State Parks and National Parks

Petit Jean State Park

According to a legend dating from the 1700s, Petit Jean, or "Little John," was really a French girl. She disguised herself as a boy to follow her lover to America and to the mountain named after her when she died.

Arkansas's first state park is located atop Petit Jean Mountain. The park encompasses 2,658 acres of woodlands riven by ravines, cascades, streams and unusual geological formations.

Five scenic overlooks give the newcomer some idea of the park's natural wealth. The park's focal point is Cedar Falls, which cascades as a spectacular 95-foot waterfall.

Boaters and canoeists can put in on 100-acre Lake Bailey, created by the damming of Cedar Creek. Anglers try for crappie, bass and catfish.

The hiking on 20 miles of trails is easy to difficult. Ten miles of dirt roads are open to cyclists.

There are 125 campsites, 33 cabins and Mather Lodge, a grand 24-room lodge and restaurant built in the 1930s. Teepees, camps and group camp areas can also be rented.

A park airport, with a fly-in campground, is open for daytime use.

Photo credits in order: Photo by A.C. Haralson, courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Photo by A.C. Haralson, courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Photo by A.C. Haralson, courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.