Petit Jean State Park: Complete Guide to Trails, Cedar Falls, Camping & Things to Do
Arkansas's first state park combines mountain scenery, canyons, waterfalls, historic Civilian Conservation Corps architecture, forests and Lake Bailey on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton.
Quick facts
A mountain park built around scenery, trails and history
Petit Jean State Park occupies the summit and slopes of Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton in west-central Arkansas. Established in 1923, it was the state's first state park and remains one of Arkansas's most distinctive destinations for hiking, waterfalls, scenic overlooks and outdoor recreation.
The park covers approximately 2,800 acres and includes forests, canyons, streams, geological formations and overlooks rising about 1,120 feet above the Arkansas River Valley. More than 20 miles of interconnected trails provide access to features including Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows, Rock House Cave, Natural Bridge and Bear Cave.
Petit Jean is also notable for its historic landscape. Civilian Conservation Corps crews constructed many of the park's early facilities and trails in the 1930s, while the park's cultural history includes the Arkansas portion of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Visitors can combine day hiking with camping, cabins or a stay at historic Mather Lodge. Lake Bailey provides fishing and seasonal boating opportunities, while the visitor center offers exhibits and interpretive resources.
The essentials for planning a first visit
Hiking
More than 20 miles of trails range from short walks to longer, strenuous routes through canyons and forests.
Overnight stays
Choose among campsites, four YURTs, cabins, group accommodations and historic Mather Lodge.
Water recreation
Lake Bailey supports fishing and paddling, with seasonal boat rentals operated from the park boathouse.
Visitor services
The visitor center includes exhibits, a gift shop and camping supplies; Mather Lodge also has a gift shop and snacks.
Fees, reservations and activity costs
Petit Jean includes several types of paid services and accommodations. Exact prices can vary by accommodation, reservation and activity, so confirm current pricing before booking.
What may involve a fee
| Service | Planning information |
|---|---|
| Camping | Rates vary by campsite type and current reservation rules. |
| Cabins & lodge | Rates vary by accommodation and date. |
| YURTs | Four YURTs are available; check current availability and rates. |
| Boat rentals | Seasonal rentals are separately priced by equipment and rental period. |
| Picnic facilities | Some group or pavilion facilities may require reservations or fees. |
- Check current accommodation rates.
- Confirm reservation and cancellation rules.
- Review seasonal activity pricing.
- Check official park alerts before traveling.
Current official information: Arkansas State Parks — Petit Jean State Park
Expect different schedules for different facilities
Seasonal operations
Petit Jean's outdoor facilities do not all operate on the same schedule. For example, the public pool is listed by Arkansas State Parks as operating from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Wednesday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with specified holiday exceptions.
The boathouse and boat rentals are also seasonal, with the official park listing giving Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend as the normal operating period and noting possible staffing-related changes late in August.
Lodging, campground check-in, visitor-center services, trails and other facilities can have separate schedules. Check the official park page for current conditions before relying on a particular service.
Before you visit
- Check current park alerts and closures.
- Confirm seasonal facility hours.
- Review the weather forecast.
- Check trail conditions.
- Confirm accommodation reservations.
- Review current fire and recreation restrictions.
Top things to do at Petit Jean
The park's strongest experiences are concentrated around its trail system, canyon scenery, waterfall, historic resources and Lake Bailey recreation.
Hike to Cedar Falls
Follow the Cedar Falls Trail to one of the park's signature natural features, an approximately 89-foot waterfall in Cedar Creek Canyon.
National Recreation TrailExplore Seven Hollows
This loop passes through small canyons, dense hardwood forest, rock shelters, a natural stone arch and other distinctive geological features.
4.5-mile loopVisit Rock House Cave
A short trail leads to the large rock shelter, where visitors can see documented ancient pictographs and geological features.
Short walkSee the mountain overlooks
Petit Jean Mountain provides sweeping views over the Arkansas River Valley, including the well-known Stout's Point overlook.
Scenic viewsFish or paddle Lake Bailey
The 100-acre Lake Bailey offers fishing and paddling opportunities, with seasonal rentals at the park's boathouse.
Seasonal servicesExplore park history
Learn about the CCC, early Arkansas state-park development, the Trail of Tears and the park's historic landscape at the visitor center and elsewhere.
Historic resourcesPetit Jean State Park trails
Arkansas State Parks identifies more than 20 miles of hiking trails. The following routes are among the park's principal named trails and use the official park descriptions where available.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Official time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Falls Trail | 2 mi. round trip | Moderate / Strenuous | Varies | Cedar Falls, Cedar Creek Canyon |
| Seven Hollows Trail | 4.5 mi. | Moderate | About 4 hours | Canyons, natural arch, rock shelters, forest |
| Rock House Cave Trail | 0.25 mi. | Easy | Varies | Rock House Cave and pictographs |
| Canyon Trail | 1 mi. / 2 mi. with Cedar Falls backtrack | Easy | About 2 hours | Cedar Creek, small falls and pools |
| Winthrop P. Rockefeller Boy Scout Trail | 12 mi. | Moderate / Strenuous | Varies | Longer backcountry-style park experience |
Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows and Cedar Creek trails have National Recreation Trail designation. Together they showcase the park's combination of scenic beauty, geology, forest and historic resources.
Stay on marked trails, watch your footing around rocks and drop-offs, and plan to finish before darkness. Conditions can change after storms or heavy rain. Check with park staff for current trail information.
Official trail information: Petit Jean Trails, Waterfalls & Overlooks · Official Petit Jean Trails Map PDF
Cedar Falls & Cedar Creek Canyon
Cedar Falls is one of Petit Jean's defining attractions. The official Arkansas State Parks trail information describes the waterfall as approximately 89 feet high and places it within Cedar Creek Canyon.
The Cedar Falls Trail is a two-mile round trip and is officially rated Moderate, Strenuous. The route provides access to the waterfall and the canyon environment that makes this part of the mountain distinctive.
Waterfall appearance can vary with recent rainfall and seasonal conditions. Treat wet rocks and uneven terrain cautiously and follow current park guidance.
Cedar Falls at a glance
Camping, YURTs, cabins & Mather Lodge
Petit Jean is designed for both day trips and extended stays, with several accommodation types inside the park.
Campsites
The park has 125 campsites, including Class AAA and Class B sites.
Reservations recommendedYURTs
Four Rent-A-YURTs provide another overnight option for visitors seeking something between conventional camping and a cabin.
Cabins
Cabins sit near Mather Lodge, including numerous rustic CCC-style units and cabins equipped with kitchens.
Mather Lodge
The historic lodge provides 24 guest rooms along with dining, meeting facilities and other lodge services.
Accommodation availability changes by date and unit type. Use the official Arkansas State Parks booking system to check current inventory, rates, cancellation rules and arrival requirements before planning an overnight trip.
Lake Bailey, fishing & seasonal boating
Lake Bailey
A CCC-built rock dam on Cedar Creek forms 100-acre Lake Bailey. The lake supports fishing and paddling and includes a barrier-free fishing pier.
Visitors may bring a canoe or kayak, while motorboats are subject to the park's stated 10-horsepower motor limit. Seasonal boat rentals include pedal boats, water bikes and flat-bottom boats, with rental schedules dependent on the operating season and staffing.
Lake Roosevelt is another park water body associated with fishing. Check current rules and conditions before launching or fishing.
Arkansas State Parks lists the boathouse and rentals as normally operating Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, with possible late-August staffing changes.
Check official boat informationPicnicking, pools & family recreation
Picnic areas & pavilions
The park provides picnic areas and pavilions, useful for combining a hike or scenic stop with a meal outdoors. Confirm reservation requirements for specific facilities.
Swimming pools
Petit Jean has two swimming pools. Public-pool operation is seasonal, so verify current dates and hours before planning a swim.
Play & recreation
On-site recreation includes playgrounds, tennis courts, a volleyball court, basketball facilities and an amphitheater.
Wildlife, forests & natural areas
Petit Jean's trail system passes through forests, meadows, streams, canyons and natural areas supporting diverse plants and wildlife. Arkansas State Parks notes opportunities to observe birds, plants, animals, geology and other natural subjects along the trails.
Cedar Creek Canyon and the Seven Hollows area include natural areas recognized for old-growth forest, rare plants and diverse wildlife.
Wildlife encounters are not guaranteed. Give animals plenty of space, never feed wildlife, keep food and trash secured, and stay on designated trails where required.
A conservation-minded hike
The park's official trail guidance emphasizes leaving natural areas intact: stay on marked trails, avoid damaging plants and geological features, and take nothing but photographs and memories.
Accessibility at Petit Jean
Visitor-center access
The Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center was designed with universal-design considerations. Its exhibits provide alternative ways to experience aspects of the park for visitors who cannot physically reach rugged or remote areas.
An audio-description tour is available for guests who are blind or have low vision. Listening wands are checked out at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost.
Outdoor trail accessibility varies considerably because Petit Jean includes rocky, steep and uneven terrain. Review individual facility and trail information before choosing a route.
Known accessible feature
Lake Bailey has a barrier-free fishing pier providing easier access to fishing at the lake.
For current accessibility questions, contact park staff before your visit, particularly when mobility, trail surface or facility-specific requirements are important to your plans.
Parking & arrival
Park address
Petit Jean State Park
1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
Petit Jean is a mountain park with multiple trailheads, overlooks, accommodation areas and recreation facilities. Do not assume that parking at one destination provides access to another; use the official park map when planning a route between trailheads and facilities.
Official park information- Review the trail map before driving into the park.
- Identify your trailhead before leaving the main park facilities.
- Allow extra time for mountain-road travel between destinations.
- Do not depend on an unverified parking assumption at busy trailheads.
Food, snacks & park supplies
Inside the park
Mather Lodge includes a restaurant and a gift shop with Arkansas souvenirs, gifts and snacks. A larger gift shop at the visitor center sells camping supplies, books, food and snacks in addition to Arkansas gifts.
Seasonal or operating-hour changes are possible, so visitors planning a remote trail outing should not assume that food or supplies will be available at every hour.
For longer hikes
Bring enough water and food for the route you have selected. For longer hikes or hot weather, plan conservatively and do not rely on a park shop being open when you return.
How long should you spend?
2–3 hours
Choose one principal attraction such as Rock House Cave, an overlook or a shorter trail.
Half day
Combine a major hike such as Cedar Falls with a scenic or historic stop.
Full day
Allow time for hiking plus overlooks, the visitor center, Lake Bailey or another recreation activity.
Overnight
Camping or lodging makes it easier to explore several trails and experience the mountain without rushing.
Best time to visit Petit Jean
There is no single best season for every visitor. Spring and fall can be attractive for hiking and changing forest scenery, while summer provides access to seasonal pool and boathouse operations. Winter brings a quieter mountain experience but some facilities operate seasonally.
Rain can change the character of Cedar Falls and creek-side trails, while storms, heat and cold can affect trail comfort and safety. Always check current weather and park conditions when planning a hike.
Seasonal priorities
- Spring: hiking and forest scenery
- Summer: pools and seasonal boating
- Fall: hiking and changing foliage
- Winter: quieter visits; verify facility schedules
Weather, terrain & hiking safety
Watch your footing
Rocks, uneven trail surfaces, canyon terrain and drop-offs make attention to footing especially important. Follow marked trails and posted warnings.
Plan around weather
Heat, thunderstorms, heavy rain and slippery surfaces can change outdoor conditions quickly. Check the forecast immediately before hiking.
Finish before dark
Official park hiking guidance warns that fading light can make it easier to become disoriented and harder to see cliffs and drop-offs.
Respect natural areas
Do not collect plants, disturb wildlife or damage geological and cultural resources. Stay on designated trails.
Carry water
Bring enough drinking water for the length, difficulty and weather of your hike rather than assuming water will be available along the route.
Check alerts
Trail, road, facility and fire conditions can change. Review official Arkansas State Parks information before departure.
Six ways to make the most of your visit
Start with the trail map
Petit Jean has a large interconnected trail system, so choose your trailhead before setting out.
Reserve early
If you want a cabin, lodge room, YURT or campsite, check availability well ahead of your preferred dates.
Build in time for overlooks
Do not spend the entire visit underground or on the trail; the mountain's overlooks are part of the park's character.
Check seasonal services
Pools, boat rentals and other facilities have seasonal schedules that may differ from the park's general availability.
Carry trail essentials
Water, suitable footwear, weather protection and an offline copy of the trail map are sensible additions for longer hikes.
Ask park staff
Staff can provide current information about trails, programs, facilities and conditions that may not be reflected in older maps or guides.
Ranger programs & special activities
Petit Jean State Park provides interpretive programs and special events throughout the year. Programs can showcase the park's natural history, geology, cultural history and recreational resources.
The official park calendar is the best source for current program dates, locations and registration requirements.
Use the official Petit Jean park map
Petit Jean's map is especially useful because attractions and trailheads are spread across the mountain rather than concentrated in one visitor area.
Important locations shown on the park map
Official map & route planning
The official trail map identifies the park's major trails, roads, camp areas, overlooks, visitor facilities, lake areas and geological features.
Review the map before starting a longer hike and confirm which trailhead corresponds to your planned route.
Open official trail mapVisitor center & park shops
Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center
The visitor center includes exhibits about Petit Jean's history, natural resources and geology, as well as a larger gift shop with Arkansas gifts, camping supplies, books, food and snacks.
The center also provides interpretive resources, including an audio-description experience for guests who are blind or have low vision.
Mather Lodge shop
The Mather Lodge gift shop offers Arkansas souvenirs, gifts and snacks. Because operating hours can vary, confirm current hours if you are relying on the shop for supplies.
Petit Jean visit checklist
- Check the official Petit Jean State Park page for current alerts.
- Review the official trail map and identify your trailhead.
- Check current trail and weather conditions.
- Confirm campsite, YURT, cabin or lodge reservations if staying overnight.
- Verify seasonal pool and boathouse operating schedules.
- Plan enough food and drinking water for your chosen hike.
- Review current park rules for boating, fishing and other activities.
- Allow extra time for travel between mountain attractions.
- Stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing natural or cultural resources.
- Plan to finish strenuous hikes before darkness.
Older brochures and third-party travel pages may contain historic prices, schedules or facility information. Use current Arkansas State Parks sources for decisions that depend on today's conditions.
Petit Jean State Park FAQ
Make the official park sources your final planning stop.
Check current trail information, seasonal facilities, lodging availability, programs, park alerts and maps before you leave for Petit Jean Mountain.
Information in this guide is based primarily on official Arkansas State Parks materials. Fees, schedules, availability, trail conditions, closures and operating policies can change; verify current information before travel.