
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Women's Outdoor Weekend
Friday, October 10, 2025 - Sunday, October 12, 2025
Open the door to all your senses by getting away and reconnecting with nature. During this three-day, two-night adventure, we will offer sessions on basic camping, hiking, introduction to kayaking,…
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Monarch Health Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Every year, monarch butterflies migrate through Arkansas in mid-October to return to their breeding grounds in Mexico. These lively bursts of color are always a delight to see on a hike or in your…
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Echoing Footsteps Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
As you walk the Military Road Trail, your footsteps echo the footsteps of the past and the future. Meet a park interpreter to learn the stories, history, and hardships of those who walked the Military…
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Reading the Land - Topo Maps 101
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
A topographic map is one of the best tools to have in your backpack on all your adventures, but especially at Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter at the
Palisades Overlook to…
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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Stroll with a park interpreter into some intriguing history of early settlers on Mount Magazine State Park. Guests will also see some of Arkansas’ most scenic landscapes from Cameron’s…
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Hiking with Nature Sense
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike to put your sense of sight, touch, smell, and hearing to the test as you explore some of the natural wonders of Lake Fort Smith State Park. Meet at the…
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Expedition Petit Jean
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the breezeway at Mather Lodge for Expedition Petit Jean, a 2-hour hiking program focused on planning your perfect park adventure with your abilities, experience,…
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Woodland Wander on Devil's Race Track
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and wander along the Monument trails to search for a variety of wildlife and plants. This hike is 2-miles in length, please wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and don't forget…
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Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this easy, handicap accessible, 1/4-mile stroll. We will talk about some of the things that make Petit Jean State Park a special place, as well as enjoy the view of Cedar…
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
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Natural Bridge Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
When the area known as Petit Jean State Park was set aside as a public land in 1923, it set precedent for the establishment of state parks in Arkansas. Meet a park interpreter at the Seven…
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Forest Floor Friends
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Nestled under rocks, leaves and logs, the forest floor in Petit Jean State Park is a thriving community waiting to be discovered if you take the time to look closely. Join a park interpreter to do…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level to walk through the search area and learn about the best places to search for diamonds. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of past…
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Cemetery Workshop
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Our local cemeteries are important parts of our community
history. Learn how to properly care and clean tombstones with the park curator.
The workshop will cover the basics of tombstone care and…
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Monarch Health Hike
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Every year, monarch butterflies migrate through Arkansas in mid-October to return to their breeding grounds in Mexico. These lively bursts of color are always a delight to see on a hike or in your…
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Birding Hike on Big Bluff Trail
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover what birds we can see or hear on the Big Bluff Trail. This 1.75-mile trail is moderately strenuous with rocky, uneven terrain. Wear comfortable shoes and bring…
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Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
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Birding 101
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
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Who Needs A Tree? Oaktober Edition
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Who uses our trees, and why is it important to us? Join a park interpreter to celebrate "Oaktober," on this informative 1/2-mile hike learning about all the life that surrounds and depend on oaks and…
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