Arkansas Hiking Trails & Overlooks
Hiking Trails
Get information on the more than 20 miles of hiking trails in Arkansas that will guide you to Petit Jean's secrets. Walk to the spectacular 95 foot Cedar Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Arkansas, meander through amazing geology on the Seven Hollows, or enter Rock House Cave and view ancient pictographs.
Easy Trails
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Visitors to Bear Cave can walk under, around, through and over (with care) gigantic sandstone boulders. Although there is no true cave, the huge rocks form a number of rock shelters and narrow passageways. Wander through these tremendous stone monoli...
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Length: .25 mile
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Difficulty: Easy
Description: Once part of the Boy Scout Trail, this trail follows Cedar Creek's many small falls and deep pools as it splashes through the Cedar Creek Canyon. Large boulders and huge pines and sycamores dominate this very pleasant trail. (Yellow Blazes)
Length: 1 mile; 2 miles if backtracking to Cedar Falls Trail
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Difficulty: Easy
Description: Rock House Cave is not a true cave, but a large rock shelter. It is also the premier spot in the state for viewing Native American rock art- created over 500 years ago. This trail also includes some of the most interesting geological formations in th...
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Length: .25 mile
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Moderate Trails
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: The Boy Scout Trail connects and follows portions of almost all the trails at Petit Jean State Park. All the different habitats that make up the park's ecosystem are represented on this trail. It is long and at times difficult, so start early and pla...
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Length: 12 miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This trail winds along a scenic section of Cedar Creek above Cedar Falls. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930's, this trail's rock steps and bluffs create a few difficult places. The mountain stream, high bluffs and thick...
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Length: 1.25 miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
Description: The trail begins behind the breezeway at Mather Lodge, a majestic CCC rustic style mountain lodge, and winds down into Cedar Creek Canyon. Massive stone boulders and large trees adorn the trailside. The trail then follows Cedar Creek to 95-foot Cedar...
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Length: 2 1/4 miles round trip
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Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This loop trail passes through a series of small canyons under the canopy of a dense hardwood forest. Unique features such as a natural stone arch, rock shelters, a box canyon and signs of prehistoric bluff-dwelling Native Americans add to the experi...
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Length: 4 1/2 miles
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Strenuous Trails
Difficulty: Strenuous
Description: The Boy Scout Trail connects and follows portions of almost all the trails at Petit Jean State Park. All the different habitats that make up the park's ecosystem are represented on this trail. It is long and at times difficult, so start early and pla...
(read more)
Length: 12 miles
Click Here to learn more about this trail, view photos and maps.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Description: The trail begins behind the breezeway at Mather Lodge, a majestic CCC rustic style mountain lodge, and winds down into Cedar Creek Canyon. Massive stone boulders and large trees adorn the trailside. The trail then follows Cedar Creek to 95-foot Cedar...
(read more)
Length: 2 1/4 miles round trip
Click Here to learn more about this trail, view photos and maps.
Petit Jean Programs
Find information on the interpretive programs and special events Petit Jean State Park's Interpreters offer.
Overlooks:
Rising out of the River Valley below, Petit Jean Mountain offers many spectacular overlooks and scenic views. Petit Jean's Gravesite is perhaps one of the most famous. Here, experience the mystery of Petit Jean's resting-place. The newly renovated ADA accessible overlook offers many exhibit panels and spectacular views to enhance your visit. 
Legend tells of a young French girl who disguised herself as a cabin boy so she could secretly accompany her fiancée to the "New World". Petit Jean became fatally ill and requested to be buried here. From this point, you will be able to view the Arkansas River, Lock and Dam #9, Blue Point, and Ada Valley. 
The Mary Ann Richter Overlook on Red Bluff Drive offers views to the many peaks beyond the Arkansas River Valley, including Mt Nebo and Mt. Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas at 2753 feet. Dardanelle Rock, Carden Bottoms and Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge are all visible from this point. Further down on Red Bluff Drive, the CCC Overlook is perched on the edge of the Cedar Creek Canyon. Built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this beautiful stone overlook offers great views of the canyon, and the Petit Jean River below.
At the Palisades Overlook, you can peer down into the canyon below or across to the CCC Overlook on the opposite rim. This overlook is an excellent spot to watch the sun set across the River Valley Below. The Cedar Falls Overlook allows a short walk to view the 95-foot waterfall from the top, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Arkansas. This newly renovated ADA accessible walkway offers informative exhibits about the area around the overlook. This newly renovated ADA accessible walkway offers informative exhibits about the area around the overlook.
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