The Mountain Parks of Arkansas – Part 1: Petit Jean State Park
in Arkansas spread throughout the Ouachita, Boston, and Ozark Mountains in the central and northern part of the state. Three of these amazing parks are of particular interest to
motorcycle enthusiasts because of their great roads, outrageous
overlooks, and beautiful natural scenery. I’m referring to Petit
Jean, Mt. Nebo, and Mt. Magazine State Parks in central Arkansas, and in my experience these three are by far the most scenic of the seven parks and they’re so close to each other that you can see all three in the same day if you want to.
A Peaceful Morning View From Stouts Point Overlook (Click To Enlarge)
As you drive along Interstate 40 in Arkansas between the cities of Conway and
Clarksville, your eyes will be drawn to a series of high
plateaus to the south and running roughly parallel to the Arkansas
River. Geologists tell us that this area used to be the bottom of a
great sea and that the colliding of two ancient continents created these
mountains and later erosion turned this area into the dramatic plateaus
and river valley that we see today.
The entire trip – visiting all 3 Mountains Parks in this 3-part review
– is just over 100 miles long and will only take about 4 hours if
you don’t stop except for gas and a short break or two. On the other
hand, our group has done the “3-Mountain Run” in two full days, which
is enough time to see it all and not have to hurry.
A View From The Edge (Click to Enlarge)
Traveling across the state from east to west, you’ll have the opportunity to stop by Petit Jean State Park first. This is a good thing
because (in my opinion), it has the highest, steepest, and most
beautiful overlook in all of Arkansas, along with the prettiest
waterfall in the state, Cedar Falls.
Petit Jean has the distinction of becoming the first State Park of Arkansas in 1925, and it’s
been popular as a family getaway ever since. Mather Lodge at the top
offers great views of the canyon down behind the lodge, excellent
dining (open 7 days a week), and 24 quiet rooms that run around $65-70
a night. There are also 21 fully equipped cabins to rent if you really
want your privacy. Campsites are also available. But the best part
about Petit Jean are the great roads and awesome scenery.
A Panoramic View (Click to Enlarge)
There are two main entrance points on the east and west ends of the Park and both are on Highway
154. Either entrance involves a radical change in elevation as you
climb or leave the mountain, but the most exciting entrance by far is
the approach from the east. It’s also much quicker to reach from I-40 (see the maps at the end of this review).
You can see the escarpment that you’re going to climb for quite some
distance as you get nearer to it. Hwy 154 is a pretty drive through
the pastoral Arkansas River valley region before it starts to ascend
the plateau.
When at last you reach the summit, be on the lookout for
a sharp right-hand turn (see map below) that will take you back up to
Stouts Point, which arguably offers the best long-distance views in the
state. The 270 degree views from a height of 745 feet above the
Arkansas River will blow you away, and there are lots of really cool rocks to
climb out on and photo opportunities abound. Stouts Point is mine and my
wife’s favorite natural place in Arkansas, we’ve been there
many times and never get tired of it. The first picture in this
article was taken at about 8am on a very still and quiet morning that
we’ll never forget. While you’re at the overlook, look for Petit Jean’s
grave site which is down amongst the rocks surrounded by a small black
wrought-iron fence. Petit Jean was a young French girl who followed
her fiancée to America but became fatally ill after her arrival. Just
before she died she requested to be buried at the top of the overlook.
It’s a lonely but beautiful place to have chosen for a burial site.
Near Petit Jean’s Grave Site (Click To Enlarge)
After leaving the overlook, proceed west into the park itself. Be on the lookout for the pull-off on the right to the Cedar Falls overlook (see attached map). It’s a short walk down to the overlook, which is several hundred feet above the pool the waterfall drops into. There are many vantage points to view the canyon and waterfall from, and this is a good spot to spend some time, hike a little, and take some pictures. It’s definitely worth a look.
Cedar Falls From The Overlook (Click to Enlarge)
Continuing further west on Hwy 154, you’ll come to the turnoff to the State Park Lodge. Behind the lodge is a trail that leads down into the Cedar Creek Canyon and will take you to the bottom of Cedar Falls. You can even walk around and get in behind the falls for some cooling off!
As you leave the park – which has some nice roads and a few twisties – you’ll come to the west entrance. The canyon is much wider here but no less deep. Again, there are several pull-offs with good views along the way and it’s worth your time to stop and take one last look.
West-End View of the Canyon (Click to Enlarge)
Leaving the park on Hwy 155 west you will begin to rapidly descend and it’s a fun ride with some really nice curves to carve. At this end of the park, you’ll lose about 600 feet in elevation in less than 5 miles.
Petit Jean is a real treat for motorcyclists, or for your family if you happen to be in the car. It’s the first stop in my 3-part series on the Mountain Parks of Arkansas. The next stop will be Mt. Nebo, with one of the steepest set of paved switchbacks you’re likely to find anywhere in the country, and some incredible views, too. Stay tuned!
Link to Google Map: Getting From Hwy 154 to Stouts Point Overlook On The East End Of The Park
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Link to Google Map: Showing Stouts Point, Cedar Falls Overlook, Mather Lodge, & West End Overlook
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Link to Google Map Showing Drive From Petit Jean to Mt. Nebo (Article #2 in Series)
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