Traveling With Lola

To celebrate year 22 of being alive, I traveled to the ideal birthday weekend setting: Petit Jean Mountain. What could be a better way to celebrate than peeing in the woods, suffocating on campfire smoke and shivering under a thin tent while the rain pours down? Ok, I’m not doing a great job of hyping up my camping weekend, but the truth is that I had a BLAST. 

Between the campfire cookouts, unbelievable scenery, and wilderness activities, Petit Jean State Park made for a perfect birthday weekend with friends and family. In fact, Petit Jean has so much to offer that it’s an ideal spot for a weekend excursion away. Here’s all that you should know about staying and playing in this Arkansas State Park, less than 90 minutes from Little Rock: 

The Legend of Petit Jean

The legend of Petit Jean is a popular folklore tale in Arkansas. The mountain is supposedly named for a young French girl called “Petit Jean” or “Little John” during her life. The story goes, Petit Jean was a young French girl who disguised herself as a boy and stowed away on a ship to follow her lover, who was heading to America. After being prevented passage on the dangerous voyage as a woman, she was forced to disguise herself and sneak aboard her lover’s ship.

Upon arriving in America, the expedition group settled in the area that is now Petit Jean Mountain. Petit Jean, an affectionate nickname due to her small “male” frame, became a trusted friend and companion to her lover and other settlers in the area. She soon fell ill with fever, and the crew discovered that she was actually a woman. As her end grew near, her final wish was to be buried on the beautiful mountain in the Arkansas River Valley. Today, a bluff on the mountain is named Petit Jean in her honor, and her legend is remembered through various events and attractions in the area, complimenting her quiet grave which sits at the peak of the Petit Jean overlook. 

Activities

Petit Jean State Park offers many outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping. Here’s what’s available:

Hiking

From beginner to advanced hikers, there are several trails across the state park with different intensities for all levels of outdoors people. Here are some of my favorites: 

• Cedar Falls Trail: A 2.5-mile round trip trail that leads to the stunning Cedar Falls.
• Seven Hollows Trail: A 4.5-mile round trip trail that passes by several small waterfalls and unique rock formations.
• Boy Scout Trail: A challenging 12-mile loop trail that offers beautiful views of the Arkansas River Valley.
• Bear Cave Trail: A short .5-mile round trip trail adorned with rock formations that create caves, crevices, canyons, etc. 

For more Petit Jean trails and maps, check out their website HERE

Sightseeing

A scenic drive across Petit Jean Mountain will award you beautiful views of the Arkansas River Valley. While on your journey you can explore Rock House Cave, a unique geological formation located in Petit Jean State Park. 

Skygazing

Petit Jean Mountain offers clear skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. You can also attend a star party hosted by the park interpreters at Petit Jean State Park.

In addition to any treeless area in the park, there are several great spots for stargazing in the area. The CCC overlook is a particularly great spot for studying stars of the past. 

I also watched the sunset at the Palisades Overlook one evening this weekend, accompanied by my friends and the park ranger who kindly pointed out various iconic mountains in the flat horizon. If you’re an early riser, catch the sunrise at the East-facing Petit Jean Gravesite and Overlook and pay respects to Little John’s grave upon attendance. 

Other activities

• Giddy up cowboy: Petit Jean’s Barnyard Friends and Stable offers guided horseback rides.
• You can also visit the Museum of Automobiles, a unique museum with a vast collection of vintage and classic automobiles, motorcycles, and other vehicles.

Accommodations

Petit Jean Mountain offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. 

1. Petit Jean State Park Lodge: This is a full-service lodge with 24 guest rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities. The lodge is located on the mountain, and many rooms offer scenic views of the surrounding area.
2. Cabins: Petit Jean State Park offers a variety of cabins for rent, ranging from cozy one-bedroom cabins to spacious six-bedroom cabins. Each cabin is equipped with modern amenities and offers a unique experience, such as secluded locations or scenic views.
3. Campgrounds: Petit Jean State Park has several campgrounds for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. The campgrounds offer various amenities such as water and electrical hookups, showers, and fire pits.
4. Yurts: These circular tents are available for rent at Petit Jean State Park and offer a unique camping experience. Each yurt is equipped with beds and a small kitchenette. It’s also worth noting that these book up well in advance. If you’re planning to stay in one, look ahead to book this unique stay. You may also get lucky with a last minute cancellation if you call the week of your desired stay. Some people make a reservation and never show up to stay. 
5. Vacation Rentals: There are several vacation rental properties available in the area, including private cabins, homes, and condos. These rentals offer additional privacy and space compared to traditional accommodations.
6. Bed and Breakfasts: There are several bed and breakfasts located near Petit Jean Mountain, offering a cozy and intimate lodging experience with personalized service.
7. Hotels and Motels: There are also several hotels and motels located in nearby towns, such as Morrilton and Russellville, for those who prefer traditional hotel accommodations.

Food

• Mather Lodge Restaurant: This restaurant is located inside Petit Jean State Park Lodge and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features Southern-style cuisine, including fried catfish, chicken fried steak, and biscuits and gravy. I tried their Veggie burger and it was scrumptious.
• Petit Jean Coffeehouse: This casual cafe is located near the park’s visitor center and offers a variety of coffees, breakfast and lunch items and neat souvenirs.

• Petit Jean Meats: This locally owned and operated meat market and deli offer a variety of meats, including ham, bacon, and sausage, as well as sandwiches, salads, and other deli items.
• Good old fashion cookout: Grab your hot dogs, burgers, and veggies wrapped in tin foil and pop them over the campfire grate or grill for a hearty and comforting meal. When there isn’t a burn ban, this makes for a great option for campers in the area.

There’s just something about being outside and sleeping under the stars that brings me joy in a way I can’t quite put my finger on. Whether it’s the folklore of Petit Jean or the breathtaking views and toppling rock formations, I hope that this gorgeous mountain can captivate you in the same way it did for my family.