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Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 221 Google reviews · Running trail in Roland, Arkansas · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking and mountain biking trails crossing a rocky ridge, plus a fishing pond and climbing areas.
What runners say about Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area
“There are trails with different lengths and complexity, well maintained and marked, great views and unique rock formations.”
“Great hiking area with pretty views and well-marked and carefully maintained trails.”
“Very calm, peaceful and you can choose your own trail and pace.”
A wonderful little hike today at Rattlesnake Ridge. Not as spectacular as the best of the Rocky Mountain hikes, but delightful none the less. 1.9 miles to the bluffs from the parking lot. A nice view from the top. Several trails to hike in the area, but we chose the Cliffebreak trail.
Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area includes a number of trails that are part of a more extensive network of options, including a direct connection with the Blue Mountain trail system. There is an abundance of trails with varying degrees of difficulty for both MTBs and hikers.
The parking is full with 8-10 cars. The road coming in is ONE lane and there are signs posted not to park on the side of the one lane road. The trails are not marked well, except at trail intersections. Absolutely gorgeous hike. We hiked 3 (red, yellow, green) of the 5 trails in about 2.5hrs.
Great hiking area with pretty views and well-marked and carefully maintained trails. There are some rocky areas, but it is really never strenuous. There are several creeks meandering down the ridge, which are so neat and tranquil to listen to. Good views of Pinnacle, as well as Shinall Mountain and other rolling hills.
Trail conditions & character
“I was there in winter, excellent walking trails, mostly comfortable, I chose to go climbing up the ridge which was a bit harder on the old man knees but worth it for the view.”
“Be aware that trails are unmarked, but if you lose your way just find the service trail, it'll take you back to the parking lot.”
“Not as spectacular as the best of the Rocky Mountain hikes, but delightful none the less.”
“It was a gentle trail and well maintained up to the last 5-10%, which is a more difficult Rocky climb.”
“*Beautiful view *Relatively short trip to the top *Free entry CONS *No drinking water or restrooms *Gates closes at 7pm”
“Great hiking area with pretty views and well-marked and carefully maintained trails.”
Plan your run at Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitenature.org
- Phone(501) 663-6699
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Roland
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Pinnacle View Trail
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Pinnacle Mountain State Park
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Bufflehead Bay Trail
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