Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park, perched on a mountain above the Arkansas River Valley, is the state's first and arguably most scenic state park. Established in the 1920s, it sits roughly an hour and a half northwest of Little Rock and offers a full day of sightseeing and hiking. The headline attraction is Cedar Falls, a waterfall that drops about ninety-five feet into a rocky canyon; the trail down to the falls is a moderate to strenuous hike of a few miles round trip, with steps, boulders and rewarding views. Other highlights include Mather Lodge, a handsome rustic lodge built of native stone and timber by the Civilian Conservation Corps, with a dining room that serves lunch and dinner to day visitors. Scenic overlooks such as Stout's Point give wide views across the valley, and the park's easier trails include short loops to rock formations, caves and Native American rock art. Interpretive programs, picnic areas and a lake add to the appeal. The park is popular with families, couples and hikers, and it changes dramatically with the seasons, from spring wildflowers to autumn color. For visitors with a rental car and a free day, it is the best nature outing within reach of Little Rock.

Start early, because the drive takes time and the hiking is more comfortable in the cooler morning. Many visitors head first to Mather Lodge for coffee and maps, then walk the Cedar Falls Trail, which is steep in places and can be slippery after rain. Allow two to three hours for the falls hike alone. If you prefer something gentler, the overlooks are close to parking, and shorter trails offer quiet woodland walking.

Lunch at the lodge is a pleasure, and a night's stay is an option if you want to extend the trip, though lodge rooms book up well ahead, especially in fall. Cell service can be patchy. Honest limits: this is a full day with considerable driving, so it suits travelers who want a real outdoor escape rather than a quick stop. Combine it with Pinnacle Mountain on a separate day if you want to sample both of the region's parks.

Several smaller stops are worth the extra time. Stout's Point offers some of the best views in the park, and the Seven Hollows Trail leads through rock formations and a small cave. The park also has a legend attached to its name, a story about a young French woman who disguised herself as a boy to follow her fiancé to the New World, which local guides tell with relish.

If you plan to stay overnight, reserve the lodge well in advance. Pack layers, because the mountain can be cooler than the valley, and carry a map or download one before you go. Families can add the shorter overlook walks and picnic stops to keep younger children comfortable.