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For the past 25 years, Petit Jean Mountain has been more than a destination—it’s been my front porch, my backyard, and the heart of my community. As The Park Wife, I’ve had the joy of calling Arkansas’s premier state park home (aside of our few years away at Historic Washington State Park and Ozark Folk Center State Park), and I can say with all the conviction of a southern woman offering you sweet tea: there’s no place quite like it.
A Mountain of History and Heart
Petit Jean Mountain rises from the Arkansas River Valley like a natural fortress—its flat top giving it an almost mystical shape, much like a bird’s head seen from above. Elevations range from 750 feet to a soaring 1,120 feet above the Arkansas River Valley, with Cedar Creek cutting through the mountaintop like nature’s own signature. Flowing east to west, it shapes the land into a gentle bowl before taking a dramatic plunge over the Cedar Falls, winding its way down through the canyon and into the Petit Jean River.
The mountain itself is said to be named after a young French woman who, according to legend, disguised herself as a cabin boy to follow her fiancé to the New World. She fell ill on the journey and, when her true identity was discovered, asked to be buried on the mountaintop. Her story lives on at Petit Jean’s Gravesite and Overlook (aka Stout’s Point).
In 1923, inspired by the scenic beauty and unique geology of this mountain, visionaries worked to preserve it for future generations, establishing Petit Jean State Park. Thanks to their efforts—and the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s—today we enjoy stone lodges, scenic overlooks, and a park that welcomes over 800,000 visitors each year.
Take in an Overlook
- If you’re looking for a place that captures the heart and soul of Petit Jean Mountain, start at Petit Jean’s Gravesite at Stout’s Point, perched on the mountain’s East Brow. This peaceful spot is a much-photographed and beloved overlook in the park, and for good reason. You’ll take in sweeping views of the mighty Arkansas River. There’s a barrier-free walkway and interpretive signs to guide you around the point, and you can see Lock and Dam #9, Blue Point, and Ada Valley stretched out below like a painted quilt.
- Head over to Red Bluff Drive to the Mary Ann Richter Overlook. It offers big-sky views of nearby Mount Nebo and even Mount Magazine, Arkansas’s highest peak. You might also catch a glimpse of Dardanelle Rock, Carden Bottoms, and Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge from up there. It’s a perfect pull-off for a moment of stillness.
- Now, I’ll let you in on a secret—my personal favorite place to watch the sun go down is the CCC Overlook, just a little farther along Red Bluff Drive. Built with love and sweat by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this stone overlook clings to the edge of Cedar Creek Canyon. On a clear evening, you can see Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo off in the distance as the sky turns to fire and gold.
- Across the canyon on Highway 154, the Palisades Overlook gives you a front-row seat to the drama of Cedar Creek Canyon from a different angle—and if you time it right, it’s one of the finest sunset spots in the whole state.
- And last but certainly not least, make your way to the Cedar Falls Overlook, high above the roaring waterfall (if we have had rain, in July, not so much) that’s made its way onto more postcards than we can count. The walkway is easy to navigate and the view? Absolutely unforgettable.
Explore, Hike, Discover
Start at the Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center. This facility offers camper registration, interpretive exhibits, meeting spaces, and staff offices. The center is named after Dr. T.W. Hardison, whose vision led to the creation of Arkansas’s first state park. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the park’s unique geology, history, and wildlife, providing an educational experience for all ages. We’ve got over 20 miles of hiking trails here on the mountain—each one a front-row seat to the beauty and wonder of Arkansas’ first state park.
- Bear Cave Trail is a short, easy hike—just a quarter mile long—that packs in a lot of wonder. Marked with light pink blazes, this trail winds through massive sandstone boulders that form natural passageways and rock shelters. While there’s no actual cave, the towering formations feel like something out of a storybook. Kids and adults alike will love climbing around, under, and through these giant stones shaped by centuries of wind and water. It’s a perfect half-hour adventure that sparks the imagination and gets everyone moving.
- Cedar Falls Trail is our most popular hike, and for good reason. The trek down is lined with towering rock walls and lush forest, leading to the waterfall, Cedar Falls—a showstopper in every season. Just remember: what goes down must hike back up! Take water, this is a strenuous hike.
- Cedar Canyon Trail is a fairly easy, scenic 1-mile hike—extend it to 2 miles if you choose to loop back via the Cedar Falls Trail. Marked with yellow blazes, this charming path follows Cedar Creek as it tumbles over small waterfalls and gathers in deep, peaceful pools. Along the way, you’ll pass impressive boulders and towering pines and sycamores, all nestled within the lush Cedar Creek Canyon. Once part of the Boy Scout Trail, this peaceful hike offers a perfect blend of water sights and forest beauty, ideal for a relaxing couple of hours on the mountain.
- Cedar Creek Trail is my personal favorite—a moderately challenging 1.25-mile hike that takes about 1.5 hours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. This scenic trail follows Cedar Creek above Cedar Falls and features classic rock steps and bluffs built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. With its rushing mountain stream, towering bluffs, and lush vegetation, it’s a wonderful spot to experience the local birds and plant life up close. For the love, don’t pass any of the red signs that says do not enter.
- For a longer wander through natural beauty, translation, take a picnic, the Seven Hollows Trail offers 4.5 miles of forest, canyon passages, and even a natural rock bridge. Every twist and turn feels like uncovering a secret.
- Rock House Cave – This massive bluff shelter is a window into the past, with ancient Native American pictographs still visible on its stone walls. Just steps away, the unique Turtle Rocks—rounded, cracked formations that look like a field of giant turtle shells—invite you to slow down, sit awhile, and soak in the quiet magic of the mountain.
- The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Boy Scout Trail is a challenging 12-mile loop marked with white blazes that winds through nearly every major habitat and scenic highlight of Petit Jean State Park. From lush creek bottoms to rugged rock formations, it offers a full showcase of the mountain’s natural beauty. Be sure to start early, pack water and snacks, and check in at the Visitor Center before setting out.
- Petit Jean State Park offers a variety of interpretive programs led by knowledgeable park interpreters. These activities include guided hikes, campfire talks, wildlife watching, and hands-on workshops designed to enhance your understanding of the park’s natural and cultural history. For families with children aged 6–14, the State Park Explorer Program provides an engaging way for young visitors to learn about nature and earn a special badge and certificate.
- The park features two swimming pools: one exclusively for cabin and lodge guests, and a public pool located near the picnic area. The public pool includes a diving board and water slides, providing fun for the whole family. It’s open during the summer months from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, typically from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Please note that hours may vary depending on lifeguard availability.
- Get some of that kid energy out at the playground located in the picnic area.
Lodging
- One of Arkansas’ historic treasures, Mather Lodge is the only lodge built in Arkansas by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is currently closed for renovations (May 2025). Exciting updates and improvements are underway to enhance the guest experience.
- Cabins: There are 33 park cabins, ranging from historic CCC-style to modern designs.
- Camping: There are 125 campsites, including 26 pull-through sites, with 35 Class AAA sites offering full hookups and 90 Class B sites with 30-amp electrical and water hookups. Choose from wooded or lake-view sites with amenities like modern bathhouses, hot showers, and flushing toilets. For camping clubs, there’s a 44-unit Rally-style Area with 20-amp electrical service. The park also offers four Rent-A-Yurts, each equipped with electricity, cots, and basic camping gear, perfect for those without their own equipment.
- Lost Cabins of Petit Jean: These secluded cabins provide a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. With options ranging from one to four bedrooms, they’re perfect for romantic getaways or family vacations.
- Cedar Falls Lodge: Located near the park, this lodge offers rustic accommodations with modern amenities like an outdoor pool, playground, and fire pits. It’s a great spot for families or group retreats.
- You’ll also find a variety of charming short-term rentals (Airbnbs) on and around Petit Jean Mountain, ranging from cozy cabins tucked into the woods to modern homes with sweeping bluff views.
Relax, Refuel and Recharge
After your hikes, you’ll want to stop by Mather Lodge Restaurant, which offers Southern comfort food and a fireplace worth lingering by. Grab a table with a view, and you’ll see why so many folks come for the trails but stay for the sunsets. With the large portions offered, save room for some possum pie. You can thank me later.
Lake Bailey, just down the road, is a peaceful place to kayak, fish, or simply sit with your feet in the water as the sun melts behind the pine trees. Pack a picnic, bring a book, or rent a pedal boat for a dose of fun on the water.
When it’s time for a little culture and creativity, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute offers something truly special. Built on Governor Rockefeller’s legacy and located on his historic cattle farm, the institute continues his collaborative approach to transformational change.
- Their mission is rooted in bringing people together to find solutions to monumental challenges through respectful dialogue.
- Their vision is a future where every voice is empowered to shape change.
- Their method—what they call the Rockefeller Ethic—focuses on embracing diversity of opinion, fostering community gatherings, and engaging in meaningful problem-solving.
Whether you’re attending a workshop, a culinary event, or a thought-provoking panel, it’s a place where ideas grow as freely as the trees outside its windows.
Local Favorites with that Petit Jean Flavor
As someone deeply invested in this community and Arkansas tourism, I took a leap of faith and poured my heart (and my own time and money) into a dream in 2020 —Petit Jean Coffeehouse— yes, opened 5 weeks before a worldwide pandemic. Twice named Best Coffeehouse in Arkansas by AY Magazine, it’s more than a coffeeshop—it’s a gathering place. A spot where locals and travelers alike feel at home. Whether you’re sipping a latte or enjoying one of our popular scones or chicken salad brown bag lunches, you’ll find that hospitality is always on the menu. Be sure to wander through the Mercantile, where we proudly stock Arkansas-made gifts, treats, and souvenirs that bring the mountain magic home with you.
For fresh mountain fare, Petit Jean Farmer’s Market is a seasonal treat, overflowing with produce, jams, honey, and handmade crafts that showcase the heart of our community. It’s the kind of place where you shake the hand that grew your food—and maybe stay for a while to talk about tomatoes.
If you’re traveling with little ones (or just love animals), stop by Barnyard Friends and Stables. Feed the goats, pet a donkey, or hop on a trail ride (Shimmer the Horse is a family favorite).
Museum of Automobiles —This museum is a must-visit for auto enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Home to an impressive collection of vintage and antique vehicles, it showcases everything from brass-era cars to muscle machines. Each car tells a story, and the museum’s connection to Arkansas history—including Winthrop Rockefeller’s personal collection—adds depth and local flavor. It’s a nostalgic ride through time you didn’t know you needed.
And for those with a flair for shopping, Beaumont Springhouse offers a curated selection of home goods, mountain-inspired apparel, and lovely gifts. Stop by The Outpost, a convenient spot to grab necessities and some delicious fudge.
A Place to Grow: Camps for Kids
Generations of Arkansans have grown up on Petit Jean, thanks in part to summer camps that spark curiosity and build confidence in young hearts.
- Camp Trinity, a Lutheran camp, welcomes kids with a mission of outdoor fun, spiritual growth and good old-fashioned summer adventure.
- Camp Mitchell, nestled in the pines, is an Episcopal camp that has been forming faith and friendships since the 1940s.
These camps are woven into the fabric of the mountain, helping kids unplug, explore, and discover who they are, with a few scraped knees and a lot of laughter along the way.
Come and Stay for a While
Petit Jean Mountain isn’t just a state park—it’s a community built on stories, stewardship, and a deep love of the land. Whether you’re camping under the stars, hiking our canyons, or sipping a latte with new friends, you’re part of something special here.
So, come see why this mountaintop has been my heart’s home for a quarter century. Whether you stay a weekend or a lifetime, I hope you’ll feel the magic of Petit Jean—and carry a piece of it with you wherever you go.
Here’s to fresh air, front porch conversations and finding adventure,
The Park Wife
Unless noted, all photos courtesy of Arkansas Parks, Heritage and Tourism or The Park Wife.
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