Summit Park Self-Guided Trail

Mount Nebo rises 1,350 feet over the Arkansas River Valley, and the Mount Nebo State Park surrounds it. Within this state park, there are several hiking trails. One of the most popular trails in the park is the Summit Park Trail. Visitors can pick up a guide at the visitor's center and complete a self-guided tour of the path, or complete it on their own. This 1.6-mile loop trail is rated as moderate, although many visitors themselves consider it hard. 

The Summit Park Trail is a dog-friendly trail, provided your dog remains on a leash throughout the length of your hike. Some parts of this trail require scrambling on your hands and feet a bit to make it past certain obstructions, so you and your dog will need to be in tip-top hiking shape before visiting.

The trail begins on the northwest side of Mount Nebo, and it was named for the Summit Park Hotel, which was built near the trailhead in 1889. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps upgraded the trail by adding stunning native rock work along the way. From the rock work to the views, this hike is bound to be a beautiful adventure!

There are red signs to guide you along the trail, but picking up a guide from the visitors center ahead of time is your best bet for getting the most out of the Summit Park Self-Guided Trail.

From the beginning of the hike, you'll be taken over stone staircases, bridges, and other rock structures. There are a series of switchbacks in the first section of the walk where you'll get a good workout, and in the second half of the trail, there are a series of steep climbs. Throughout your trek, you'll be rewarded with lovely views of the surrounding vistas, making your hard work worth it!

Be sure to bring water and doggie bags along on this hike. You and your pooch are sure to have a doggone great time!