Petit Jean State Park
Water drops 95 feet through a stone amphitheater into a pool carved by millions of years of erosion. Mist rises from the base, catching morning light. This is Cedar Falls—the crown jewel of Arkansas’s very first state park. When Petit Jean State Park was established in 1923, it set the standard for what Arkansas would become: a state with one of the most impressive park systems in America, built on landscapes that range from mountains to canyons to crystal-clear streams.
Welcome to Petit Jean State Park, perched atop Petit Jean Mountain between the Ozark and Ouachita ranges. Over 20 miles of trails wind through forests, across creek-carved canyons, past natural arches and grottos, and to overlooks that span miles of Arkansas wilderness. Whether you’re chasing the famous Cedar Falls, exploring the Seven Hollows where ancient geology created seven separate canyons, staying in a 1930s CCC lodge, or camping beside Lake Bailey, Petit Jean delivers the experience that started Arkansas’s state park tradition.
What Makes Petit Jean Legendary
Arkansas’s First
Established 1923—the park that started Arkansas’s state park system.
Cedar Falls
Iconic 95-foot waterfall plunging into Cedar Creek Canyon.
20+ Miles of Trails
Seven Hollows, Cedar Falls Trail, Canyon Trail, and more.
Historic CCC Lodge
Mather Lodge—1930s Civilian Conservation Corps architecture.
Cedar Falls
The Cedar Falls is Arkansas’s most iconic waterfall and Petit Jean’s most famous feature. Water plunges 95 feet from the rim into Cedar Creek Canyon, creating a spectacular display that changes with the seasons.
| Cedar Falls Info | Details |
|---|---|
| ⬇️ Height | 95 feet |
| 🥾 Trail Distance | 2 miles round trip |
| 💪 Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| 📍 Trailhead | Behind Mather Lodge |
| ♿ Overlook | Accessible overlook available with falls view |
💧 Best Waterfall Season
Cedar Falls flows strongest in late winter through spring after seasonal rains. Summer may see reduced flow. After heavy rain, the falls become spectacular.
Hiking Trails
Petit Jean offers over 20 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging canyon explorations:
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💧 Cedar Falls Trail | 2 mi RT | Mod-Strenuous | Base of 95ft waterfall |
| 🕳️ Seven Hollows | 4.5 mi loop | Moderate | 7 canyons, natural arch, grotto waterfall |
| 🐻 Bear Cave Trail | 1 mi | Easy-Mod | Rock shelter, bluff views |
| 🏠 Rock House Cave | 0.5 mi | Easy | Native American pictographs; historic shelter |
| 🚴 CCC Hike & Bike | 8+ mi | Moderate | Multi-use; connects park areas |
Seven Hollows Trail
The Seven Hollows Trail is Petit Jean’s signature hiking experience. This 4.5-mile loop meanders through seven separate canyons carved by streams over millions of years. Highlights include:
- 🌉 Natural Arch: Stone bridge formation
- 💧 Grotto Waterfall: Falls through rock overhang
- 🪨 Bluffs: Sandstone formations throughout
- 🌊 Creek Crossings: Multiple stream fords
Mather Lodge
The Mather Lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, is a historic 24-room lodge overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon. Named after Stephen Mather (first director of the National Park Service), it offers:
- 🏨 24 guest rooms with rustic charm and modern amenities
- 🍽️ Full-service restaurant
- 🔥 Lobby fireplace (winter season)
- 🎁 Gift shop
- 👀 Canyon views from lodge
Camping & Lodging
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏕️ Class AAA Sites | Full hookups: 50-amp electric, water, sewer; near Lake Bailey |
| 🔌 Class B Sites | Electric and water hookups |
| 🏠 Cabins | 33 cabins; some with kitchens; various sizes |
| 🛖 Yurts | 4 Rent-A-Yurt options |
| 🏛️ Mather Lodge | 24 historic CCC-era rooms |
Lake Bailey
Lake Bailey offers fishing, swimming, and paddle sports. Campgrounds are conveniently located near the lake shore. Species include bass, catfish, and bream.
When to Visit
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Peak waterfall season. Cedar Falls at maximum flow after winter rains. Wildflowers on trails. Comfortable temperatures. Moderate crowds.
Best for: Waterfalls, wildflowers, hiking
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Hot and humid. Waterfall flow reduced. Lake Bailey swimming popular. Early morning hiking recommended. Shaded trails comfortable.
Best for: Lake swimming, early hiking, camping
🍂 Fall (October – November)
Fall foliage spectacular. Comfortable hiking weather. Crowds moderate. Some waterfall flow. Peak scenic beauty.
Best for: Fall colors, photography, pleasant hiking
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Quiet. Lodge fireplace lit. Occasional ice on trails. Strong waterfall flow after rain. Fewest crowds.
Best for: Solitude, lodge getaway, waterfall viewing
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎟️ Entry Fee | Free (Arkansas State Parks) |
| 🏕️ Camping | From $15/night; reservations at arkansasstateparks.com |
| 🏛️ Lodge | Reservations recommended; year-round |
| ⏰ Hours | 8 AM – 10 PM daily |
Getting There
- 📍 Address: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110
- 📍 From Little Rock: ~75 miles northwest via I-40
- 📍 From Fort Smith: ~90 miles east via I-40
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Cedar Falls Trail?
Moderate to strenuous. The 2-mile round trip includes significant elevation change descending to and ascending from the canyon floor. Most reasonably fit hikers complete it in 2 hours.
Is Seven Hollows Trail worth it?
Absolutely. The 4.5-mile loop is considered Petit Jean’s best hike—the geology that inspired the park’s creation. Allow 3-4 hours and expect creek crossings.
When is Cedar Falls flowing best?
Late winter through early spring after seasonal rains. Check recent rainfall—extended dry periods reduce flow significantly.
⭐ Where Arkansas State Parks Began
In 1923, this mountain became Arkansas’s first state park—and a century later, it remains one of the finest. Cedar Falls drops 95 feet into a canyon carved over millennia. Seven Hollows reveals the ancient geology that convinced early conservationists to protect this place. Mather Lodge, built by CCC workers in the 1930s, still welcomes guests with its stone fireplace and canyon views. This is where Arkansas’s park tradition began—and where it still shines brightest.
📍 Address: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110
📞 Phone: (501) 727-5441
