It’s All About The Outdoors In The Petit Jean State Park
Beneath the boulder-topped heights of Petit Jean Mountain, along the bends of the Arkansas River, the Petit Jean State Park unfolds in a pretty patchwork of natural delights. The gushing Cedar Falls are its highlight, cascading like strips of white ribbon over the black-stone bluffs. Rustic cabins dating to the Civilian Conservation Corps days of the 1930s nestle between the pine trees and oaks. Autumnal colors erupt in the fall, magnetizing wildlife lovers to Petit Jean State Park vacation rentals, while plenty of hiking routes and campgrounds make it a great escape no matter the time of year.
Petit Jean State Park Housekeeping Duplex Cabin
My friend and I visited the park and spent a long weekend. The cabin was exquisite. Not the Taj Mahal, but clean and comfy. Not to mention quaint and well equipped. Loved the fireplace, screened in porch and the porch swing.
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We camped here for 2 nights. Loved the place. Great hiking and exploring. Highly recommend this park for a little down time.
I have visited Petit Jean often, Usually once a year over the past 20 years. I have spent the day as well as camped and on a few occasions in the cabins. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails and none of them are difficult in my opinion, and they all have something to offer.The best time to go visit is on weekdays, the weekends are too popular. It is worth the visit in all seasons. I have always prepared my own food and not eaten at the lodge. Camping areas need to be reserved in advance. My favorite place to relax is at the Petit Jean gravesite overlooking the Arkansas river.It is a great place for people of all ages, individuals and families. Plenty of tables to Picnic in the park. The place is popular, just do not expect peace and quit on the cedar falls trail and other popular sites on a pretty weekend.
Camping At Petit Jean
Enjoy spending a night or two under the stars on this gorgeous mountain top, enjoying natures serenity and incredible views.
Campers have plenty of space to bring an RV or camper trailer. Petit Jean State Park has a few camping areas with 125 campsites all are pretty flat.
We stayed in Camp Area D, it was the furthest away from the lake and there were fewer campers. Camp Area D has excellent shading. It is really dark at night so dont forget flashlights or headlamps!
Camp Area A is right on Lake Bailey. When we visited in September Camp Area A was pretty full it is a better place for larger RVs.
If youre looking for something more modern, yurts are available to rent! Yurts are Mongolian-style portable huts that have become increasingly popular throughout the United States over the past several years. The yurts are right on Lake Bailey and can be rented.
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Cabin #16 At Petit Jean State Park
We stayed in Cabin #16 February 15-18th. Oh my goodness! So romantic and cozy. It was cold outside, great fireplace weather, and we used the wood burning fireplace everyday. The park provides one bundle of wood everyday. We can’t wait to go back. We also loved the beautiful hiking trails and creeks that this park has. Cedar Falls Waterfall is absolutely gorgeous.
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Took the hike down to the base of Cedar Falls and it was amazing. large boulders and a magical waterfall.
We wish we lived closer. We enjoy hiking and exploring new trails. Petit Jean offers a variety of hikes. Probably the most popular is Cedar Creek Falls trail. The waterfall is spectacular. We walked the Seven Hollows Trail this trip. Right you can enjoy the tranquility of babbling streams and multiple small waterfalls along this trail.
Visited the park at the end of October. It is so quiet and peaceful. We rented a cabin and just sat out on the back porch. Wind was blowing and I feel asleep. Even though the park was full, you couldn’t hear anybody. The cabin was fully stocked. From plates to refrigerator to A.C. to overhead fans. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle, visit Petit Jean, you will enjoy it.
Petit Jean State Park And Petit Jean Mountain
Petit Jean State Park, situated on Arkansas Petit Jean Mountain, which rises above the south bank of the Arkansas River between the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges, is 3,471 acres in size and was the first park in Arkansas system of state parks. Buildings of log and stone, constructed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps , are found in many areas of the park and impart a rustic feel. CCC Company V-1781 was formed on Petit Jean Mountain on July 15, 1933, working from 1933 to 1938, building roads, trails, pavilions, overlooks, cabins, two recreational lakes and historic Mather Lodge, the only CCC lodge in an Arkansas park. While most of the CCC boys around the country were eighteen and nineteen years old, at Petit Jean, the crew was made up of World War I veterans men who were more skilled than the average CCC worker. After CCC involvement in the park ended, work continued on park projects under the Work Progress Administration .
Petit Jean, the flagship of the Arkansas state park system, is managed by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Petit Jean is Arkansas only state park with its own airport.
Petit Jean source of the name of the mountain
From The Encylopedia of Arkansas History and Culture:
A 1941 book, Arkansas: A Guide to the State, has a similar story:
An 1891 book, Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas, tells still another early tradition for the name of the nearby Petit Jean River.
Lodging and Dining
Camping
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Best Time For Photographers:
Just about anytime can be good for photography here, of course midday light can be very high contrast and hard to work with and the use of HDR photography can be the solution.
Sunrise and sunset are both great times for photographers at Petit Jean. For sunrise the Petit Jean Gravesite overlook gives a great view of the Arkansas River and the sunrise to the east. The Grave site overlook
Sunset can be shot from several overlooks on the west side of the mounting, the CCC overlook is my favorite.
Things To Do At Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is a favorite destination for those living in central Arkansas and those visiting out of state . It is a great weekend getaway in Arkansas!
The park has so many outdoor activities! Folks visiting can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, camp, and spend time soaking up the mountain views.
Ready to find out where to see more views like the pictures above and below? Keep reading to get more details!
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Petit Jean State Park Is A Little
Waterfalls. Canyons. Native American Art. Rare geological formations. Its all at Petit Jean State Park in northern Arkansas. This 3500-acre state park 70 miles northwest of Little Rock sits between the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains, a solitary and distinctive place for spending time outdoors. Not only is there an incredible number of natural features to see, but its possible to stay the night in comfort with so many different accommodation options. In short, Petit Jean State Park is an easy and exciting getaway.
There are so many features to this state park, with over 20 miles of hiking trails in total through forests, meadows, canyons, and mountains. Theres also a campground with 125 campsites and rental yurts. You can also go fishing, rent a kayak, or relax on a pedal boat. Check the state parks website for seasonal hours for the boat house and rental prices.
Have you visited Petit Jean State Park? What are your favorite features of this hidden gem?
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Reasons To Visit Petit Jean State Park Ar
The real highlight of Petit Jean State Park is its variety theres something for everyone here whether you want to hike, bike, canoe, or just have a relaxing time in nature.
If youre more interested in wildlife than hiking, then you might enjoy spending some time bird-watching at Lake Bailey.
If you love outdoor activities like hiking and biking, this state park is perfect for you!
The Petit Jean area offers spectacular views and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Come and see why so many people love Petit Jean! We cant wait to go back!
Thanks for reading!
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Petit Jean State Park Hiking
Petit Jean State Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in Arkansas with jaw-dropping geology. The hiking is one of the main reasons we ended up visiting in the first place!
All of the trails we hiked were well maintained and well-marked.
Some trails are easy, while others are more difficult. Petit Jean Mountain is a naturally beautiful place to spend an afternoon exploring.
Since hiking is one of the most popular activities, were sharing all the best trails to hike below!
The Scenery Is Gorgeous
Petit jean state park cabins. Arkansas Petit Jean State Park laid the blueprint for other reserves in the area. We had a group of 13 people- 4 adults and the rest kids ages 2-16. Download other images about Petit Jean State Park Cabins in our other reviews.
4 11 16 17 19 25 44 47 61 75 89 98 and 124. Are you looking for a beautiful and. One of Arkansass historic treasures Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park has a rustic-style design.
Theres no shortage of activities for families around Petit Jean. The rugged appeal of Petit Jean State Park cabins fits perfectly to the natural landscapes and terrain allowing visitors to experience an unforgettable trip into the wilderness of Arkansas. Winter Cabin Cozy Cabin Vacation Places Vacation Trips Vacation Ideas Arkansas Vacations Arkansas Camping Dog Friendly Cabins Petit Jean State Park.
The first park to be designated a state park in early 20th c. Petit Jean State Park Cabins This Perfect Petit Jean State Park Cabins Gallery photos was upload on November 23 2019 by admin. Enjoy unforgettable family adventures.
16115 likes 261 talking about this 360 were here. ARKANSAS STATE PARKS 1 Capitol Mall – Little Rock Arkansas 72201 1-888-287-2757 TDD email protected. Eight minutes from Petit Jean State Park and centered between the Ozark and Quachita Mountain ranges comfort and adventure abounds.
Among the parks more unique features is a preserved pioneer cabin. Cabin 5 The Western Cabin Morrilton. Rent A Yurt At Petit Jean State Park.
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Explore 1930s History In Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is known for its cluster of country lodges built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s. The most iconic is surely the Mather Lodge, which hides up on the ridges atop Cedar Creek Canyon. There, you can settle in for hearty Arkansas fare or just wonder at the rustic architecture that’s been preserved _ the timber-clad exterior and rough-stone walls make it something of a living museum. Natural sights like the Cedar Falls and the sculpted sandstone boulders of Bear Cave are all within hiking distance of that.
Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton Arkansas is home to Petit Jean State Park, which was Arkansas first state park. The park is known for the legend of Petit Jean, a french girl who disguised herself as a cabin-boy to accompany her boyfriend to the new world.
More than 20 miles of trails guide you to Petit Jeans special places. Walk to Cedar Falls meander through Seven Hollows enter Rock House Cave or explore Bear Cave.
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Enjoy Unforgettable Family Adventures
There’s no shortage of activities for families around Petit Jean Mountain. Immediately east of Petit Jean State Park – only a mile from Petit Jean Park Airport – young kids will love being able to meet various animals at the Barnyard Friends Petting Zoo. They also offer pony rides, tractor rides and horseback rides along scenic trails. Though ideal for younger kids, this is an attraction that the whole family can enjoy.
During the summer months, Petit Jean State Park has a popular, kid-friendly public swimming pool where you can relax and play in safety. Along beautiful Lake Bailey, located just off Route 154 in the heart of the park, you’ll find an excellent picnic area with grills, restrooms, tables and fresh water. There’s also a fantastic playground.
Blooms And Fall Colors In Petit Jean State Park
The Petit Jean State Park is a showcase of the handsome Arkansas backcountry, no matter the season. You can seek out Petit Jean State Park vacation rentals to come and wander the wildflower meadows along the edge of the Arkansas River in April and May. Or, you can come for the most popular, warmer times between June and August, when the Cedar Falls are seen by the streams of hikers in the woods. Fall is another favorite, mainly for the glorious array of reds and yellows that colors the forests then.
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Petit Jean State Park Wedding
If youve been on my blog before, you know I LOVE Petit Jean State Park. Its one of the prettiest places to elope or get married in Arkansas, in my humble opinion. The sunset and sunrise views cant be beat. When these two reached out, I knew it was going to be an epic Arkansas elopement.
They rented a honeymoon cabin on the mountain, where Chaney got ready with her girls and her sweet golden retriever. Then, she saw her groom during their first look at the lodge overlook. Then they said their vows at the western facing CCC Overlook right as the sun was setting. We headed out to Stouts point for some post-sunset portraits with the lanterns. All in all, a perfect day for a perfect couple.
Hiking In Petit Jean State Park
You’ll feel the fresh breezes of the Arkansas backcountry in your hair as you take to the trails of the Petit Jean State Park. They wiggle and wind through the woodlands, over creeks and past the photogenic Cedar Falls. Some peak out on top of Petit Jean Mountain itself to offer sweeping panoramas over the bends of the Arkansas River and the grassy hills that undulate out towards the Ouachita ranges in the south. Spring ushers in festivals of wildflower weekends in this beautiful setting, while fall draws people to see the forests changing color.
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Petit Jean Facilities And Rentals
Check out our reservation policies.
“Connect your heart and mind to a special place when you visit an Arkansas state park.”- Arkansas State Parks
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”- Helen Keller
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”- John Muir
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”- Rachel Carson
“A true conservationist knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children.”- John James Audubon
“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children.”- Theodore Roosevelt
Petit Jean State Park Elopement // Arkansas Elopement Photographer
Chaney started her day relaxing with her bridesmaids at this beautiful and secluded cabin just off the main road. Her mother and grandmother were there to help her get into her dress and her sweet doggy was right there alongside her as she got ready and put on her gown!
I LOVED how she coordinated bridesmaid dresses- each dress was a different color in a boho color palette, making the overall effect colorful and bohemian which is exactly what she was going for with this intimate elopement at Petit Jean State Park!
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First Look // Arkansas Adventure Photographer
Chaney and Clancy had their first look at the iconic Petit Jean Lodge overlook. This is such a beautiful and scenic spot! It can be a little crowded during the weekends but we had it mostly to ourselves. These two were so sweet to watch! They absolutely gushed over one anothers outfits. I loved Clancys western attire, complete with his wide brim hat and boots it was the perfect match to Chaneys whimsical and boho gown.
Petit Jean State Park Overview
Petit Jean State Park campground features 125 individual campsites offering water and electrical hook-ups. Thirty-five of the sites have 50 amp electric and sewer. All sites are reservable throughout the year. There is also a 44-unit Rally-style camping area with 20-amp electrical service available for camping clubs. A reservable Group Camp Area is available throughout the year with heated bathhouse in winter, and there are also 33 cabins available for rent.
Our favorite Petit Jean State Park campsites are: 4, 11, 16, 17, 19, 25, 44, 47, 61, 75, 89, 98 and 124.
Petit Jean State Park campground also has a sanitary dump station, drinking water, flush toilets and hot showers. Firewood is available from the campground host. Other amenities include picnic areas, two swimming pools, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, boat launch ramp, tennis and basketball court, amphitheater, and numerous hiking/biking trails.
For those who dont own camping equipment, the park offers four Rent-A-Yurts available for rental March through November. The yurts are round, high walled tents with electricity, screened windows, and doors with locks. The rental includes cots, a lantern, stove, and ice chest. Each Rent-A-Yurt accommodates up to six people.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is another option. Its only 30 miles away and has 74 campsites with hookups. And you might also be interested in Maumelle Park campground.
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