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Mount Magazine State Park: Arkansas's Crown Jewel

Discover Arkansas's highest peak at Mount Magazine State Park: Breathtaking views, hiking, lodging, and adventure await!

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Rising as the highest point in Arkansas, Mount Magazine State Park offers breathtaking vistas, diverse recreational activities, and a rich history. From hiking and hang gliding to exploring historical sites and enjoying luxurious accommodations, this park provides a unique escape into the Natural State's beauty.

A brief summary to Mount Magazine State Park

Local tips

  • Visit the visitor center to learn about the park's history, geology, and wildlife before exploring the trails.
  • Bring binoculars for optimal viewing of the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake.
  • Check the weather forecast before hiking, and wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
  • Make lodging and camping reservations in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Be aware of bears and other wildlife, and follow park guidelines for food storage and safety.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Mount Magazine State Park is accessible via Arkansas Highway 309, also known as the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway. From Paris, Arkansas, travel south on Highway 309 for approximately 16 miles. From Havana, Arkansas, travel north on Highway 309 for about 10 miles. Once on the mountain, follow the signs to the visitor center, lodge, or other desired locations. Parking is free throughout the park.

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Discover more about Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine State Park, encompassing 2,234 acres in Logan County, is a natural wonder and recreational paradise. As Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine presents stunning panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake. The park's history is as captivating as its scenery. Native Americans seasonally inhabited the mountain, followed by settlers in the 1850s. The Homestead Act of 1862 brought more people, and the Summer Home School was established in the late 1800s. The town of Magazine was platted in 1900, but the Great Depression forced many off the mountain. In 1934, the Resettlement Administration purchased all private property. Franklin Roosevelt reallocated the land to the U.S. Forest Service in 1938, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) began constructing a lodge. The WPA and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) also built the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, trails, and Cove and Spring Lakes. A fire destroyed the lodge in 1971, but the spirit of the mountain was renewed with plans for a new state park. Mount Magazine State Park officially opened in 1998. Today, visitors can explore the park's diverse trails, ranging from easy loops to challenging hikes. The Signal Hill Trail leads to the highest point, while the North Rim Trail offers stunning views. The Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The park is also a premier destination for rock climbing and hang gliding. The Lodge at Mount Magazine offers 60 guest rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities. Thirteen cabins provide a more secluded experience. The park also has a visitor center with exhibits on the area's history, geology, and wildlife.

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