
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas’s first state park, is a true gem for outdoor-loving families. Located between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, this stunning park offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing Petit Jean Mountain as a family.
Petit Jean State Park is named after a legendary French girl who disguised herself as a boy to secretly follow her fiancé, a French explorer, to the New World. According to the legend, she worked as a cabin boy on his ship and traveled with the expedition to what is now Petit Jean Mountain. She kept her identity hidden until she fell gravely ill. As she lay dying, she revealed her true identity, and her heartbroken fiancé and the crew buried her atop the mountain. Today, you can visit Petit Jean’s Gravesite Overlook, a stunning spot with panoramic views, where her spirit is said to watch over the land she loved.
Why Visit Petit Jean State Park?
Petit Jean isn’t just another state park—it’s a place filled with adventure, history, and natural beauty. From stunning waterfalls to scenic overlooks, easy hiking trails to exciting outdoor activities, there’s something here for everyone. Families will love the opportunity to explore nature together while staying in comfortable accommodations or camping under the stars.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Lodging Options

Petit Jean State Park offers a variety of overnight accommodations, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your family.
Mather Lodge

For families looking for a comfortable and scenic stay, Mather Lodge is a fantastic choice. Overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon, this historic lodge offers cozy rooms, a restaurant, and a fireplace lounge where you can relax after a day of hiking. Staying here means you’re just steps away from trailheads and beautiful views.
Cabins
The park has 33 cabins, some of which are perched along the bluffs for stunning sunrise and sunset views. Many cabins have full kitchens, making them a great option for families who prefer to cook meals.
Camping
For an immersive outdoor experience, Petit Jean’s campground has over 125 sites, including RV hookups and tent sites. The park also offers rent-a-yurts, which are a great middle ground between camping and staying in a cabin. These yurts come with bunk beds, electricity, and a fire ring outside for roasting marshmallows.
Best Family-Friendly Hikes at Petit Jean

Petit Jean is home to some of the best hiking trails in Arkansas, and many of them are perfect for families. Here are some must-do hikes for all ages and skill levels.
1. Cedar Falls Trail
- Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: 95-foot waterfall, canyon views
Cedar Falls is the most iconic waterfall in the park, and the hike to get there is an adventure in itself. The trail starts behind Mather Lodge and descends into Cedar Creek Canyon, leading to a breathtaking waterfall. While it’s a bit steep on the way back up, kids who love exploring will find it worth the effort.
2. Bear Cave Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Massive rock formations, caves, fun climbing spots
If your kids love climbing and exploring, Bear Cave Trail is a must. It’s a short loop that winds through huge rock formations, creating caves and tunnels to walk through. This is a great spot to let little ones explore safely while you soak in the scenery.
3. Seven Hollows Trail
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Natural bridge, grotto, unique rock formations
For families with older kids or active hikers, Seven Hollows is an incredible trail. Along the way, you’ll pass through a natural bridge, discover hidden caves, and even find a peaceful waterfall tucked into the rocks. The variety of landscapes makes this hike a fun adventure.
4. Rock House Cave & Turtle Rocks
- Distance: 0.25 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Ancient petroglyphs, unique rock formations
One of the best short hikes for families, this trail leads to a large rock shelter that contains Native American rock art. Along the way, you’ll also see the famous Turtle Rocks, a fascinating area of weathered rock that looks like a turtle shell. Kids love hopping from one rock to another in this area!
Other Fun Activities for Families
Kayaking & Paddleboarding on Lake Bailey
Lake Bailey is a calm and scenic lake perfect for paddling. The park rents out kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats, making it easy to get out on the water. If your kids love fishing, bring a rod—there are plenty of spots to cast a line!
Scenic Overlooks
Petit Jean has some of the best scenic overlooks in Arkansas, and they’re all easily accessible by car. Don’t miss:
- Petit Jean’s Gravesite Overlook: A breathtaking sunset spot with panoramic views.
- Palisades Overlook: Incredible views of Cedar Creek Canyon.
Swimming Pool
During the summer, the park’s swimming pool (located near Mather Lodge) is a great place to cool off. It’s open seasonally and has a shallow end perfect for younger kids.
Park Programs & Visitor Center
Petit Jean’s visitor center offers interactive exhibits about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Park rangers often lead guided hikes, night walks, and kids’ activities, so check the schedule when you arrive!
Stargazing
Because of its remote location, Petit Jean is a fantastic place for stargazing. On a clear night, the sky comes alive with thousands of stars, making it a magical experience for kids and adults alike.
Where to Eat: Family-Friendly Dining Options
If you don’t want to cook, there are great dining options at the park and nearby.
Mather Lodge Restaurant

Located inside Mather Lodge, this full-service restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a fantastic view of Cedar Creek Canyon. They serve a mix of Southern favorites, burgers, and comfort food. It’s a convenient option for families staying in the lodge or cabins.
Picnicking
Petit Jean has several scenic picnic areas, including spots near Lake Bailey and Cedar Creek. Packing a picnic is a great way to take in the views while enjoying a meal together.
Nearby Dining in Morrilton
If you’re looking for more options, Morrilton (about 20 minutes away) has several family-friendly restaurants, including barbecue joints, diners, and pizza places.
Tips for Visiting Petit Jean with Kids
Plan for the Weather: Petit Jean experiences all four seasons, so pack accordingly—layers in winter, swimsuits in summer, and rain gear in spring.
Start with Shorter Hikes: If you have young kids, start with easier trails like Bear Cave and Rock House Cave before tackling longer hikes.
Bring Snacks & Water: Many hikes don’t have water sources, so carry plenty of water and snacks.
Watch for Wildlife: Deer, squirrels, and birds are common, and kids will love spotting them along the trails.
Take Your Time: The best part about Petit Jean is enjoying the journey—stop at overlooks, explore rock formations, and make it fun!
Petit Jean State Park is a dream destination for families who love outdoor adventures. With scenic hikes, beautiful waterfalls, cozy lodging, and tons of kid-friendly activities, it’s the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or just visiting for the day, you’re guaranteed to make unforgettable family memories on Petit Jean Mountain!
Have you been to Petit Jean? Let me know your favorite spot in the comments!
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