Arkansas’ first state park, located atop Petit Jean Mountain, draws visitors seeking rest, recreation, and breathtaking views from elevations reaching 1,207 feet.
Beyond its scenic vistas, Petit Jean State Park offers a remarkable journey through both history and prehistory. Visitors can discover tropical fern fossils dating back 300 million years and view ancient Native American pictographs in rock shelters. A burial mound believed to be the final resting place of the legendary 18th-century French girl Petit Jean lends the park its name and myth.
Stout’s Point provides a sobering view of a historic Trail of Tears route traveled by the Cherokee during their forced westward migration in the 1830s. Another historical site within the park includes an 1845 log cabin built by John Walker, the mountain’s second white settler. From 1933 to 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) contributed to the park’s legacy by constructing enduring log and stone buildings, still in use today.
The Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center, opened in 2021, features interactive exhibits highlighting the mountain’s rich cultural and natural history. A statue of Hardison, a rural doctor and visionary who championed the creation of the state park until its official founding in 1923, stands proudly outside.
Inside, a figure of Petit Jean captures the tale of the petite French maiden who is said to have disguised herself as a cabin boy to follow her beloved to North America. Falling ill after reaching the Arkansas wilderness, she was buried at the eastern end of the mountain, where visitors now pay tribute to her memory.
One of the center’s exhibits pays tribute to the CCC’s role in developing the park during the Great Depression. A sculpture near Arkansas Highway 154 depicts a shirtless CCC worker with an ax in hand, symbolizing the hard labor and pride invested in building the park. A quote from Hardison reads: “It took the Depression to bring about the park’s development.” Despite their efforts, some CCC members once wondered who would venture to such a remote mountaintop to appreciate their work. Today, Petit Jean continues to be one of the most visited among Arkansas’ 52 state parks.
Visitors can pick up a brochure at the Visitor Center to explore eight hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. One trail accommodates both hikers and bikers. Among the trails designated as National Recreation Trails for their beauty and historical importance are Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows, and Cedar Creek.
Lake Bailey provides a venue for boating and fishing, with pedal boats and fishing boats available for rent during the summer. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas for relaxation and family fun.
Perched above the Arkansas River, Mather Lodge was constructed by the CCC in 1935 and renovated in recent years to maintain its rustic charm. The lodge includes 24 rooms and a restaurant with sweeping views of Cedar Creek Canyon.
Nearby, 24 housekeeping cabins nestled in the woods offer fireplaces for cozy evenings, with two designated as honeymoon cabins equipped with hot tubs. The park also features 125 campsites that can be reserved up to a year in advance. For those without camping gear, equipped tents and traditional tepees are available for rent.
A proposed master plan for Petit Jean includes exciting upgrades and additions. These include new multi-use trails designed for mountain bikers of various skill levels, rock climbing and bouldering areas, and enhanced accessibility features for visitors with disabilities.
Nearly a century since its founding, Petit Jean State Park remains a beloved destination where natural splendor, historical depth, and outdoor adventure come together on one Arkansas mountaintop.
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