Name: Cliffbrake (East Summit Trail)
Rating: 5.0

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Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Cliffbrake is a climbing-only trail for mountain bikers (bi-directional for hikers) in order to reduce user conflicts. It is the main trail used by hikers and climbers looking to access the upper climbing area and Rattlesnake Ridge proper and was not built for bicycles coming downhill. There is also a wet weather closure program in place at Rattlesnake Ridge. One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Need to Know

There are no trash cans or bathrooms on site. Please pack out what you pack in. The closest amenities are about 1 mile away at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

For more information on The Nature Conservancy of Arkansas and Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area please visit:
nature.org/en-us/about-us/w…

Description

Cliffbrake is a well-built trail that wanders slowly up the mountain, crossing many drainages and boulder fields. There are about 15 beautiful cedar bridges and boardwalks on this section of trail that help make the climb a little more manageable. The average slope of the climb is 3% with only a couple of steep spots that will make you huff and puff.

The trail goes back and forth between wider machine-cut singletrack and narrower hand-built singletrack. There are a few alternate lines, including a black diamond skinny that connects 4 large boulders.

Near the top of the mountain, you'll come to a junction where Diamondback takes off to the left. Beyond this junction, Cliffbrake is for hikers only. If you would like to see the climbing area or the overlook, just take a short hike up this trail through a cliff band.