Petit Jean State Park

Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism


Go to this historic park to experience Arkansas’ breathtaking natural beauty, embrace the great outdoors and try a range of outdoor activities suitable for the whole family.

Discover the natural beauty and ancient geology of Petit Jean State Park, the oldest state park in Arkansas. Consisting of over 2,660 acres (1,080 hectares) of parkland around Petit Jean Mountain, the park features both dramatic natural scenery and modern resources to ensure a comfortable visit.

Choose from over 20 miles (30 kilometers) of hiking trails, which are well signposted and conveniently divided into easy, modern and strenuous difficulty levels to help you plan for your energy level. Discover forests, canyons, streams and bold geological formations. Walk under gigantic sandstone boulders, marvel at the spectacular 95-foot (29-meter) Cedar Falls and enjoy sweeping views of the rugged surroundings from spectacular vantage points located around the park.

Journey into the nation’s past in the atmospheric Rock House Cave, which contains examples of 500-year-old Native American rock art. Discover awe-inspiring views and the gravesite of Petit Jean at the park’s most well-known overlook at Stout’s Point. Here, learn about the romantic legend of the 18th-century Frenchwoman after whom the park was named.

Rent a canoe, kayak or fishing boat from the boathouse and glide across the waters of Lake Bailey, which covers 100 acres (40 hectares) and is very popular for fishing during the summer. If you are traveling with children, spend time at the swimming pools, picnic areas and playgrounds available in the park.

When you’re ready to take a break from the outdoors, enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Southern cuisine from the rustic dining room of Mather Lodge. Large windows look onto the ruggedly beautiful Cedar Creek Canyon, which is lit up each evening by a dramatic sunset. Consider extending your stay in the park by booking accommodations in Mather Lodge or one of the cozy fully furnished park cabins located near the park’s popular walking trails.

Petit Jean State Park is open daily throughout the year, although some facilities are seasonal. The park is located in Conway County, 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Little Rock. Drive here in about 1 hour from the state capital.

Popular places to visit


Top Petit Jean State Park Hotel Deals

Motel 6 Morrilton, AR

Motel 6 Morrilton, AR

2 out of 5
1506 North Oak Street, Morrilton, AR
Motel 6 Morrilton, AR
Super 8 by Wyndham Morrilton

Super 8 by Wyndham Morrilton

2 out of 5
1818 N Hwy 9, I-40 Exit 108, Morrilton, AR
Super 8 by Wyndham Morrilton
Quality Inn Russellville I-40

Quality Inn Russellville I-40

2.5 out of 5
3019 E Parkway Dr, Russellville, AR
Quality Inn Russellville I-40
Courtyard by Marriott Russellville

Courtyard by Marriott Russellville

3 out of 5
154 E Aspen Ln, Russellville, AR
Courtyard by Marriott Russellville
HomeStay Inn & Suites

HomeStay Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
2200 N Arkansas Ave, Russellville, AR
HomeStay Inn & Suites
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Russellville by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Russellville by IHG

2.5 out of 5
300 East Harrell Drive, Russellville, AR
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Russellville by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, including scenic hiking trails perfect for exploring the natural beauty of Arkansas. Visitors can enjoy water fun activities and relax at the outdoor playground, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its stunning vistas and vibrant atmosphere, the park is a perfect spot for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

At Petit Jean State Park, you can enjoy local shopping for gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Valley Park Centre, 24.1km away, and Funky Town Mall, 25.7km away, both offering a mix of family-friendly shops. Russellville City Mall is 27.4km away and has a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Lions Den Golf Course offers a challenging golfing experience surrounded by nature, just 32.2km from Petit Jean State Park. For relaxation, Cadron Settlement Park provides a tranquil setting with scenic trails and picnic spots, located 33.8km away. Alotian Golf Course, 41.8km from the park, features beautiful landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.

Adventure

At Petit Jean State Park, hike the Cedar Falls Trail to witness breathtaking waterfalls. Explore the stunning views from the Petit Jean Mountain, and enjoy rock climbing at the iconic Rock House Cave. Don’t miss the chance to spot local wildlife during your outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

At night, the Rialto Community Arts Center, a theatre 16.1km from Petit Jean State Park, offers a charming blend of culture and entertainment. Enjoy romantic performances and family-friendly shows in a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of local artistic talent.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Petit Jean State Park

At Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including the stunning Petit Jean Mountain and the historic Petit Jean Home. This wonderful state park offers a perfect blend of outdoor experiences and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation amidst nature. Explore the beauty of this legendary park, where every corner reveals a new discovery.

  • Lake Bailey: Nestled only 805m from Petit Jean State Park, Lake Bailey offers a charming beach setting perfect for romantic strolls and outdoor activities. Surrounded by picturesque scenery, it's an ideal spot for swimming, picnicking, or simply unwinding amidst nature.
  • Museum of Automobiles: Located 1.6km away, the Museum of Automobiles presents a fascinating collection of vintage cars, celebrating automotive culture and history. This family-friendly venue invites visitors to explore the evolution of transport in a fun and educational environment.
  • Dam Site 9 Public Use Area: Situated 11.3km from Petit Jean State Park, this eco-friendly park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With family-friendly amenities, it offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Best time to go to Petit Jean State Park

The best time to visit Petit Jean State Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Petit Jean State Park

To save money during your visit to Petit Jean State Park, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, and aim to book your stay on a Wednesday for the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter options by budget and location, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Take advantage of free activities available in the park, such as hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, to enrich your experience without extra costs. This way, you can enjoy a memorable trip while keeping expenses in check.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Petit Jean State Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Petit Jean State Park is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Petit Jean State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Petit Jean State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.