buildings (including 183 historic structures), six National Historic Landmarks, a National Natural Landmark, 16 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, and War Memorial Stadium.

The state parks have 1,800 campsites, 1,050 picnic sites, 208 cabins, five lodges, and 415 miles of trails. Eight million visitors annually come from all regions of the country. Park staffs provide over 42,000 education programs, activities, and special events to more than 700,000 participants each year.

Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism, and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more about everything we have to offer.

About Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation

The Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing parks and recreational opportunities throughout Arkansas. Outdoor recreation is a way of life in Arkansas, and the Foundation was established to support, protect, enhance, and add value to the places that provide exceptional recreational experiences across the Natural State.

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For more information, contact Melissa Whitfield, (501) 324-9611 or Melissa.whitfield@arkansas.gov