Petit Jean State Park is the oldest and maybe most spectacular of the Arkansas State Parks – and is quite large, covering more than 2500 acres.
The showpiece of Petit Jean State Park (and likely the entire state park system), is Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls is the tallest continuously flowing waterfall in the state at 95 feet – and in the spring, has a massive and powerful water-flow that is a sight to behold.
We were there on July 1, so water was slower and less powerful, so instead of taking the very popular Cedar Falls Trail hike to the bottom of the falls, we simply viewed the falls from the scenic overlook.
The overlook is just off of Highway 154 within Petit Jean State Park (see “Getting There” in this post). There is a large parking area. At the base of the parking area, there is a wooden ramp with metal railings that leads you down to the overlook area.
The ramp is handicapped accessible, and only a couple of hundred yards to get to. The view is a beautiful scenic view of Cedar Creek Canyon and Cedar Creek Falls that sit roughly 800 feet below (note, I’m guessing at the distance down). Enjoy the view of the scenic spot.
There is a hiking trail that leads to the bottom of the falls that starts out behind Mather Lodge. I can’t wait to hike that one on our next visit.
Distance: about 500 yards, round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Footwear: Whatever you’re wearing will work
Children: Absolutely!
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
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