Petit Jean Mountain

Petit Jean Mountain is a must for the iconic state park at the top. Hwy. 154 rises out of the valley and winds up the isolated mountain between the Arkansas and Petit Jean rivers. The long, steep grade leads to Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas’s first state park. Follow the signs to Petit Jean’s gravesite and overlook, a tribute to the legendary young girl after whom the mountain is named. Continue riding to the elegantly rustic Mather Lodge for lunch or to check into your room. Cabins and campsites offer additional overnight options. From the lodge, hike and bike to the Cedar Falls Overlook. The bike path will turn into a gravel path with a few stairs at the end. Walk your bike down the boardwalk for stunning views of the 95-foot Cedar Falls. The falls are just one of the natural wonders of this park. Caves, canyons, bluffs, bluff shelters with prehistoric markings, a natural bridge, distinctive rock formations like carpet rocks and turtle rocks, and the Seven Hollows add to the mystique of this special place. On your way back, stop at The Outpost, a local convenience store known for Petit Jean Mountain fudge, a sweet treat to stow away in your bike bag for later.