Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area

Visit Rattlesnake Ridge

Open daily sunrise to sunset.

• Trails

  The Rattlesnake Ridge Trail System offers several miles of trails, ranging from easy loops to more strenuous climbs. All trails are open to both hikers and mountain bikers.

  • Cliffbrake Trail (2 miles) is a long, steady climb to gain access to the other trails in the area. It features several well-designed and implemented bridges and boardwalks and is punctuated by several easy rock gardens. 
  • Diamondback (1.2 miles) is a downhill-only trail that connects from Cliffbrake to Mountain Boomer.
  • Mountain Boomer (3.2 miles) is primarily a mountain biking trail, often ridden as a continuation of Diamondback or accessed from Cliffbrake midway up. The trail features rolling terrain, berms, and boulder gardens, making it popular among bikers.
  • Lower Kanob (1.2 miles): Lower Kanob is a one-way trail (ridden counterclockwise) for mountain bikers. 
  • Timber (.2miles): short trail that leads from trailhead to rock climbing area

  Want to stay up-to-date? Join our Rattlesnake Ridge & Blue Mountain Trail Information Facebook Group for real-time trail conditions, closures and tips. 
  

• What to Do

  Whether you're exploring the trails or just enjoying the scenery, there’s always something new to discover.

  • Hike and bike our trails
  • Book and stay at our Rattlesnake Ridge House.
  • The ridge offers breathtaking views of Lake Maumelle, Pinnacle Mountain and the surrounding Ouachita foothills.
  • Spot migratory birds, deer, and other native species.

• Our Conservation Work

  Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area plays a vital role in protecting the health of the Little Maumelle River watershed, which feeds into Lake Maumelle—a major source of drinking water for central Arkansas. Beyond safeguarding water quality, the area provides critical habitat for three species of state conservation concern: the southeastern bat, the western diamondback rattlesnake, and Wright’s cliffbrake, a rare western desert fern.

  This conservation success is possible through strong partnerships. We co-own and manage Rattlesnake Ridge with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, alongside Blue Mountain Natural Area. These properties are connected through trail systems that link to Pinnacle Mountain State Park and lands managed by Central Arkansas Water, creating a network of public-use spaces that blend recreation with resource protection. Together, these connected landscapes ensure long-term conservation while offering visitors opportunities to experience the natural beauty of central Arkansas.

• Preserve Guidelines

  Every visitor has an impact. Please follow these guidelines to protect yourself and nature.

  • Preserves are open to the public during daylight hours. 
  • Recreation such as hiking, biking, bird watching and photography is welcomed.  
  • Stay on the trails. 
  • Leave plants, insects or other species, soil, rocks and artifacts right where you found them. 
  • Bring your own water. There is no drinking water available on-site.
  • Local laws and ordinances regarding pets apply. We encourage responsible pet ownership to ensure safety for wildlife and other visitors.
  • All dog owners must pick up pet waste and take it with them when they leave. There are no trash cans on the preserve, so please plan ahead and properly dispose of waste off-site.

  The following activities are NOT permitted at Rattlesnake Ridge:

  • Leaving trash. There are no restrooms or trash receptacles at trailheads or along the trails. Take out what you brought in and please consider taking an extra piece of litter with you.
  • Hunting
  • Cooking or making campfires
  • Driving an ATV or off-road vehicle