
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Sunrise Hike
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
Take a guided sunrise hike with a park interpreter on the Lake Sylvia Loop Trail! See what interesting plants and wildlife you can find in the early morning! This trail is 0.8 mile and moderate with a…
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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…
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Art in the Park
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Memories are made here at Lake Catherine State Park! Join a park interpreter at the swim beach to discuss the natural beauty of Lake Catherine during this lakeside painting activity.
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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…
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Knot Tying for Camping
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Planning on a camping trip this fall? Join a park interpreter to learn to tie a variety of knots that can be utilized for camping, fishing, or even basic survival.
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Daisy Morning Kayak Tour
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a morning kayak paddle on Lake Greeson. This is an easy kayak expedition, perfect for first time kayakers or those wanting a relaxing activity. Bring clothing and shoes…
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Leave No Trace
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Come to the amphitheater to learn how to practice the seven ethical principles of Leave No Trace and how they apply to Lake Catherine State Park. Leave No Trace helps us be better stewards of our…
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Knots and Navigation
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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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…
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Backpacking 101
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter as we learn the ins and outs of backpacking and long-distance hiking. This workshop will cover topics such as how to plan a route, proper outdoor ethics to follow, what to pack…
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Learning Leaves
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn the many kinds of trees at Lake Sylvia by looking at their leaves. Create a fun leaf printing craft!
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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…
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Feel the Furs
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what a deer feels like? What about a bear? Explore the world of animal furs with a park interpreter at the trailhead.
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Scenic Lake Cruise
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops and unique islands. Seating is limited; reservations can be made beginning…
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Cotton Ginning Demonstration
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How many of us have heard of the cotton gin? You might even know the name of the man credited with inventing the machine. But do you actually know
what a cotton gin does and how it works? Join…
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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…
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Bear Necessities
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Did you know Arkansas was historically known as “The Bear State?” The story of Arkansas’ black bears is one of upheaval and resilience. Join a park interpreter to explore the history of black bears in…
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Lure It Your Way
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to design and decorate your very own fishing lure! Learn what attracts fish to lures and the types of fish that can be found in Lake Devil. All materials provided, just bring…
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Critter Feeding
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to join a park interpreter in feeding our resident critters– snakes, frogs, turtles and more!
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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…
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