Arkansas is known as the Natural State for obvious reasons. There are 52 state parks scattered across Arkansas, filled with lakes, rivers, trails, lodging, and beautiful nature just waiting to be discovered. One of my favorite parks in Arkansas is Petit Jean State Park in Central Arkansas.

Petit Jean is hidden deep in Morrilton and encompasses 95-foot Cedar Falls, breathtaking overlooks, Mather Lodge and Restaurant, cycling and hiking trails, and a rock cave with cave art. At the top of the mountain is Petit Jean's gravesite that carries with it a fascinating history story and gives the park an "enchanting quality" that brings visitors back time after time. If you enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, or history you definitely need to check out Petit Jean!

Trails

Petit Jean State Park has 10 hiking and cycling trails that range in difficulty. All of these trails are worth the hike or ride, but if you were going to choose just a few, here's what I would recommend.

Rock House Cave Trail is an easy .25 mile trail that takes you into a large rock shelter where, if you look hard enough, you will see Native American cave art created over 500 years ago.

Cedar Falls Trail is a 2 mile round trip that starts behind the breezeway of Mather Lodge. This trail ranges from moderately difficult to strenuous due to the downhill (uphill on the way back) hike through Cedar Creek Canyon. Once you've made it to the bottom of the canyon you'll follow the trail along Cedar Creek until it opens up at the base of Cedar Falls Waterfall, one of the tallest continuously flowing waterfalls in Arkansas.

Seven Hollows Trail is a 4 1/2 mile trail through a series of canyons under the covering of trees. This trail will bring you too rock shelters, a natural stone arch, signs of pre-historic bluff-dwelling, and a seasonal waterfall. It's easy to miss some of the sights while walking this trail so keep an eye out!

Camping

Petit Jean offers tent and RV camping as well as cabin lodging for its visitors. There are 33 cabins to choose from with some being walking distance to Mather Lodge, and others scattered along the bluff of Ceder Creek Canyon. 10 of the cabins include kitchens, and 20 of the cabins are fully furnished. There are also duplex designs to choose from. Aside from the lodging offered there multiple RV and tent camping areas totaling 125 campsites. You can choose from lakeside or wooded areas. If you don't have any camping equipment you can rent a YURT year round from the park that accommodates six people.

Overlooks

Petit Jean's Gravesite at Scout's Point overlooks the Arkansas River, Lock and Dam #9, Blue Point, and Ada Valley. You'll not only experience a breathtaking view but also an incredible history lesson about the park from the information stand for Petit Jean's grave.

From theMary Ann Richter Overlook you will see Mount Nebo and Mount Magazine in the distance, as well as Dardanelle Rock, Carden Bottoms, and Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge.

In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built the CCC Overlook which gives a beautiful view of Cedar Creek Canyon and the Petit Jean river. On the opposite side of the Canyon is the Palisades Overlook, which has been known to have a great view of the sunset.

For an awesome view of the waterfall you can make your way over to the Cedar Falls Overlook.

Fishing and Boating

Petit Jean contains Lake Bailey and Lake Roosevelt that offer great fishing spots and gorgeous boating experiences. During the summer months you can rent boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats from the park, or bring your own.

Petit Jean State Park has so much to offer all you nature lovers, and it's definitely one of the prettiest parks in Arkansas year-round! I only touched on a few of the trails and overlooks, if you want to get the full experience you'll have to make the trip yourself, you won't regret it!