A Trip To This Inspiring State Park In Arkansas Will Spoil You For Life

If you’re looking for someone or someplace to thank for the Natural State’s amazing state park system, look no further than Petit Jean Mountain. The geological formations, waterfalls, and stunning views on this mountain can be credited for making Arkansas legislators decide what the Natural State’s natural beauty really needed was to be preserved for future generations. Petit Jean was Arkansas’s first state park, is still among its finest, and there’s no better way to get back to nature than visiting this incredible natural place.

You’ll find Petit Jean State Park in central Arkansas, directions are here.

Most of the architecture in the park dates back to around 1933, when the Civilian Conservation Corps built the park’s structures.

The view from the lodge is incredible.

There are more than twenty miles of hiking trails on Petit Jean, and each one will lead you somewhere incredible.

Like Cedar Creek, for example.

Cedar Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Natural State.

Davies Arch perfectly frames Bailey Falls.

The overlooks on Petit Jean are incredible.

The sunsets there are unmatched...

...and so are the sunrises.

At a certain time of day, it looks like you could walk on the clouds at Stout’s Point.

Rock House Cave is another wonder that awaits you on Petit Jean...

...and it’s a cave you really can’t miss.

You’ll find Turtle Rocks near Rock House Cave, along Seven Hollows Trail...

...where you’ll find several more unique formations.

You can camp year-round at Petit Jean’s 125 campsites.

Fall is probably the best time to visit this wonder of a state park.

You won’t regret your stay there, except that you may find all other natural beauty inferior afterward...

...because Petit Jean State Park is going to spoil you for life.

For a state park that looks like a total dream, read about Devil's Den here. To see another mountaintop park, visit Mount Magazine.