It is no accident that Arkansas is known as the Natural State. It’s the state in the Ozarks with endless natural wonders that appeal to all outdoor enthusiasts. We have some of the best state parks in the country, and they are all worthy of a weekend road trip. But for now, we will only visit three of these parks and explore all that they have to offer.
Let’s begin our road trip with some adventure at Mount Magazine State Park, and end it by relaxing at DeGray Lake State Park.
Though the road trip is short, consisting of only 150 miles and 3 hours of drive time, it will be packed with epic adventures.
Google Maps Use this interactive map to add more stops to your trip.
Day 1: Mount Magazine State Park
Krishna Sathvik Mantripragada/Google Let’s kick this road trip off at the state park with the highest elevation in Arkansas. Mount Magazine is an outdoor adventure enthusiast’s dream come true. Though it’s impossible to do everything in one day, there are tons of adventures to choose from.
You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback or ATV riding.
marilyn shannon / Google But for the more adventurous at heart, we suggest rock climbing or hang gliding at the designated points in the park. Information for these extreme sports can be found at the visitor center, where you must register before you can proceed.
In addition to the activities, the mountain boasts spectacular views from various look out points. Because this mountain is the highest elevation in Arkansas, we suggest that you hike the Signal Hill Trail to experience it for yourself.
Adrian Lopez/Google
After a day packed with fun, you’ll be ready for some food and rest. Thankfully, the Lodge at Mount Magazine with Skycrest Restaurant is inside the park.
Lily Golden/Google The views are stunning, and the food is delicious - this is a great way to end this adventurous day.
Day 2: Petit Jean State Park
Antele Sanlas/Google Now that you are well rested, let’s continue on the second leg of our journey. Head east to Petit Jean State Park. This is Arkansas’ first state park, so it makes sense to include it on our road trip.
Petit Jean boasts endless hiking trails and epic waterfalls. In fact, it is home to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Arkansas.
Teresa Lynn Stauffer-Gasperson-Presser/Google Between the trails, waterfalls, bluffs, “caves”, and canyons, you could be in this park for multiple days. But here’s what we suggest for the best adventure.
Enjoy the scenic drive to the different overlooks, you’ll have time to explore a few of them. You can bask in views of nearby mountain ranges, rivers, valleys, canyons, and more.
Casey Crocker/Google
From there, hike the 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail and the .25-mile Rock House Cave trail. You’ll see remnants of Native American writing and spectacular rock formations.
Brandon Hoult/Google
Of course, the Cedar Falls Trail is a must-see so that you can witness Cedar Falls. This 95-foot continuously flowing waterfall is one of the most breathtaking falls in Arkansas.
CrazyKatLady/Google After all that hiking, you won’t have to go far to eat and rest. Spend the night at Mather Lodge inside the park and enjoy stunning views, while you have dinner at the restaurant.
Day 3: DeGray Lake Resort State Park
DeGray Lake Resort / Facebook After two days of strenuous activities, let’s relax a bit. Head south to DeGray Lake Resort State Park and spend time in this paradise oasis. This resort boasts world-class amenities and it has a restaurant on-site. The perfect destination to wrap up this three-day weekend trip.
Enjoy a day of water-skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, or you can simply relax on the beach.
DeGray Lake Resort / Facebook
And when you’re done, end your evening at the DeGray Lake Resort reliving the adventures of this epic road trip, while you watch the sun go down.
DeGray Lake Resort / Facebook
This three-day road trip is family-friendly, but plan ahead and decide what trails and activities suit your family the best. Also, do make your reservations at each of the lodges inside the parks.
Google Maps
Use this interactive map to add more stops to your trip.
Krishna Sathvik Mantripragada/Google
Let’s kick this road trip off at the state park with the highest elevation in Arkansas. Mount Magazine is an outdoor adventure enthusiast’s dream come true. Though it’s impossible to do everything in one day, there are tons of adventures to choose from.
marilyn shannon / Google
But for the more adventurous at heart, we suggest rock climbing or hang gliding at the designated points in the park. Information for these extreme sports can be found at the visitor center, where you must register before you can proceed.
Adrian Lopez/Google
Lily Golden/Google
The views are stunning, and the food is delicious - this is a great way to end this adventurous day.
Antele Sanlas/Google
Now that you are well rested, let’s continue on the second leg of our journey. Head east to Petit Jean State Park. This is Arkansas’ first state park, so it makes sense to include it on our road trip.
Teresa Lynn Stauffer-Gasperson-Presser/Google
Between the trails, waterfalls, bluffs, “caves”, and canyons, you could be in this park for multiple days. But here’s what we suggest for the best adventure.
Casey Crocker/Google
Brandon Hoult/Google
CrazyKatLady/Google
After all that hiking, you won’t have to go far to eat and rest. Spend the night at Mather Lodge inside the park and enjoy stunning views, while you have dinner at the restaurant.
DeGray Lake Resort / Facebook
After two days of strenuous activities, let’s relax a bit. Head south to DeGray Lake Resort State Park and spend time in this paradise oasis. This resort boasts world-class amenities and it has a restaurant on-site. The perfect destination to wrap up this three-day weekend trip.
So, are you ready for this epic weekend road trip? Tell us in the comment what adventures you will choose or include.
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Address: Mount Magazine State Park, 577 Lodge Dr, Paris, AR 72855, USAAddress: Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USAAddress: DeGray Lake State Park Resort, 2027 State Park Entrance Rd, Bismarck, AR 71929, USA
