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The best place on Earth... Petit Jean State Park!
I might be a little biased. Having lived a very transformational part of my adult life at this park, I have a deep love for this place. But who better to share the best parts of it for you to experience?!
Below is a breakdown of a dream day on top of Petit Jean mountain (it's actually a mesa) that includes all the most beautiful stops and essential stories to accompany your extraordinary adventure!
Stop 1
Sunrise at Stout's Point
You can't beat a sunrise at Stout's Point. This eastward facing overlook sits at the beak of the turkey's head that is Petit Jean mountain. Stout's Point, also known as Petit Jean's Gravesite, is the spot of local legends of how Petit Jean got its name. There are 27 different legends. (What?!) The most popular legend is of a girl who falls in love with a rich explorer that disguises herself as a cabin boy to follow him to the New World from France. And... Well you'll just have to go to find out the rest.
Expert tip: Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before the sunset. The Weather Channel predicts this each day for a certain area. Use Morrilton, Arkansas as your location!
Stop 2
Breakfast at Petit Jean Coffeehouse
This newer addition to the mountain community is a gem with aromatic Airship coffee, fresh pastries, delicious breakfast dishes, and the cutest memory making merchandise. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday typically so be sure to check they are open when you decide to make your trip!
Expert tip: They open up at 7 am. The earlier you get there, the fewer people there will be. You will definitely want to enjoy the porch while sipping on your coffee.
Stop 3
Hike the Seven Hollows
Seven Hollows is a 4 mile looped trail that takes you to the foot of beautiful Natural Bridge, a seasonal waterfall called the Grotto, and across the rock glades that make Petit Jean's ecosystem so spectacular. If you are a relatively fast hiker, this trail will take you about two hours to complete. But if you are more of a meanderer, it can take up to 4 hours. I love this hike so much. I have been blessed so many times hiking this unique trail.
Expert tip: Take a snack to eat at the foot of the Grotto! This box canyon is cooler than any other spot on this trail. It makes the perfect place to take rest since it is also in the middle of the hike. Be sure to pack plenty of water. I recommend taking 2 liters of water per person for this hike.
Stop 3
Lunch at Mather Lodge
Mather Lodge is an actual gem of a building with the richest history! This lodge was built by hand by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The restaurant has an array of options and a view that cannot be beat. The vaulted ceilings have windows that go all the way up that peer into the Lower Cedar Canyon. This is a stunning place to take in the view. Be sure to check out the historic lobby and breezeway while you are here. The breezeway arch is what embodies a journey into another world of experiences in your Arkansas State Parks. Adventure just calls everyone when they visit this beautiful place!
Expert tip: Take a photo with friends and family on the rocks that jet out at the beginning of the Cedar Falls Trail. The view of the Lower Cedar Canyon is beautiful no matter the weather.
Stop 4
Cedar Falls Trail Overlook
This easy boardwalk is only a 3/4 mile trip away from Mather Lodge on the highway. I suggest driving your car here because it is hilly. This is a 1/4 mile boardwalk that is ADA accessible and provides a bird's eye view of Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls is a 95-foot waterfall that flows into the Lower Canyon. Cedar Falls Trail goes to the bottom of the waterfall. I suggest doing that trail on a different day. But it definitely worth a trip back for!
Expert tip: Take a great camera with you to take pictures! I use my phone as a camera and it does a great job. (I have the iPhone 13.)
Stop 4
Rock House Cave
Rock House Cave is the park's main archeological site that includes hundreds of pictographs from the Mississippian culture. This is a 1/4 mile trail that covers a rock glade with turtle rocks! Sit down on one and it'll be the slowest ride of your life. The rock house cave is a bluff shelter that was used by the Mississippian culture as a nice hang out spot. The wayside panel at the beginning of the shelter on the left is a must see to understand the meanings behind some of the pictographs.
Expert tip: Take a flashlight with you! Shine the light up on the cave walls and ceiling to reveal the rock art.
Stop 5
A Ride on Red Bluff Drive
Red Bluff Drive begins as you turn left out of the Rock House Cave parking lot. This dirt roads reveals the more rugged side of Petit Jean State Park. The Mary Ann Richter Overlook is a great place to view west over the Arkansas River Valley. But my favorite spot to stop is the CCC Overlook. This overlook is a spectacular spot to watch the sunset. The rock pavilion was built the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and is still a beautiful place to sit and ponder life today. There is always a breeze here no matter how hot the day gets.
Expert tip: Bring a lawn chair and enjoy this spot for 30 minutes! If you peer over the south side of this overlook you can see the Palisades. The distance from the CCC Overlook to the Palisades is over a mile! You'll be surprised by how far that can look across the Lower Cedar Creek Canyon.
Stop 6
Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center
If it's not 5 pm yet, definitely make a stop at the Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center before leaving the mountain. You will be greeted by a statue of Dr. Hardison himself! He initiated the establishment of Petit Jean State Park. He fell in love with Petit Jean Mountain on his first trip when he came in 1907 with the Fort Smith Lumber Company. (He was employed as the medical doctor.) He lived the majority of his life loving Petit Jean mountain and was successful in his dreams of Petit Jean being a state park in 1927. This new visitor center built in 2021 is a fantastic way to honor him and give park guests (just like you!) a gateway to experience this special place for themselves. There is a cute gift shop, elaborate exhibit area, and a cooler you can purchase a cool drink from after having a day to remember.
Expert tip: Be sure to make a stop here even if it is already closed for the day! There is a beautiful fireplace made with native hartshorn sandstone that is the perfect photo opportunity.
Your day will be full at Petit Jean State Park! Your feet will be tired and your heart will be over pouring with love for your newfound favorite place. If you have any questions about this itinerary or want suggestions on other places to go in the area, please email us at followthefernweh@gmail.com.
So pitter, patter and get at 'er! Go enjoy Petit Jean State Park for yourself!
- Be inspired and Go! -
Following the Fernweh
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