The natural beauty and ancient geology of Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas's state parks system. Petit Jean State Park mirrors the mountain's rugged beauty with its rustic, native log and stone facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) beginning in 1933. The focal point is Mather Lodge, the park's mountain lodge on the bluff of scenic Cedar Creek Canyon. Featuring 24 guest rooms, a restaurant, meeting room, and swimming pool, this is among Arkansas's historic treasures that stand as a tribute to the craftsmenship and conservation achievements of the Tree Army of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal during the Great Depression. The lodge's westward view acress the canyon offers breathtaking scenery highlighted by a dramatic sunset each evening.
Located near the lodge are 33 fully-equipped cabins (21 with kitchens), many of which share the same bluff and views of Cedar Creek Canyon. The canyon is the work of Cedar Creek, which cascades as a spectacular 95-foot waterfall. Upstream, a rock dam forms Lake Bailey, 170 acres for fishing and pedal boating. A boathouse offers a snack bar, boat rentals, and supplies for sale during summer.
Park campsites (125 sites including 35 Class AAA and 90 Class B) are located near Lake Bailey and in secluded woodlands. The park also offers a Group Camp Area, a Rally-style Area, two Rent-A-Camp sites, and two Rent-A-Tepee sites. The park airport offers five Fly-in Premium D campsites (for tents only).
Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas's only state park that features its own airport. Petit Jean's airport is open for daytime use only. For information about the park airport or fly-in tent sites, call: 501-727-5441.
The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, a recreation hall, launch ramp, pool, and tennis courts.
Hiking trails lead visitors along forests, canyons, streams, meadows, and mountainsides. Park interpreters host programs and special events highlighting the resources of this unforgettable state park. Petit Jean Mountain is also home to the Museum of Automobiles, a showcase of antique and classic cars.
For more information about Petit Jean State Park, go to park's Web site at: http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/
For westbound travelers on I-40, take I-40 Exit #108 at Morrilton and travel nine miles south on Ark. 9, then go 12 miles west on Ark. 154 to the park. For eastbound travelers on I-40, take Exit #81 at Russellville and travel Ark. 7 south 10 miles to Centerville, then go 16 miles east on Ark. 154 to the park.
For information about other Arkansas State Parks mountain parks, go to:
http://www.mountainstateparks.com/.
For more information about Arkansas State Parks historic, heritage and cultural parks, go to: http://www.historystateparks.com/.