The views stretch for miles, encircling much of the Arkansas River valley and including the forested slopes of the Ozark Mountains in the distance. Standing at the overlook on the western edge of Petit Jean, you can look up into the river valley that bisects much of the mountains to the east and hear the distant roar of the water tumbling over Cedar Falls.
Arkansas’ first state park is a wonderful place worth visiting, filled with natural wonders, historic sites and even a romantic tale that trumps any soap opera.
Geological sites include a large natural bridge, hidden caves, numerous springs, fossils and a large waterfall. Rock House Cave is a large depression in the sandstone cliffs more than 100 feet above the waterfall and contains Native American pictographs from over 200 years ago. They’re easy to spot on the cave’s sandstone ceiling. You can make out goatfish, Native American headdresses and even some authentic graffiti.
Heading back along the trail, you’ll find Turtle Rock, a massive sandstone mound that resembles a group of giant turtles clambering up the slope.
Petit Jean became a state park through the efforts of lumber company employee Thomas Hardison, who saw the area’s natural beauty as a way to attract tourists and protect the area. He persuaded the Fort Smith Lumber Company to donate the land for public use. After an unsuccessful attempt to designate it as a national park, he persuaded the state legislature to set aside the land as the first state park in 1923.
The park’s early development took place during the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) period in the 1930s. It was during this time that the historic Mather Lodge, named for the head of the national park system, was built. The magnificent and beautiful building and accommodations still stand and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sitting in the restaurant’s spacious dining room and enjoying a meal while taking in the surrounding cliffs and valleys is a pleasure any Arkansan can enjoy.
The CCC built bridges, roads, dams that created lakes, and numerous trails used by the public. The trails to Cedar Falls and Seven Hollows are some of the most visited nature spots in the state.
Historically, few people lived on Mount Petit Jean until the late 1800s, but the surrounding river valleys were home to many Native American villages. The Arkansas Archaeological Society has collected a large collection of vases, jewelry, and other items from the area. Additional rock art has been found in caves scattered throughout the mountain. History buffs will enjoy the Automobile Museum and Rockefeller Farm at the mountaintop.
The most interesting story is how this mountain got its name. According to legend, the story began in the early 1700s, when a young French nobleman named Chavet received permission to explore part of the Louisiana Territory. Chavet was engaged to a young French woman named Adrienne Dumont, who, when informed of his plans, disguised herself as a common sailor and joined the expedition.
Although her colleagues called her Petit Jean (Little John), her true identity was kept a secret throughout the journey. The group eventually traveled up the Mississippi River and into the Arkansas River. Upon reaching the area of ​​present-day Morrilton, they were greeted by a group of friendly Native Americans who invited them to escape the malarial swamps of the river and spend the summer with them on the top of a nearby mountain.
During her stay, the young Dumont fell seriously ill and while undergoing treatment her true identity was discovered. She died of her illness and was buried on the summit at the eastern end of the mountain, and the mountain was named Petit Jean in her honour.
Whether you’re looking for history, natural beauty, or simply a romantic getaway for a few days, Petit Jean is a great place to visit.
Early development of Petit Jean State Park was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. During this time, the historic Mather Lodge, named for the Director of the National Park Service, was built. (Photo courtesy)
The magnificent and beautiful Mather Lodge and guest facilities still stand and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo provided)
During its operation in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built bridges, roads, lake dams, and numerous trails for public use. Pictured above is the old CCC building. (Courtesy photo)
When the young French nobleman Chavet received permission to explore parts of the Louisiana Territory in the early 1700s, he was engaged to a young Frenchwoman, Adrienne Dumont, who joined the expedition disguised as a common sailor but later died of illness. (Courtesy photo)
Rock House Cave is a large depression in the sandstone cliffs more than 100 feet above the falls and contains Native American pictographs dating back more than 200 years. (Courtesy photo)