
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Early Birder Hike
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
Read more
Woodland Wandering
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the Bear Cave trailhead for a woodland wandering along the Boy Scout Trail. We will hike along the Boy Scout Trail across the Wild Hog Crossing and explore the…
Heart Healthy
Read more

The Pioneer Cemetery: A Lasting Legacy
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Tucked away on Rich Mountain lies the final resting place of the area’s earliest settlers. Join a park interpreter at the Pioneer Cemetery to uncover stories of life on the mountain in the 1860s and…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Mountain Medicine
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Settlers originally sought out Rich Mountain to help heal medical ailments, restore the weary, and bolster the soul. The mountain has a long history of providing a source of natural medicine. Join a…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Sunday, October 05, 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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Ceremonial Site Tour
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The Plum Bayou Mounds site is one of the largest and most impressive archeological sites in the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Occupied by American Indians from about 650 to 1050 AD, this site is…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Hikin' for Lichen
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
It covers our trees, rocks, and even buildings-but we seldom notice. Join a park interpreter to witness the hidden vibrance of Petit Jean State Park’s lichens. This is a moderately difficult…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Daybreak Diamond Tour
Wednesday, October 08, 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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Wander to the Point Hike
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Enjoy an easy, scenic 2-mile walk along the service road on the Caddo Bend Trail, ideal for strollers or anyone looking for a gentle outing along a gravel road. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Preserving Ozark Chinquapin
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the front entrance of the visitor center (where rocking chairs are placed) to learn more about the threatened Ozark chinquapin and our park's effort to preserve this…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Every trail tells a story, but it is not always obvious. On this guided hike of Signal Hill Loop, we’ll search for hidden clues in the natural and cultural landmarks – and connect with the land along…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Leave No Trace Hike
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to hike along the 3/4-mile Daisy Creek Trail and learn about how you can keep your park clean and green for years to come by practicing “Leave No Trace.” We will discover the…
Heart Healthy
Read more

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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

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,…
Heart Healthy
Read more

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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

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,…
Heart Healthy
Read more
