The Happiness Function

This Petit Jean State Park guide shares things to do, trails to hike, and where to camp. It also answers other questions about planning your trip.

Petit Jean State Park was one of Arkansas’s first state parks. Its epic hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, wind throughout the natural landscape. The park has camping facilities for campers who want to enjoy the Ozarks, and you can even rent yurts or stay at the lodge.

Things To Do at Petit Jean State Park

The park offers many outdoor activities, making it a great weekend getaway in Arkansas. You can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, camp, and soak up the mountain views.

Hiking

Petit Jean State Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in Arkansas, and its geology is really cool. The hiking is one of the main reasons we visited in the first place.

All of the trails are well-maintained and well-marked. Some trails are easy, while others are more difficult.

Petit Jean Mountain is a naturally beautiful place to spend an afternoon exploring.

Since hiking is one of the most popular activities, we’ve included all the best trails below.

Our Favorite Trails

Rock House Cave

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: ¼ mile – gravel trail
• Time to hike: ½ hour to an hour (if taking pictures and looking for pictographs)

The Rock House Cave is a hidden gem. It’s about 1/4 – mile from the parking lot, making it easy to access for all levels of hikers.

The cave itself isn’t a true cave. It is a huge bluff shelter containing incredible rock formations and drawings on its ceiling by ancient people who used the space.

This is a popular hike; even during the week, we waited to get photos of the Rock House without other people inside. We recommend visiting early to beat the crowds.

Trip tip: Seeing the pictographs using a flashlight or looking through your phone camera is easier. Some of the pictographs are bronze-colored and need a little light to be seen.

Seven Hollows Trail

• Difficulty: Moderately difficult
• Distance: 4 ½ miles – trail loops
• Time to hike: Roughly 3-4 hours

The Seven Hollows Trail is marked with signs every ½ – mile or so pointing out special and unique places designated along the trail to visit — such as the Grotto and Natural Bridge. The natural bridge is pretty cool to see.

The well-maintained trail meanders through the forest with epic rock formations.

Cedar Falls Trail

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Distance: 2 miles
• Time to hike: Roughly 2 hours

Cedar Falls is Petit Jean State Park’s famous waterfall hike. From Mather Lodge, head into Cedar Creek Canyon to the base of Cedar Falls, a 95-foot waterfall.

What makes the hike strenuous is the hike back up –- it is on the steep side.

If you’re not up for hiking to the base of Cedar Falls, you can see the top of Cedar Falls from the Cedar Falls Overlook Trail. The Cedar Falls Overlook Trail has a boardwalk overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon and the falls.

It is an excellent alternative if you’re not up for another hike during your visit.

Bear Cave Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: ¼ mile – gravel trail
• Time to hike: ½ hour to an hour (if taking pictures and climbing on the rocks)

The Bear Cave Trail is an easy walk through beautiful rock formations. It includes a few caves and tall granite formations with epic views once you climb to the top.

If you enjoy taking pictures, this is a great trail to explore.

Biking

The CCC Hike & Bike Trail is a lovely, paved trail extending from Camp Area B to Mather Lodge.

The path is 1-¾ mile one-way.

Biking along the trail is a great way to explore the park and stop at some of the overlooks.

Petit Jean State Park Trail Map

Here is a map of the park. You can pick up a map when you get there, too.

Camping at Petit Jean

Enjoy spending a night or two under the stars at the campground.

Campers have plenty of space to bring an RV or camper trailer. The park has 125 campsites, all fairly flat (though some are not).

We stayed in Camp Area D, the furthest away from the lake, with fewer campers. Camp Area D has nice shading. It is really dark at night, so don’t forget flashlights or headlamps.  

Camp Area A is right on Lake Bailey. It was full when we visited in September, and it is a better place for larger RVs.

Glamping in Yurts

Yurts are available to rent if you’re looking for a fun glamping experience. The yurts are right on Lake Bailey.

Other Questions You Might Have Planning Your Trip

How much does it cost to go to Petit Jean State Park?

It is free to enter and use Arkansas State Parks.

Visitors do pay to camp and stay at any lodging.

What is significant about Petit Jean State Park?

Petit Jean State Park was Arkansas’s first state park.

It is home to ancient geology and protected archeology sites.

It is also a Trail of Tear National Historic Trail Site.

What is a class B campsite?

A class B campsite has water and electric hookups but no sewer hookups for RVs, pop-up campers, and travel trailers.

Does Petit Jean State Park have cabins?

Yes, there are charming cabins and the historic Mather Lodge, which has spectacular views.

Is there a pool?

Yes, there are two pools at Petit Jean State Park for swimming.

The pool by the Mather Lodge is only for folks renting cabins.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs are allowed with their leash at the park and on the trails.

Are there places to rent canoes or kayaks?

Yes, visitors can rent canoes or kayaks to paddle on Lake Bailey at the Boathouse near the Visitor Center seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Is Petit Jean State Park open year-round?

Yes, the park is open year-round. Contact Petit Jean State Park directly for seasonal inquiries.

Is there cell phone reception at Petit Jean State Park?

Cell phone reception was minimal when we visited. We got a bar or two here and there, depending on where we were within the park. There was no consistent or strong coverage (and we have Verizon).

While camping in Camp Area D, we could send the occasional text.

Can you have campfires at Petit Jean State Park?

Yes, campfires are allowed within the fire ring if there is no fire ban.

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