Petit Jean State Park is located between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges in west-central Arkansas. With 2,658 acres there is an abundance of woods, ravines, streams, springs, geological formations and, most importantly, wonderful views off the mountain. We saw it as a perfect day trip about 90 miles of from where we are parked.
The first stop was at Petit Jean's gravesite and overlook. This stop is about 4 miles before the entrance to the State Park. This was the only overlook that included the Arkansas River and the fertile land that is farmed in the area.
Upon arriving at the Park we checked in with the Visitor Center, inquiring if there was water in Cedar Falls. "Probably not." was the answer but we were encouraged to check it out from the overlook, a short hike from the parking lot. There are also two nice overlooks that are reached by taking a dirt road that loops around. But first, we had to stop at Davies Bridge. What photographer would miss an opportunity to photograph on old stone bridge? Not these!
On the the lookouts.
This is from the M. A. Richter Memorial Overlook. I could not find any thing to indicate why this person deserved an outlook named after him.
I believe this is where we started photographing at the CCC Overlook. This site had much more interesting areas and valley to photograph.
Even though our stomachs were rumbling, we decided to check out Cedar Falls on our way to Mammoth Lodge where we planned to have lunch.
Nope, No water here! Bummer.
Looking down the canyon that is slowly being carved by Cedar Creek.
Mather Lodge is gorgeous. I stayed inside as we were on a wait list while Tom took off outside to do a bit o' photography.
After lunch we went back outside to gather up some more images and lo and behold he sun was peeking through. Excitement ruled the hour!!
Rather than go on home, we decided to check out the CCC overlook to see what difference the bits of sun would make on the landscape. It turned into a game of 'waiting, waiting, waiting for the next ray to pass by.
