This 4-Mile Hike In Arkansas’s Petit Jean State Park Takes You Through An Enchanting Forest
Seven Hollows Trail in Petit Jean State Park is a nature lover’s dream come true. This 4-mile trail tours you through the forest and under an impressive rock bridge. Let’s pack the snacks, lace up those hiking boots, and hit this enchanting trail that might just be the most scenic hike in Arkansas.
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Every trail at Petit Jean State Park a captivating tour through the forest.
Just because we're featuring Seven Hollows today doesn't mean the other trails aren't worth the trek. For instance, Cedar Falls Trail (pictured) is perfect for hiking families but takes less time than Seven Hollows. Bear Cave Trail is even shorter and very suitable for tiny trailblazers. All the paths at Petit Jean State Park will lead you to a memorable adventure.
Address: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton, AR 72110
However, Seven Hollows Trail is one of our favorites.
This trail stands out from the rest because of its significance. This was the path that inspired the Petit Jean Mountain to become Arkansas's first state park. For more information, read about the oldest state park in Arkansas.
Hikers will love the tour through the enchanting forest. The peaceful trail is a full day's adventure but will have you feeling reconnected to nature.
The trail is 4.5-miles long and will take about four-five hours to complete. The loop have an elevation gain of about 560-ft. but is well marked. Just be sure to pack snacks and plenty of water for all family members.
Along the way you'll see the many features that inspired this area to be preserved as a state park.
There's plenty to see along the trail but one of the most prominent features is the natural sandstone arch. The larger portion of the bridge has collapsed over time but the remaining arch is still a fascinating photo prop.
Like any good Arkansas trail, this hike also has a waterfall to chase.
This waterfall may not be quite as majestic as the park's Cedar Falls but the grotto is still captivating. During sunny days the water reflects into the rock walls for a beautiful rippling-light show. If you come after a decent rain you'll be able to see a stronger flow from the grotto's falls.
The numerous caves and rock shelters make this trail irresistible to explorers of all ages.
When you're not traversing directly under the forest's trees you'll be walking under the massive rock overhangs. This part of the trail has many small caves that can be safely explored by young (or old) hikers.
Seven Hollows Trail will take you through and to the top of Petit Jean's gorgeous forest.
Any angle of this beloved mountain is simply stunning. No matter if you spend the day hiking Seven Hollows or take a longer retreat at the park, this area will showcase the true beauty of the Natural State.
What do you think is the best scenic hike in Arkansas? Share with us in the comments below! We would also love to see your adventures at the park in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Address: Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
scenic hike in Arkansas
July 29, 2020
Jackie Ann
What are the best hikes with a view in Arkansas?
Between the sweeping mountain ranges and the hot springs, Arkansas is full of beautiful views. If you’re looking for sweeping mountain views, check out the Yellow Rock Trail, a quick and easy 3-mile hike located within Devils Den State Park where you’ll have stunning views of the northwestern side of the Ozarks. The Rim Trail will take you to one of the highest peaks in the Arkansas State Park System, and is a popular spot for viewing sunsets and sunrises.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Arkansas?
If you’re wanting to chase waterfalls, Arkansas is a great place to start. The Natural State is chock full of cascading waterfalls that are simply gorgeous. Despite its funny name, Fuzzybutt Falls near Ben Hur is a mesmerizing waterfall that measures about 16 feet, and while not as tall as many other waterfalls in Arkansas, this is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the state.For one of the most unique waterfalls you’ll ever see, take the 1.8-mile hike to Glory Hole near Deer, Arkansas. It’s one of the few waterfalls to have water flowing through the bluff instead of over it, a must-see.
Which hikes in Arkansas are short and sweet?
There are plenty of hikes that are less than 3 miles long that are short and sweet without compromising scenery. The Lost Valley Trail in the Buffalo National River Area is just over 2 miles, and one of the most beautiful places to explore in the Buffalo River area. The trail features waterfalls, cliffs, a natural bridge, and beautiful scenery along the way. One of the most impressive mountain views can be found along the 1.7 mile King’s Bluff Loop Trail in the Pedestal Rocks Recreation Area.
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
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