Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas’ first state park, located atop Petit Jean Mountain in central Arkansas and established to protect the mountain’s forests, canyons and waterfalls. It is known for its canyon scenery, sandstone bluffs and the prominent Cedar Falls.

Visitors use a network of trails and overlooks that descend into Petit Jean Canyon and lead to features such as Cedar Falls and shaded pools; the park also offers campgrounds, picnic areas and a historic stone lodge. Trails vary from short interpretive walks to longer routes that pass cliffs, caves and panoramic viewpoints.

The park’s infrastructure includes Civilian Conservation Corps-era structures from the 1930s, notably a stone lodge and masonry work that remain in use. The park was created in the early 20th century and developed in part by New Deal programs to provide visitor facilities and conserve the mountain landscape.

Petit Jean State Park sits on Petit Jean Mountain near the town of Morrilton in Conway County, central Arkansas, occupying a forested plateau and canyoned escarpment visible from surrounding lowlands.

• First state park: Recognized as Arkansas' first state park, with public facilities and CCC-era stone work that remain central to the visitor experience.
• Visiting tips: Cedar Falls is best seen after recent rain or in spring melt when flow is strongest; many overlooks and trails are closed or have reduced services in winter months.

What to See #

• Cedar Falls: Cedar Falls is the park's signature waterfall, a plunge that drops into a shaded canyon and is reached via a well-maintained day hiking trail. The fall is commonly cited as approximately 95 feet in height.
• Mather Lodge: Mather Lodge is a historic stone lodge built during the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps era, serving as a central visitor facility with dining and viewpoints over the valley.
• Overlooks and trails: Scenic overlooks and a network of trails descend into Petit Jean Canyon and around the mountain, offering short walks and longer hikes through sandstone bluffs and forested ridges.