There’s nothing like waking up early and setting out on an adventure to go and watch the day begin. The Natural State is completely full of incredible natural areas, of course, and any day you’re waking up in Arkansas is already off to a great start, but when you combine one of our most beloved state parks with all the drama of dawn breaking, you’ve got something that has to be raved about. Let’s go see the morning light at Petit Jean State Park.

There’s a lot to love about Petit Jean any time of day. Petit Jean State Park was our first state park and inspired the creation of our state parks department.
Flickr/Robert Thigpen
It holds a special place in our hearts for so many reasons.
With so many wonderful trails, streams, overlooks, and charming structures from the 1930s built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it’s no wonder Arkansans flock to Petit Jean Mountain.
Flickr/amanderson2
There are 35 lovely cabins, 125 campsites, and even some Rent-a-Yurts in the state park, so there are plenty of ways to wake up and step out to greet a jaw-dropping sunrise.
Flickr/Noel Pennington
Where many visitors make a mistake, however, is in failing to wake up for the early morning view. They miss the soft morning light at Davies Arch Bridge. . .
Flickr/Jonathan Ball

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. . . and the distant clouds concealing the earth from Stout’s Point . . .
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
. . . and the Arkansas River bending out of sight toward a sky singing with hazy purples and lovely, soft oranges . . .
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
. . . and the long morning shadows stretching across the valley below from the mournful vantage point of Petit Jean’s grave.
Flickr/Noel Pennington
If you’re hoping to greet the sun here in the Natural State, you might want to head directly to Petit Jean Mountain.
Flickr/ AR Nature Gal
There’s simply no better place in the world to experience the magic of a newly dawning day.
Flickr/AR Nature Gal

Do you have a favorite sunrise spot here in the Natural State? You can tell us all about your favorites on our nomination page. If you’re interested in more reasons you should spend some time on Petit Jean, you might want to read this article. If you’re wondering where exactly to stay in the state park, you’ll probably be impressed by this article, too.

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Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA