America's Friendlist Summits

Some high points require expert skill, a bit of luck, and probably some suffering. Not these. Here are 15 peaks—high on views, low on effort—that don’t play hard to get.

- By Laurs Lancaster

[DAYHIKE] FLATSIDE PINNACLE, ARKANSAS

This one is almost too easy. While reaching the 1,550-foot tower sounds like a strenuous ascent, it’s just a mere .3 mile along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. All too soon, the canopy of white oaks and hickories, interspersed with shortleaf pines and turkeys darting across the forest floor, fall away. The top of a 200-foot climb reveals views of Forked Mountain, White Oak Mountain, and 1,011-foot Pinnacle Mountain, the easternmost peak in the range. Give in to the temptation to stay past sunset and watch the moon rise over nearby Lake Maumelle. Turn it into a shallow overnight by posting up in one of the impacted areas near the top. No matter how much time you spend here, the return hike won’t take long.

TRAILHEAD 34.8746, -92.9135 GET HERE From AR-9, follow Forest Service Roads 132 and 94 to the trailhead PERMIT None CONTACT www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita

[DAYHIKE] BLACKROCK SUMMIT, VIRGINIA