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Mount Magazine State Park: Arkansas's Crown Jewel

Experience Arkansas from its highest point: breathtaking views, outdoor adventures, and serene escapes at Mount Magazine State Park.

4.8

Ascend to the highest point in Arkansas at Mount Magazine State Park, a natural playground offering stunning vistas, thrilling outdoor adventures, and a serene escape into the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Discover hiking trails, a luxurious lodge, and unique activities like hang gliding.

A brief summary to Mount Magazine State Park

  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the park's visitor center to learn about the mountain's history, geology, and diverse wildlife.
  • Hike the Signal Hill Trail to reach the highest point in Arkansas and see the Highpoint Monument.
  • Enjoy a meal at the Skycrest Restaurant for delicious Southern fare and stunning views of the Petit Jean River Valley.
  • Check weather conditions before hang gliding, as it's only available during optimal conditions.
  • Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views from overlooks like Cameron Bluff.
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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, take Highway 309 south for approximately 16 miles. From Havana, Arkansas, travel north on Highway 309 for about 10 miles. Follow the signs within the park to reach the visitor center, lodge, cabins, and other attractions. Parking is free throughout the park. Limited parking is available at trailheads and popular scenic spots.

Unlock the Best of Mount Magazine State Park

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Discover more about Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine State Park, perched atop Arkansas's highest peak at 2,753 feet, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The mountain, known as Signal Hill, has drawn visitors since the mid-19th century, with early settlers seeking respite from the summer heat. The park's history is rich, with Native Americans seasonally inhabiting the area and later, homesteaders establishing farms and a school. During the Great Depression, the government acquired the land, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the area, constructing a lodge, roads, trails, and lakes. Though the original lodge burned down in 1971, the spirit of the mountain was renewed with the establishment of Mount Magazine State Park in 1998. Today, visitors can explore a diverse landscape of oak-hickory and pine forests, offering panoramic views of the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing and hang gliding. Scenic trails like the Signal Hill Trail lead to the highest point in the state, while others, like the North Rim Trail and Bear Hollow Trail, offer breathtaking vistas. The Lodge at Mount Magazine provides luxurious accommodations, featuring 60 guest rooms, a restaurant, and an indoor pool. For a more rustic experience, cabins and campsites are also available. The park's visitor center offers exhibits on the area's geology, history, and wildlife, providing a gateway to exploring this natural treasure.

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