
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike down a small section of the Boy Scout Trail. This hike will lead us up along the canyon for a spectacular view of the Cedar Creek canyon. Be sure to wear sturdy…
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Full Moon Hike to Cedar Falls
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
To know Petit Jean State Park, you have to know
Cedar Falls. But have you known this waterfall at night? Join a park interpreter at the breezeway of Mather Lodge for a special moonlit hike down…
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Natural Bridge Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.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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Intro to Fishing Lake Bailey - Bluegill
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn how to catch one of Lake Bailey's most common fish species, the bluegill sunfish. We will learn how to set up your rod, tie on your hook and look for bait. At the end,…
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Bear Cave Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.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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Trills and Thrills: Cicada Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
We aren’t the only returning visitors to Petit Jean State Park! Join a park interpreter at Pavilion A to discover who is chirping and buzzing in the treetops: our annual and periodical cicadas!…
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Reading the Land - Topo Maps 101
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.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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Night Hike on the Seven Hollows Trail
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a special night-hiking experience along a short section of the Seven Hollows Trail. Please bring along a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes.
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Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about using artificial lures to catch one of Petit Jean State Park's aquatic predators, the largemouth bass. We will learn how to set up your rod, select an…
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Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike down a small section of the Boy Scout Trail. This hike will lead us up along the canyon for a spectacular view of the Cedar Creek canyon. Be sure to wear sturdy…
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Rock House Cave Hike
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to hike to the park's archeology site, Rock House Cave. We will view American Indian rock art and discover more about the windows into the past that these images provide. This…
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Meet a Tree
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…
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Knots and Navigation on the Trail
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Carrie to put your knot tying skills to the test. Then join in to find a hidden spot using your navigation abilities. This program lasts about 30 minutes.
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Petit Jean Softball
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet the park interpreters for a fun, family game of softball – Petit Jean style. We have some softball equipment, but if you have your own bring it out and join us.
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Birding 101
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Interested in birding but not sure where to start? Join a park interpreter for an introduction to birding basics. We will walk a relatively easy 1/2-mile section of the Seven Hollows Trail, and you…
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Wayfinders - Navigating Petit Jean
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the historic CCC chimney for a 30-minute beginner-friendly program on how to navigate using a compass. Whether you're new to compass skills or just need a quick…
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Life in Lake Bailey
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a chance to examine the unseen life that resides beneath the surface of Lake Bailey. We will learn about the unique ecosystem our lake supports, and the aquatic…
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Bear Cave Hike
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.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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Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
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