FLATSIDE PINNACLE
Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas
Rising above a sea of rolling forested ridgelines, Flatside Pinnacle offers a front row seat to the Flatside Wilderness and offers one of the most accessible and rewarding views in the entire Ouachita Mountains.
THE BASICS
FLATSIDE PINNACLE MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Difficulty: Easy • Length: 0.7 Miles • Roundtrip Elevation: 200 ft
Pets: Pets are allowed on leash
Restrooms: There are no facilities available near this trail
Ideal time: Anytime of year is great at this spot but its west-facing vantage point makes sunset absolutely spectacular.
PLEASE PRACTICE THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE: PLAN AHEAD, STAY ON THE TRAIL, PACK OUT WHAT YOU BRING TO THE HIKING TRAIL, PROPERLY DISPOSE OF WASTE, LEAVE AREAS AS YOU FOUND THEM, MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS, BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER HIKERS, AND DO NOT APPROACH OR FEED WILDLIFE.
GETTING TO THE FLATSIDE PINNACLE TRAIL
From the Jessieville Ranger Office, head north on AR Scenic Highway 7 for about 13 miles. After passing the South Fourche Campground, turn right onto FR#86/CR#39 and reset your odometer. Follow this gravel road eastward for approximately 9.4 miles until you reach a 5-way intersection. Keep right and turn onto FR#94/CR#53. Continue staying right at around mile 11.8, and proceed on FR#94 until you arrive at the designated parking area on your right at about 12.2 miles.
Note: Most vehicles can handle the drive in dry conditions, but expect:
Narrow, winding gravel roads
Occasional washboarding or potholes
Very limited cell service
Give yourself extra time if you’re heading out for sunset—missing golden hour by five minutes hurts!
PARKING GPS: 34.874634, -92.913717
WHY IS Flatside pinnacle SO SPECIAL?
Unlike many Ouachita overlooks that require long ridge walks, Flatside Pinnacle gives you huge views for minimal effort. From the summit, the landscape ripples outward in all directions: layers of blue ridgelines, dense pine-oak forests, and the rugged wilderness stretching toward Forked Mountain, Crystal Mountain, and the Winona Scenic Drive.
Highlights of the experience include:
360-degree views with especially dramatic sunsets
Classic Ouachita geology, featuring quartzite outcrops and weathered rock ledges
Remote wilderness vibes despite being less than an hour from city conveniences
Prime fall color viewing as the surrounding hills shift from greens to golds, oranges, and reds
For photographers, this overlook is a dream—simple access, endless compositions, and golden-hour light that can be spectacular.
HIKING THE Flatside PINNACLE trail
At only three-quarters of a mile long, the trail is short with a slightly steep 200ft incline, but is accessible and enjoyable for people of nearly all ages and skill levels. The trail starts across the road from the large parking area and immediately begins begins ascending through pine and hardwood forest. After a short distance the trail will begin to zig-zag through rockier terrain and within minutes opens into a rocky summit crowned with jagged outcrops.
WHAT TO BRING and tips FOR YOUR Flatside PINNACLE Hike
Wear sturdy shoes—the quartzite slabs can be slippery when wet or frosty.
If photographing, bring a wide-angle lens (14–24mm range) and a tripod for low-light sunset shots.
The summit gets breezy, so pack a light jacket even in warm seasons.
This area is true wilderness—pack out all trash and respect the environment.
Keep an eye out for viewpoints just off the summit for unique angles.
Small first aid kit – Blisters, scrape, sting and bites can happen—better to be prepared.
Why You’ll Love Flatside pinnacle
Flatside Pinnacle packs everything people love about the Ouachitas into a short, rewarding trail: rugged terrain, a sense of remoteness, and one of the best views in central Arkansas. It’s an ideal stop for photographers, families, or anyone chasing a classic Ouachita sunset.
Whether you're exploring Albert Pike, checking out fall color, or cruising the Winona Scenic Drive, adding Flatside Pinnacle to your itinerary is always a good call.
Flatside Pinnacle Fine Art Prints are available HERE
