Mary Cherepski Heller
Canoeing enthusiast

Before heading to the office, speech-language pathologist Mary Cherepski Heller commonly hikes Pinnacle Mountain at sunrise with her husband. After work, they like to bike and walk their dogs on the River Trail. Backpacking and rock climbing keep them busy on the weekend. An outdoorswoman for 30 years, she’s got several tips for enjoying Arkansas.

Favorite local canoeing route: The Little Maumelle River. It’s a scenic waterway with cypress trees, ducks, turtles, and herons. Plus, you can stop to stretch your legs on a hiking trail at Two Rivers Park.

Best local rock climbing: Rattlesnake Ridge and Shinall Mountain are both great for beginners and experts. They have routes that are traditional climbs and sports climbs, but most can be top roped. There is good bouldering at both areas, too.

Any good whitewater nearby? Cadron Creek near Conway. It’s never been crowded when I’ve paddled there and has a nice variety of Class I-III whitewater with pretty scenery.