Mount Magazine at a glance
Mount Magazine is a mountain destination rather than a conventional lowland park. Its combination of high-elevation forest, overlooks, trails, lodging and adventure activities makes it particularly useful to plan around weather, reservations and trail conditions.
Location
16878 AR-309, Paris, Arkansas 72855. The park is about 16 miles south of Paris on Scenic Highway 309.
Arkansas highpoint
Signal Hill reaches 2,753 feet and is the highest point in Arkansas. The Signal Hill Trail leads to the summit.
Trail network
The state park trail system totals 14.2 miles, with additional routes connecting into the surrounding national forest.
Overnight options
Visitors can choose among the lodge, 13 cabins and an 18-site campground, subject to current availability and reservation rules.
Visitor center
The 8,000-square-foot visitor center includes exhibits, wildlife viewing, programs, maps and visitor orientation.
Adventure
Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, hang gliding, wildlife watching and interpretive programs.
A mountain park built around Arkansas's highest point
Mount Magazine State Park sits on the summit plateau of Mount Magazine, whose Signal Hill reaches 2,753 feet above sea level. The park occupies approximately 2,234 acres of the plateau through a partnership with the USDA Forest Service. The setting combines forest, mountain terrain, overlooks and deep surrounding valleys.
Hiking is one of the easiest ways to experience the mountain. Signal Hill provides a direct highpoint objective, while trails such as Bear Hollow, Mossback Ridge, North Rim, Greenfield, Benefield Loop and Will Apple's Road reveal different aspects of the mountain's natural and cultural landscape.
Mount Magazine is also unusually broad in its recreation mix. In addition to hiking, the park offers designated opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and hang gliding. The visitor center provides natural-history exhibits, wildlife viewing and interpretive programming.
For visitors who want more than a day hike, The Lodge at Mount Magazine, cabins and the campground make it possible to stay on the mountain. Availability and operating details can change, so confirm current information before departure.
Fees, reservations & admission
Mount Magazine's current official information emphasizes reservable lodging, campsites and group facilities rather than a simple one-price admission model. Rates and availability can change, so use the official reservation system for current pricing before booking.
| Item | Current published information | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Park access | No general day-use admission price is identified on the current park overview used for this guide. | Confirm current park information before visiting. |
| Camping | 18 campsites with water, electric and sewer hookups. | Sites are reservable; confirm current rate and availability. |
| Cabins | 13 cabins in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations. | Rates vary by accommodation; book through official channels. |
| Group pavilion | Standard pavilion currently listed at $85 per day. | Contact the park to confirm current pricing and reservations. |
| Meeting facilities | Visitor-center and lodge meeting spaces are available. | Rates and availability should be confirmed directly with the park. |
Booking tip
Overnight accommodations can be popular for weekends and scenic-season trips. Check current availability and cancellation terms through the official Arkansas State Parks reservation system before finalizing travel plans.
Hours & seasonal access
| Facility | Published hours / availability |
|---|---|
| Visitor Center | Daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. |
| Campground / Picnic Area | Open year-round. |
| Restrooms | Open year-round. |
| Lodge / Gift Shop | Open year-round; current listing shows 24-hour lodge operation. |
| Indoor Lodge Pool | Daily, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; for lodge/cabin guests. |
| Skycrest Restaurant | Daily, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. according to the current Arkansas tourism listing. |
Before you leave home
- Check official park alerts and closures.
- Confirm your lodging or campsite reservation.
- Check weather and trail conditions.
- Confirm facility hours if your itinerary depends on them.
- Review any current fire, climbing or hang-gliding restrictions.
Operating schedules are subject to change. Confirm current hours directly with Arkansas State Parks before departure.
Top things to do at Mount Magazine
Mount Magazine works especially well for visitors who want to combine a highpoint hike with scenic driving, nature study, outdoor recreation or an overnight mountain stay.
Hike Signal Hill
Reach Arkansas's highest point on the 1.5-mile Signal Hill Trail. A stone map of Arkansas marks the summit.
See trail details →Explore the overlooks
Cameron Bluff Overlook Drive and other mountain viewpoints provide opportunities to look across the Petit Jean River Valley and toward Blue Mountain Lake.
Review the park layout →Visit the visitor center
Explore exhibits covering Mount Magazine's geology, history, flora and fauna, along with wildlife viewing and interpretive programming.
Visitor facilities →Rock climbing
Mount Magazine is one of Arkansas State Parks' notable destinations for technical rock climbing. Restrictions apply to protect sensitive resources.
Safety information →Hang gliding
The park has hang-gliding launch areas. Participants must follow park restrictions and register with park staff.
Review planning guidance →Mountain biking
Mountain bikes are allowed on Will Apple's Road Trail and the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail, while paved park areas include bike lanes.
Compare routes →Mount Magazine trails
The official state park trail system totals 14.2 miles. The park also connects with longer routes managed outside the state park, including Cove Lake Trail and the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail. Distances below follow current official Arkansas State Parks trail listings.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Best known for | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal Hill Trail | 1.5 mi | Moderate | Arkansas highpoint | Leads to the 2,753-foot summit. |
| Will Apple's Road Trail | 1.6 mi | Easy | History, wildflowers and mountain biking | Mountain bikes are permitted; hikers and cyclists should remain alert around one another. |
| Bear Hollow Trail | 2.8 mi | Moderate | Forest and access toward Fringe Falls area | Waterfall conditions vary with recent rainfall. |
| Benefield Loop Trails | 2 mi | Easy | Shorter mountain exploration | Useful option for a lower-commitment outing. |
| Greenfield Trail | 0.9 mi | Moderate | Short park hike | Check current trail conditions before walking. |
| Mossback Ridge Trail | 2.1 mi | Moderate | Ridge and forest scenery | Can be combined with other summit-area trails. |
| North Rim Trail | 2.2 mi | Moderate–Strenuous | Rim scenery and access toward Mount Magazine Falls | Terrain and waterfall conditions can change after rain. |
| Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail | 34 mi total | Moderate–Strenuous | Multi-use route | Only a portion lies within the state park; the route continues into Ozark National Forest. |
Signal Hill is the essential highpoint hike
The official Signal Hill listing gives the trail a 1.5-mile distance and moderate difficulty. At the top, visitors find a roughly 400-square-foot stone map of Arkansas. Hiking times vary, so allow extra time for photos, the summit and changing mountain conditions.
Trail-condition reminder
Rain, storms, temperature and seasonal conditions can change trail surfaces and waterfall activity. Check current park information before setting out.
Signal Hill: Arkansas's highest point
At 2,753 feet above mean sea level, Signal Hill is the highest point in Arkansas. The summit is reached by the official Signal Hill Trail and is also accessible from the lodge area via a short approach.
The highpoint itself is surrounded by forest, so visitors should not expect an unobstructed panoramic summit. The experience is instead about reaching the state's highest elevation, walking through the mountain forest and seeing the distinctive stone map of Arkansas at the top.
For the most useful first-time visit, combine Signal Hill with another trail or scenic stop rather than treating the highpoint as the entire park experience.
Hardy Falls & seasonal waterfalls
Hardy Falls is next to Highway 309 approximately six miles south of the visitor center. Other waterfalls, including Fringe Falls and Mount Magazine Falls, require hiking and are particularly dependent on recent rainfall.
Waterfall flow is not guaranteed. Never approach wet or slippery terrain beyond posted or designated areas.
Camping at Mount Magazine
Mount Magazine State Park offers a full-service campground as well as additional camping opportunities in the surrounding mountain area. State park campground reservations should be confirmed before travel.
| Accommodation | Details | Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Bluff Campground | 18 sites with water, electric and sewer hookups. | Reservations available; contact the park or use official booking. |
| Bathhouse | Barrier-free bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. | Useful for RV and tent campers using the main campground. |
| RV dump station | Dump station available at the campground. | Confirm current access information before relying on it. |
| Brown Springs / horse camp area | Additional camping options are described in official park materials. | Confirm which sites are currently operating and their current rules. |
Campground registration
Official park information states that campers must register at the visitor center before occupying a campsite.
Bring your reservation details and confirm current check-in procedures before arrival.
Overnight stays beyond camping
The Lodge at Mount Magazine
The lodge has 60 guest rooms along with Skycrest Restaurant, an indoor pool, fitness center, game room, business center and conference facilities.
Mountain cabins
Thirteen cabins include one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. Covered decks, fireplaces and outdoor hot tubs are among the published cabin features.
ADA-designated cabins
The current accommodation listing identifies ADA cabins, including cabin 7, cabin 9 and cabin 13. Confirm current accessibility details when booking.
Swimming and nearby water recreation
Indoor swimming at the lodge
The Lodge at Mount Magazine has an indoor swimming pool for lodge and cabin guests. The current published schedule is daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The park's official information also points visitors toward nearby Cove Lake, Blue Mountain Lake and Spring Lake for swimming and other water recreation. These areas are outside the state park and have their own management and rules.
Fishing
The park's rock quarry supports populations of bream, catfish and largemouth bass. Official park information also identifies Cove Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Cedar Piney Lake and Spring Lake as nearby fishing destinations.
Confirm current fishing regulations, licenses and access rules with the appropriate managing agency before fishing.
Visitor center, picnicking & family-friendly facilities
8,000-square-foot visitor center
The visitor center serves as the primary orientation point for Mount Magazine. Exhibits cover geology, history, flora and fauna, while a wildlife observation area looks over a native plant garden.
The facility also supports guided walks, workshops, wildlife and history programs, audiovisual programs and school-group activities.
Official visitor center informationPicnic areas
Picnic tables and grills are available in the Greenfield, Benefield, Brown Springs and Cameron Bluff areas. A standard group pavilion is located at the Greenfield Picnic Area near the visitor center.
Pavilion reservations and current rental information should be confirmed with the park.
Wildlife, forests & mountain ecology
Mount Magazine's elevation, geography and climate contribute to a diverse mountain environment. Official park material describes oak-hickory and pine forests, wooded glades, seeps, wildflowers and wildlife diversity.
The visitor center provides wildlife observation opportunities and a native plant garden, while interpretive programs help visitors understand the mountain's natural and cultural resources.
Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed. Observe animals from a safe distance, never feed wildlife, secure food and trash, and follow all posted advisories.
Bear-country awareness
Arkansas State Parks provides specific bear-safety information for Mount Magazine. Campers and hikers should review current park guidance and keep food and scented items appropriately secured.
Accessibility at Mount Magazine
Facilities with accessibility information
The official visitor-center description identifies the building as barrier-free. The current accommodation listing also identifies ADA-designated cabins, and the campground includes a barrier-free bathhouse.
Accessibility varies substantially across outdoor terrain. Trails on a mountain can include slopes, uneven surfaces, rocks, roots and changing conditions.
Visitors with specific mobility or accessibility requirements should contact the park before arrival to confirm the current condition and suitability of a particular facility, trail or overlook.
Service animals & pets
Service-animal access is governed by applicable law. Pet policies can vary by facility and accommodation, so verify current rules with Arkansas State Parks before traveling with an animal.
Parking & directions
Main approach
Mount Magazine State Park is located at 16878 AR-309, Paris, Arkansas 72855. From Paris, the official park map information directs visitors approximately 16 miles south on Scenic Highway 309.
From Danville, the published route is west on Arkansas Highway 10 to Havana, followed by approximately 10 miles north on Scenic Highway 309.
Because the park is on a mountain plateau, check current road and weather conditions when severe weather is expected.
Driving times from selected cities
- Little Rock: approximately 2 hours
- Tulsa: approximately 3 hours
- Oklahoma City: approximately 4 hours
- Memphis: approximately 4.5 hours
- Shreveport: approximately 5 hours
- Dallas: approximately 6 hours
These are approximate published planning times, not live traffic estimates.
Food at the park
Skycrest Restaurant
Skycrest Restaurant is located at The Lodge at Mount Magazine and provides an onsite dining option for visitors staying at or visiting the lodge. The current Arkansas tourism listing gives daily hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Restaurant hours can change. Confirm current hours before building a hiking itinerary around a meal.
For trail days
Carry enough drinking water and food for your planned outing. A restaurant being available at the lodge does not eliminate the need to carry trail supplies for longer or remote outings.
If your itinerary includes extended hiking or forest routes, plan supplies before leaving the developed park area.
Suggested visit lengths
Hours
Focus on the visitor center, Signal Hill and one nearby scenic stop.
Day
Combine Signal Hill with another trail, overlook and visitor-center visit.
Full day
Allow time for multiple trails, scenic driving, wildlife viewing and recreation.
Days
Best suited to combining hiking and adventure with a lodge, cabin or campground stay.
Best time to visit Mount Magazine
Spring
Spring can be a strong choice for wildflowers, greener forests and changing waterfall conditions. Rain can also affect trails and wet rock, so check conditions before hiking.
Summer
Mount Magazine's elevation can make the mountain an appealing destination during hot Arkansas weather. Even so, hikers should prepare for heat, sun, storms and changing mountain conditions.
Fall
Forest scenery and cooler mountain weather can make fall attractive for hiking and scenic drives. Expect potentially higher demand for lodging on popular weekends.
Winter
Leaf-off conditions can reveal more of the mountain's structure and distant scenery. Dress for changing high-elevation weather and check current trail and road conditions before traveling.
Weather, terrain & visitor safety
Prepare for mountain conditions
- Check the weather forecast before hiking.
- Carry sufficient water for the length and difficulty of your route.
- Expect uneven or changing trail surfaces.
- Use caution around steep terrain, overlooks and exposed areas.
- Do not enter closed or restricted areas.
- Check current trail conditions after heavy rain or storms.
- Keep food and scented items secured in bear country.
- Follow all park instructions for climbing and hang gliding.
Climbing & hang-gliding restrictions
Rock climbing is permitted only in designated areas and restrictions exist to protect sensitive plants and animals. Hang gliding is also subject to restrictions and registration.
Contact the visitor center for current requirements before participating.
Ranger programs & events
Year-round interpretation
Mount Magazine offers guided hikes, history and nature talks, audiovisual programs and demonstrations. The visitor center is also a starting point for guided walks, workshops and wildlife and history programs.
Organized groups can request special programs in advance. Program schedules and availability can change, so check the official park calendar before visiting.
Explorer program
Official park materials identify the Arkansas State Parks Explorer program for children ages 6–14. Ask park staff for the current field guide and participation details.
Mount Magazine park map & layout
Download the official park map
The official Mount Magazine park map identifies the visitor center, campground, lodge and cabins, Cameron Bluff Overlook Drive, picnic areas, trailheads, Signal Hill, the rock-climbing area, hang-gliding area, horse camp and other key facilities.
View official park map & brochureUseful locations to identify
- Visitor Center
- The Lodge and cabins
- Cameron Bluff Campground
- Signal Hill
- Cameron Bluff Overlook Drive
- Greenfield Picnic Area
- Trailheads
- Rock climbing area
- Hang-gliding area
- Horse camp
Maps, gifts & visitor supplies
Visitor center gift shop
The visitor center includes gifts and visitor information, making it a practical first stop for maps, orientation and park information.
Lodge gift shop
The Lodge at Mount Magazine also has a gift shop. Availability and merchandise can vary, so visitors planning a remote outing should bring essential trail supplies rather than relying on onsite retail.
Mount Magazine visit checklist
- Check the official Mount Magazine State Park page and current alerts.
- Confirm your campsite, cabin or lodge reservation if staying overnight.
- Review the official trail information before choosing your route.
- Check the weather forecast for the mountain.
- Download or review the official park map before leaving.
- Carry enough water and food for your planned hike.
- Review climbing or hang-gliding requirements if participating.
- Secure food and scented items appropriately while camping or hiking.
- Confirm restaurant, visitor-center or facility hours if they affect your itinerary.
- Allow extra time for scenic stops, changing weather and trail conditions.
Mount Magazine State Park FAQ
Plan your Mount Magazine adventure
Start with the official park page, then check current lodging availability, trail information, maps, alerts and facility schedules before you travel.