Petit Jean State Park – Outdoor Adventurer’s Dream

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Having traveled so much over the last 18 months, I am not sure what has come over us recently given that we seem to have been doing quite a bit of exploring in our home state of Arkansas. Maybe it’s the fact I feel it’s beneficial to highlight and share some of our home grown experiences with everyone especially given that Arkansas rarely receives much in terms of media coverage.

If you read our recent post on the Clinton Presidential Center you will know that there is much history and fame in the state of Arkansas, yet I think the real strengths of this state are related to the beautiful natural landscapes and outdoors adventure opportunities that are available! Mount Magazine State Park is probably the most famous of all throughout Arkansas, which is clearly known as ‘The Natural State’ for good reason.

Not too far from Mount Magazine State Park along I-40 is the small town of Morrilton, AR.  The burning question that most folks will have is what is there to do in Morrilton, AR. Well the reality is not a great deal….at least that is until you venture just outside of this town to the wonderfully named Petit Jean State Park.

Without a doubt this is the ultimate outdoor adventurer’s dream, simply because of the trails, waterfalls and other natural features that are present here.

History of Petit Jean State Park

Let’s start out with a brief history lesson on Petit Jean State Park because you are probably wondering how on earth a place in Arkansas could be named that! If you have any knowledge of the French language, your first instinct would probably be thinking something French related. You would be correct with this because the history of this park dates back to the early 18th Century, when a young French Nobleman who went by the name of Chavet, set out to explore the Louisiana territory and beyond.

Legend has it that this Frenchman was engaged to a young girl who requested that he marry her prior to setting out on his journey. Chavet refused this request and went on his way. Unfortunately the young girl (Adrienne) refused to give in and disguised herself as a young cabin boy so that she could accompany her one true love. Adrienne named herself Jean and by all accounts did a great job with her disguise because even Chavet failed to recognize her. Given her small stature, the rest of the crew decided to give her the nickname ‘Petit Jean’, translated in English as ‘Little John’.

While sailing between the Mississippi River and the Arkansas River, they arrived at the foot of a mountain but unfortunately for Petit Jean, she immediately fell ill that night. At this point while laying on her death bed, her identity was discovered and of course she begged forgiveness from Chavet. Her final request that should she die that night, they would bury her at the top of the mountain overlooking the Arkansas River.

Petit Jean Gravesite

Petit Jean Grave and Overlook

So you probably have painted a picture in your mind of this tragic love story between Chavet and Petit Jean. Well, imagine as you pass through Morrilton, AR and approach Petit Jean State Park and the first sign gives you the opportunity to explore the summit of the mountain and see Petit Jean’s Grave Site.

Overlooking Arkansas River

Overlooking the Arkansas River, this really is a peaceful location with a walkway that has been constructed to provide scenic views around the state of Arkansas. On a clear day the views really are spectacular and we were very fortunate to have picked a great day to explore this part of Arkansas.

The only downside was the temperature which soared into the mid to late 90’s and this really took it’s toll later in the day as we experienced more of Petit Jean State Park.

Petit Jean Gravesite Overlook

Visitor Center

After pondering the history behind Petit Jean and taking in some stunning scenery, your next stop is to enter Petit Jean State Park and I would highly recommend taking some time to wander around the Visitor Center.

Petit Jean State Park Sign

Not only can you pick up some souvenirs (of course we found our traditional magnet and pin) but there is a plethora of information available here, not only regarding the hiking trails and other outdoors activities inside the park but also the surrounding region.

Keep Arkansas Clean

Cedar Falls Overlook

Leaving the Visitor Center and heading into the heart of Petit Jean, we first paid a visit to the Cedar Falls Overlook. Cedar Falls is probably the most iconic feature at Petit Jean State Park so of course this was one of our researched spots prior to making the trip. The overlook provided some great views but we were a little obstructed by the abundance of trees covering the creek where the waterfall flowed into.

Cedar Falls Petit Jean State Park

The pictures probably don’t do the waterfall justice because it really is a magnificent sight especially if you are as interested in waterfalls as I am!

Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Falls Trail

As I mentioned, there are so many awesome hiking trails throughout Petit Jean but the most famous trail that we would dearly have loved to fully experience is the Cedar Falls Trail.

Unfortunately given the temperature and the time it was going to take, we were only able to walk about half way down the trail which I have to admit is not for the faint-hearted. Heading down a steep, 200ft drop with a series of cutbacks makes the first half mile a tricky obstacle.

Cedar Falls Trail

After covering about the first half mile and seeing the number of hikers making their way back up the slope and really struggling, we decided to turnaround and make the hike back to the top and save this experience for a cooler day when we could really enjoy the experience. Of course we were disappointed but realistic at the same time and looking forward to returning here in a month or two when the temperatures are less harsh.

The trail in total is 2 miles and the guidebook indicates you should allow anywhere between 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours to experience this trail, depending on how long you want to spend in the canyon floor.

Hidden Gem in Arkansas

Both Heather and I really enjoyed our short time in Petit Jean State Park. The drive to and from the confines of the park is scenic and of course there is plenty to see and experience while inside the park.

Whether you are a novice hiker or someone more experienced, there is something inside Petit Jean for you! If hiking doesn’t interest you at all, why not head over to the park’s boathouse and marina to rent a boat or partake in other fun-filled activities.

Even many local Arkansas residents probably don’t know much about Petit Jean, simply because of it’s location and the fact it probably plays second fiddle to the more popular Mount Magazine State Park that is not too far from this part of the state. Petit Jean does not get the coverage even in Arkansas that it deserves and I hope that this post encourages those reading this to pay a visit because it is natural beauty personified!

What do you enjoy most about exploring state parks?

Weekend Wanderlust Collaboration

Does this post give you some inspiration to start traveling and getting involved in some outdoor activities this weekend? Well, if that doesn’t spark your interest we are delighted to announce our ALL NEW WEEKEND WANDERLUST (#WeekendWanderlust) collaboration with our fellow travel friends.

Every Friday, ourselves and our friends will be hosting Weekend Wanderlust using the hashtag #WeekendWanderlust throughout our social media networks and our websites. Please link-up your latest travel posts with us and spread the word to inspire everyone to travel the world and really enhance the experience of ‘Exploring the world one weekend at a time’ which is our ultimate travel motto that we live by!

Let’s introduce our co-hosts that are proud to be partnering with:

Carmen from Carmen’s Travel Tips

Jessi and Tara from Outbound Adventurer

Ashley from A Southern Gypsy

Justin and Lauren from Justin Plus Lauren

We will be introducing our co-hosts in more detail in the next few weeks.
Weekend Wanderlust


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Chris Boothmanhttps://abritandasoutherner.com
Chris Boothman is the co-founder of A Brit and A Southerner. Born near Manchester, England, Chris moved to USA in 2006 where he soon after met his wife and travel partner in crime, Heather. They have since embarked on an amazing journey of travel as they challenge others to follow in their paths of working full-time but also being able to travel frequently! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Chris at [email protected]

18 COMMENTS

  1. You know, as much as I love travelling I also think my own back yard deserves a little spot light. Surely the must be something good about it otherwise I wouldnt be living there. Good for your for shining some light on your home state. Those views are just a treat! I love national parks. That little waterfall reminded me of Hocking Hills in Ohio. Just as beautiful.

  2. Wow, gorgeous park and story – thanks for sharing your natural wonderland. I would love to visit this area someday in the future, maybe a nice long road trip

  3. Love discovering in my own backyard. We’ve done quite a bit of it this summer. Just goes to prove that you can find interesting spots everywhere. I don’t know very much about Arkansas, so thanks for all the history lesson. You’ve shown it too would be a beautiful place to visit.

  4. I like that you are exploring near to home and that you have such interesting scenery – particularly like the shot high up on a rock, I hope it didn’t wobble! It is a great way to get over the holiday blues, or to take a low-budget trip by just exploring near to home! It keeps me sane – weekends in the new forest whenever we get a chance!

  5. I was born in Morrilton and most of my extended family is still in the area. I grew up going to Petit Jean. And of course locals pronounce it Petty Gene, not the French way of Petit Jean! When I was a kid there was an awesome trail down to the waterfall that was washed out in the last 15 years, I think. I believe the trail you refer to is a different one that is longer. I don’t think they were able to rebuild the old trail, which was shorter. Playing in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall is a great childhood memory. The famous Rockefeller family (Rockefellers of NYC and also a former Arkansas governor) have a large cattle ranch on the mountain.

    • I will be the first to admit that I am Arkansas’ worst critic because much of the state is bland and boring! But this part really emphasizes there is beauty in every state!

  6. Great post, it makes me want to go hiking right this second! I totally sympathize with the dilemma of hiking in heat and humidity, especially going uphill. Sounds like that was a smart choice to turn around. I’ve never been to Arkansas but being in Texas the border isn’t too terrible a drive. We’d love to visit Petit Jean sometime, now that we’re inspired!

  7. What a pretty place! I love the gorge and the waterfall, it reminds me very much of a place in my hometown. Really nice views, too! It is a shame that you couldn’t hike the whole thing, but I completely understand – hiking in the extreme heat is NOT fun! It’s great you’re going to go back when the weather cools down a little bit, nothing like a Fall hike really! I don’t know very much about Arkansas so thank you for sharing this hidden gem!

  8. Some great views there, especially the one from Petit Jean Grave.

    I love a good waterfall, too! Cedar Falls looks pretty impressive to me, but I can imagine it’s all the more so when you’re actually there, taking in the sounds, etc.

  9. Sounds like a great place to hang out for a day, at least for us it would be like heaven with all the hiking trails. The view in the first panoramic picture is really gorgeous, I would be so amazed to be able to stare out in the distance for such a length. Wow, 1.5-3 hours is quite a lot of time for a 2 mile hiking trail, it must have really been something then. It’s probably a wise choice you turned back. Many hikers don’t known their own abilities and unfortunately this can lead to disastrous results so you were very smart deciding that!

  10. Beautiful park! I don’t know too much about Arkansas, but from what y’all have shown us lately, it has a lot to offer to outdoors lovers so I’m in! We did a hike in Gatlinburg a couple weeks ago that was alot more extensive than we anticipated. Took us 4 hours roundtrip – completely uphill going to the waterfall. Without water I might add haha

  11. This really a great adventure you’ve shared. Exploring petit jean state park is one great idea. A great adventure that will suit you with your family on board. This is really a wonderful park that almost everyday, many people are gathering and having a lunch picnic.

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