Hiking Trails and History at Petit Jean State Park
Last October, we spent a couple of days at Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas, a destination known for its natural beauty and folklore. It spans 3,471 acres on Petit Jean Mountain, with an interesting mix of forests, ravines, streams, and geological formations. The park is a outstanding venue for anyone who likes being outdoors.
During our stay, we explored several of the park’s hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
We traveled to the area on a long weekend getaway trip because the fall leaves were in their glory, and we had never visited this part of Arkansas before.
When we first arrived, we quickly noticed its rustic log and stone structures throughout, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. These buildings, retaining walls, and bridges oozed with historic charm wherever we went in the park.
The Legend of Petit Jean
The park’s name and mystique are rooted in the legend of Petit Jean, a young French woman from the 18th century. Determined to accompany her fiancé on an expedition to the Louisiana Territory, she cut her hair and disguised herself as a cabin boy, known as “Little John” (Petit Jean). During the journey, she fell ill and, on her deathbed, revealed her true identity. She requested to be buried on the mountain, and her gravesite at Stout’s Point. It’s located on the mountain’s East Brow, offering a peaceful overlook with lovely views of the Arkansas River and the Ozark Mountains.
Seven Hollows Trail
A standout hike was the Seven Hollows Trail. A 4.5-mile loop with a total elevation gain of 560 feet and rated as “moderate” in difficulty. The trail weaves through a series of small canyons, rock formations, and multiple caves to explore. In addition, the trail has a beautiful natural bridge, and an area called the Grotto, which was fun to climb around on. This hike was our favorite because it had so many interesting and fun natural elements along the way.
Cedar Falls Trail
Another one of the top hikes in Petit Jean is the Cedar Falls Trail, a moderately strenuous path that leads to the base of Cedar Falls. The trail begins behind the breezeway at Mather Lodge, a nostalgic CCC rustic style mountain structure.
As you start your hike, the path winds down into Cedar Creek Canyon, offering stunning views that change with every step. Along the way, you’ll pass massive stone boulders and an Ozark Forest shouldering both sides of the trail.
The trail follows Cedar Creek until you reach the stunning 95-foot Cedar Falls, one of the tallest continuously flowing waterfalls in the state.
The attached Cedar Falls picture is an AI-generated image that generally shows what the waterfall looks like when it’s flowing but may not be 100% accurate.
While we were there, the waterfall was weak and limited to a trickle because of a lack of rainfall in the area. Although the waterfall never totally dries up, there can be variation in the amount of water flowing at any given time. Springtime is generally the best time to visit because rainfall amounts are typically higher during those months. As summer temperatures rise and rainfall lessens, the waterfall flow will deteriorate.
For these reasons, I was not able to photograph the natural attraction (a good reason to return). Our recommendation is to check with the visitor center to inquire about its status before hiking this trail.
Historical Landmarks and Scenic Overlooks
Petit Jean State Park is home to several fascinating historical landmarks and scenic overlooks. The Rock House Cave, for instance, features ancient Native American pictographs that date back thousands of years. These intricate drawings provide a glimpse into the lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants and their bond with the land.
Additionally, the park’s overlooks, such as the Petit Jean Gravesite Overlook and the Bear Cave Overlook, offer panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Bear Cave Trail
As a final mention, we recommend the Bear Cave Trail. It is a 1.1 mile out and back hike that is easy and kid friendly. Although the final destination at the overlook is worth the walk, we enjoyed the gigantic sandstone boulders along the route the most. Walking through them reminded us of a mini slot canyon which are some of our favorite types of hiking experiences.
Camping and Recreation
For those seeking an extended stay, Petit Jean State Park offers a variety of camping options, from tent sites to cozy cabins. The park’s amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and a swimming pool, ensure visitors of all ages can enjoy a comfortable and family friendly experience.
An Adventure to Remember
Looking back on our trip to Petit Jean State Park, we’re grateful we chose to spend time in this area of Arkansas. With its outstanding views, interesting history, and beautiful trails, there’s a little something for everyone. If you ever find yourself in the state, make sure you swing by Petit Jean State Park to soak in all its rich history and natural beauty!
For other Arkansas hikes we have done, check out our story on Lost Valley State Park and The Goat Trail.
