Petit Jean State Park: Things to Do, Trails, Lodging, and More

Visitor Center and Gift Shops

You will want to start your visit at the Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center, named for the man whose efforts helped lead to the creation of Petit Jean State Park.

Here you can talk with park staff, pick up trail maps and brochures, register for a campsite, visit the interpretive exhibits and use the restroom facilities.

The park has two gift shops, one inside the visitor center and another at Mather Lodge. Both sell snacks, basic supplies, books, Arkansas gifts and souvenirs.

Best Things to do at Petit Jean State Park

Hiking Trails

These are the most popular trails in the park. Stop at the visitor center for a complete trail map and current conditions.

Cedar Falls Trail

Cedar Falls is the most popular trail in the park. It starts just behind Mather Lodge and leads to a spectacular waterfall. The trail is about 2 miles round trip but it does begin by heading down into a canyon which means you have to climb up on the way out!

It is definitely worth the climb especially if there has been plenty of rainfall and the waterfall is really flowing.

Seven Hollows Trail

This is one of our favorite hikes not just in the park but in the state. Seven Hollows is a 4.5 mile loop trail which will take you through stunning forests and natural features such as bluff shelters, stone arches, and box canyons.

Although the trail is fairly long and has some elevation changes it is not terribly steep. It is also mostly shaded. In our opinion, the short side trip to the grotto is worth the extra steps, especially when there has been enough recent rain for the water to be flowing.

Rock House Cave Trail

Rock House Cave Trail is a very short, only .25 mile long, trail. But it has a big reward at the end! We just love this huge bluff shelter.

Bear Cave Trail

This isn’t a true cave but it is a fascinating place where you can walk through, over, and around boulders that form shelters and little passageways.

Emily’s daughter loves this spot, and other children probably will too. The boulders, shelters and passageways make it feel like a natural playground for young adventurers.

Cedar Creek Trail

Cedar Creek trail is 1.25 miles and begins at an historic log cabin. It follows near Cedar Creek above the falls and is a very pretty hike particularly when the water is flowing.

Overlooks

Petit Jean’s Gravesite

This is located on Stout’s Point on the east side of Petit Jean mountain. There is a parking area and a short walk to gorgeous views of the Arkansas River in the valley below. Walk around and see the views from different spots around Stout’s Point.

Mary Ann Richter Overlook

This is on Red Bluff Drive and has views toward nearby Mount Nebo State Park and the more distant Mount Magazine.

Cedar Falls Overlook

Those who can’t make the hike down to Cedar Falls will appreciate this overlook. The Cedar Falls Overlook is a wooden, barrier-free walkway that leads down from the parking area to a vantage point high above Cedar Falls.

Palisades Overlook and CCC Overlook

These are overlooks that face one another on different rims of the mountain. The CCC overlook is made of native stone and gives you views of the canyon and the river. Palisades is a great place to watch the sunset over the Arkansas River Valley.

The Rock House Cave

The Rock House Cave is not a true cave but a large bluff shelter. It is located at the end of a short walk, only about .25 miles.

We know that Native Americans used this shelter. Evidence of this use can be seen in the many rock art images that appear on the walls and ceilings.

The shelter contains at least 105 rock art images. Experts believe some of the rock art is approximately 1,000 years old, although people used the shelter for thousands of years before the images were created.

Many of the most easily seen pictographs are located on the left-hand side of the shelter (on your left as you enter) closer to the back wall. Look on the ceilings and high up on the shelter walls.

Fishing and Boating

There are two lakes at Petit Jean State Park. Both Lake Bailey and Lake Roosevelt are home to many fish species. You can rent a boat at the park or bring your own. Be aware that the lakes have a 10-horsepower motor limit.

Fishing is also possible from the shore or from the barrier-free fishing pier on Lake Bailey. Visitors can bring or rent kayaks for fishing or simply paddling around the lake.

The boathouse is typically only open for rentals from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Be sure and check dates and hours before you go.

Visit Mather Lodge and Eat at the Restaurant

Mather Lodge is a truly stunning CCC-built structure. You will want to see it when you visit the park even if you aren’t staying here.

It is known for its stone and woodwork, exposed beams, and a massive fireplace.

There is also a restaurant at the lodge with huge picture windows that will allow you to see gorgeous views while you dine. A meal at sunset is particularly dramatic here. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dining is casual and the food is Southern-style.

Be sure and check the restaurant opening days and hours. You can call Mather Lodge for more information at: 501-727-5431.

Swimming Pools, Playgrounds, and Picnic Areas

The swimming pools at Petit Jean State Park are typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The pool located just behind Mather Lodge is for cabin and lodge guests only.

The second pool is located near the campground and picnic area and is open to the public. There is a small charge to use the public pool.

Children can also enjoy one of the two playgrounds at Petit Jean. One is in the picnic area and the other is in the cabin area near Mather Lodge.

Our favorite picnic areas at Petit Jean are the ones near the lakes. They have tables and grills and are first-come first-serve. They are well spaced out and almost all in the shade.

There are also pavilions that can be used for events or large groups. However, these must be reserved and there is a charge.

If you prefer to fly rather than drive you will be happy to know that Petit Jean is the only state park in Arkansas with its own airport. Private pilots can even enjoy the fly-in campground. These are tent sites with water and electric hookups, picnic tables, grills, lantern holders, and tent pads.

For details and to make reservations at Arkansas’s only fly-in tent sites, call the airport at: 501-374-5022.

The Legend of Petit Jean and How the Mountain Got Its Name

Consider this a “once upon a time” story. I’m not sure how much of it is true.

Back in the 1700’s a French nobleman named Chavet wanted to come to America to explore. His fiance wanted to travel with him, but Chavet felt that this was too dangerous for her.

The woman, who was obviously a great combination of brave and stubborn, disguised herself as a young boy and was granted a position as a cabin boy on Chavet’s ship. It must have been a pretty good disguise because the story goes that not even her intended recognized her.

The crew called this cabin boy Petit Jean which in French means little John.

There is a lot more to the story! Be sure and read the rest in this post about the Legend of Petit Jean.

History of the Mountain and the State Park

Of course, the history of this mountain began many years before the arrival of Petit Jean and Chavet.

On the mountain is found one of the largest bluff shelters in the state called Rock House Cave. We know Indigenous people used the shelter because pictographs and other evidence remain there today.

English-speaking Americans began settling the mountain in the 1840s and 50s. The Walker cabin still stands in the park today at the entrance to the Cedar Creek Trail.

By the early 1900s a lumber company owned the mountain. However, fortunately for us, the company decided that it would cost more than it was worth to clear the lumber.

The lumber company physician, Dr. T.W. Hardison began a campaign to petition the legislature to make this area a state park. He succeeded!

The CCC worked at Petit Jean from 1933 to 1941. They constructed Mather Lodge, many of the cabins, a native stone dam for the formation of Lake Bailey, as well as pavilions, trails, and bridges.

Many of these structures are still in use today!