Petit Jean State Park Overview (Pics coming soon)

In June of 2010 we ventured to Petit Jean State Park, less than an hour away from Conway, Arkansas. It's a humble little state park but packed with fun trails and diverse plant life. The campsites are luxurious by most car camper standards, each site equipped with electrical hookups, a personal (and drinkable) water spicket and nice sized tent pad. The camping area is spotted with over 120 sites and can get very crowded during holiday weekends, especially if fair weather is in the forecast. Campsite A is dedicated to RVs but are well enough out of the way so as not to impose on the traditionalists environment. Meaning, you can't hear them and you can't see them from most of the regular campsites.

Less than a mile from Petit's interior, near the entrance, sits a sweet little deli/mini hikers market, equipped with homemade fudge, sandwiches, firewood, bread, eggs, etc. This is a yummy and convenient place but it should be noted that most of the everyday grocery items are way over priced. However, they are kind and generous with their firewood.

The best part of Petit Jean, of course, are the trails. The Seven Hollows Trails is a beautiful trail with arid beginnings and large rocky outcroppings. There are several opportunities for lookout points and a super sweet Grotto less than a quarter mile off the trail. Look for Grotto markers about halfway through Seven Hollows and follow them to a large alcove with a small waterfall filling a calm pool. Be sure to look for snakes snoozing along the rock walls! And if you are interested in water, check out Cedar Falls. This trail offers plenty of opportunities for bouldering and balancing acts! It is best to check it out early, early in the morning, as this is a short but very popular trail. 

Another super hike is the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Boy Scout Trail (BST). This is the longest and most diverse trail in Petit Jean coming in at 12 miles. A large section of the trail is part of the Rock House Cave Trail so it's kind of a two for one. It should be noted, we were carrying camel packs and ran out of water. Make sure to pack plenty of hydration if you are hiking in the warmer months or bring a waterfilter to refuel at one of the several water sources.

Beside that mild discomfort, we made the trek in just under six hours, stopping plenty of times to inspect the plant life and enjoy the view. The BST is full of edible plants ranging from blueberries, blackberries, sumac, wild plums, persimmons, gooseberries and muscadines! Some of the fruit, however, is best enjoyed in the early fall when it is ripe and ready for picking! 

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