Petit Jean State Park — Attraction in Atkins

Arkansas has peaceful lakes, numerous parks, famous mountain ranges and even diamond mines. It's no wonder that Arkansas is called the “state of nature”. The Petit Jean State Park is where you can see a natural waterfall and hear the beautiful water flowing through it. The French name of Petit Jean (meaning “Little John”; locals apparently say “petty jeen” instead of the French way like “puh-tee zjhahn”) to be a very interesting name for the state park the Cedar Falls resided in. Hiking trails encounter places with large slopes several times, but it is relatively difficult to walk. I was able to see various beautiful small streams. I went on a sunny day, so the bright sunlight reflected the trees and I could enjoy the beautiful scenery. I also encountered a small bee bird, a small squirrel. The walls made of large rocks looking up from the bottom were very magnificent and I was impressed. Cedar Falls must have been the most attractive waterfall in Arkansas. As you can see from the pictures I took, there are some impressive high and vertical cliffs associated with the waterfall. It is possible to walk along the waterfall (but it was very slippery and I had to walk very carefully! I would not recommend it so much that you would not get hurt). It became a natural experience. There was a pedestrian bridge that crossed a fairly large stream, but the signs there indicated that only two people could be on the bridge at a time. So, considering how popular this trail was, this caused a little cue. When we got to the other side of the bridge, we turned right at the junction and followed the upstream stream towards the waterfall. As I walked along the waterfall trail, I noticed that large rocks lined up along the road. After seeing Cedar Falls, I went back the way I came. I spent about 40 minutes on the return hike and the total hike time was over 90 minutes (or 3 miles round trip). I think there are individual differences, but some people feel that hiking is intense. We recommend hiking with non-slip safety shoes.

アーカンソー州には静かな湖、多数の公園、有名な山脈、さらにはダイヤモンド鉱山まであります。アーカンソー州が「自然の州」と呼ばれているのも不思議ではありません。The Petit Jean State Parkは自然の滝を見ることが聞き、その滝の流れる美しい水の音を聞くことが出来ます。プチジャンのフランス語名（「リトルジョン」を意味します。地元の人々は、「プーティーツィーハン」のようなフランス語の代わりに「ペティジェン」と言います）は、シーダーフォールズがあった州立公園の非常に興味深い名前です。ハイキング道は斜面が大きい場所も何度か遭遇するが、比較的歩くのに困難は感じないです。私は様々な綺麗な小さな小川を見ることが出来ました。私は晴天の日に行ったので、明るい日差しが木々に光が反射し、その美しい光景を楽しむことが出来た。小さな蜂鳥、小さなリスにも遭遇した。下から見上げる大きな岩で出来た壁はとても壮大でわたしは感動した。 シダーフォールズはアーカンソー州で最も魅力的な滝だったに違いありません。 私が撮影した写真から分かると思うが滝に付随して、いくつかの印象的な高くて垂直な崖が美しいです。滝のすぐ横の道を歩くことも可能です(しかしとても滑りやすいのでかなり慎重に歩く必要がありました！あまりお勧めしない。あなたが怪我をしないために).この限りでは、アーカンソー州での最高の自然体験になりました。 かなり大きな小川を横断する歩道橋がありましたが、そこの標識は、一度に2人しか橋の上にいられないことを示していました。 そのため、このトレイルがどれほど人気があるかを考えると、これにより少しキューが発生しました。...

Discover the natural beauty and adventure awaiting you at Petit Jean State Park, one of Arkansas's most captivating destinations. Perfect for a family outing, this park combines scenic beauty with a wealth of activities that cater to all ages and interests.

Exploring the Trails

Petit Jean State Park is a hiker's paradise, boasting over 20 miles of well-maintained trails that wind through diverse landscapes. The iconic Cedar Falls Trail is a highlight, leading adventurers to the stunning 95-foot Cedar Falls. The sight and sound of the waterfall create a magical experience that captivates both young and old. For those seeking a less strenuous hike, the Bear Cave Trail offers fascinating rock formations and a chance to explore natural caves.

Panoramic Views and Natural Wonders

The park's vistas are nothing short of breathtaking. Overlook trails provide panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley, where the horizon stretches endlessly, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The park's unique geological formations, including Turtle Rocks and the awe-inspiring Palisades, add to the enchanting scenery.

Family-Friendly Fun

Petit Jean State Park is designed with families in mind. The park features numerous picnic areas, perfect for a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature. Children will delight in the park's playgrounds and the chance to learn about local wildlife through engaging interpretive programs. These educational activities enrich the experience, making it both fun and enlightening for all ages.

Rich History and Cultural Sites

The park is steeped in history, with sites like Mather Lodge and the Petit Jean Gravesite offering glimpses into the past. The Rock House Cave is another must-see, where ancient Native American rock art provides a fascinating look at the region's cultural heritage.

Camping and Overnight Adventures

Extend your visit by staying overnight in one of the park's cozy cabins or campsites. Whether you prefer a rustic tent site or the comfort of a cabin equipped with modern amenities, camping at Petit Jean State Park is an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. As night falls, the clear skies offer a perfect canvas for stargazing, adding a magical touch to your adventure.

Visit Year-Round

Petit Jean State Park is a year-round destination, each season offering its own unique appeal. From the vibrant foliage of autumn to the lush greenery of spring, the park's natural beauty is ever-changing and always inviting.

In summary, Petit Jean State Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor fun. Whether you're hiking, learning, or simply relaxing amidst the views, it's a wonderful destination for families seeking adventure and connection with nature. Plan your visit today and create lasting memories in the heart...

When the pandemic hit and we all had to stay home for awhile, some of us adventurous people needed something to do… something to look forward to. And there enters the idea for a family reunion. We are a largish bunch, scattered all over the US. The planning began in the spring of 2020 and Petit Jean State Park became the venue.

Last week that plan became a reality. And what a beautiful thing it was.

We stayed in Cabin 15, a small but fully functional duplex unit (has connected doors which was PERFECT since my cousins were next door. One bedroom has a queen bed and a twin. The sofa in the living area worked well for my 6’2” tall 16 year old son.

There are many trails to explore with various levels of difficulty. We didn’t get to see all of the trails so that just gives us a reason to go back. We did the Cedar Falls overlook (boardwalk, handicap accessible) Bear Cave Trail (easy to drive to, more fun and beautiful to walk it though) and Rock House Cave (I mean.. wow!) We did NOT do the difficult trail to the bottom of Cedar Falls only because it had not rained lately and the falls were just a bare drip. And yet, another reason to go back to the park. My family has already decided to go back and those who couldn’t make it (stupid Covid) are all jealous.

Mather Lodge has a stunningly beautiful restaurant with high ceilings and wall to wall windows. Go for a nice meal (I recommend the roast beef and potatoes) or watch a rain storm roll in from the covered breezeway. Relax on the deck on a clear night to see so many stars and total quiet (unless you are us, in a large group having a wine tasting, then by all means, come join us!)

A word of caution for those with pets and small children. There are open bluffs and deep crevices that are not fenced in parts of the cabin areas. Leash the pets, and hold onto to the kids. Or have them run and play in the front of the cabins.

A HUGE thank you to the lodge management for looking for, and finally finding a pair of work boots and a back brace we left behind!

Overall.. FIVE STARS. Let those kids miss school and give them a science and history lesson they probably won’t be taught in the books.

I cannot wait...