Petit Jean State Park, Delta Travel Guide

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Explore Arkansas's first state park: stunning landscapes, rich history, and outdoor adventures await at Petit Jean State Park.

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Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas's first state park, offers a diverse landscape of forests, ravines, and geological formations. Hike trails built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), explore caves, and take in panoramic views.

A brief summary to Petit Jean State Park

1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, Arkansas, 72110, US
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Petit Jean State Park.

Visit the Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center to learn about the park's history and geology.
Hike the Cedar Falls Trail for stunning views of the 95-foot waterfall, but be prepared for a strenuous climb.
Explore the Rock House Cave to see Native American pictographs.
Take the Mountaintop Driving Tour to see all the highlights of the park.
Book campsites and cabins in advance, especially for weekend visits.

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Explore Petit Jean State Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Petit Jean State Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From I-40, take exit 108 for AR-9 South toward Morrilton. Turn left onto AR-9 South and continue for 7.5 miles. Turn right onto AR-154 West and follow for 12.5 miles to the park entrance. Parking is available throughout the park near major attractions and trailheads. During peak season and special events, arrive early as parking can fill up. Additional parking may be available at the Museum of Automobiles for a fee.
Walking

Once inside Petit Jean State Park, many of the key attractions, like Mather Lodge and the trailheads for Cedar Falls and Canyon Trail, are within walking distance of each other. Use the park map to navigate between locations. Be prepared for some steep inclines and stairs on certain trails.

Discover more about Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park, nestled in the Ozark foothills near Morrilton, Arkansas, is a captivating destination steeped in both natural beauty and rich history. As the state's first state park, established in 1923, it set the standard for Arkansas's renowned park system. The park spans over 2,658 acres on Petit Jean Mountain, offering a diverse landscape of forests, ravines, streams, and unique geological formations.The park's history stretches back millennia, with evidence suggesting Native American presence as early as 1,000 years ago. Explore the Rock House Cave Trail to see pictographs left by these early inhabitants. The park's name is shrouded in legend, said to be derived from a young French woman, Adrienne Dumont, who disguised herself as a cabin boy, 'Petit Jean,' to accompany her lover to the New World in the 1700s.Petit Jean State Park is renowned for its stunning natural features. Cedar Falls, a 95-foot waterfall, is a must-see, accessible via a moderately strenuous trail. Explore the unique rock formations at Bear Cave and the Natural Bridge on the Seven Hollows Trail. The park boasts over 20 miles of interconnected hiking trails, many constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. These trails offer an immersive experience through the park's diverse ecosystems. Mather Lodge, built by the CCC, offers lodging and dining with views of the canyon.Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing and boating on Lake Bailey and Lake Roosevelt. The boathouse rents pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes during the summer months. There are also swimming pools open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park also features picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, and an amphitheater.