Arkansas boasts of its first state park as a special and unforgettable place, with a dozen of good reasons. One the most popular, Petit Jean State Park was carved from a magnificent section of the Arkansas River Valley. The park is noted for its breathtaking views from Petit Jean Mountain, its rugged canyons and hollows, enchanting waterfalls and a variety of natural rock features.
   The lodge and other buildings were built during the Depression Era by the Civilian Conservation Corps and blend well into the park's surroundings. The CCC was also instrumental in the extra special trail system where over 20 miles of trails provide close-up views of the park's diverse scenic beauty. A few trails, designated as National Recreation Trails, range from an advanced challenges to an easy quarter mile, fun-filled family adventure to the Bear Cave.
   The legend of Petit Jean is a story of young love and new hopes, filled with adventure and sadness. The story begins with a young French couple, engaged to be married in Paris. The groom signed on with a French exploration party bound for the New World. Clavet, a French nobleman was searching for land in the Louisiana Territory. The ship-hand's fiancée begs to accompany him, but because of the dangers involved, he insists that Jean should stay at home. With a clever disguise, Petit Jean is taken on as a cabin boy. The exploration party made their way across the Atlantic, up the Mississippi and into the Arkansas River where the party finds the land of their dreams. The Natives were cordial and the summer months were used to re-supply the ship for the journey home. Just as the ship was ready for departure, Petit Jean becomes gravely ill. She asks to be returned to her mountaintop, where she will die. According to the legend, the spirit of Petit Jean hovers over the mountain to this day.
   This view is taken from the mountaintop, near the Petit Jean gravesite, looking over the Arkansas River Valley. A cool morning mist hangs alongside the warm river, creating an breathtaking view from atop Petit Jean State Park.

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