Cedar Falls in Petit Jean State Park. photo from: http://www.arkansasmatters.com/story/d/story/cedar-falls-at-petit-jean-state-park/41456/04JtOthtkUmCwE8Aqh09Kg
Fall is on the way, and a lot of folks like to hit the road and watch the leaves turn. Some of us can’t make it all the way to upstate New York in time, but central Arkansas will be a blaze of colors in the next few weeks, and that is a lot closer to Texas!
Hot Springs, AR in the fall. photo from: http://gardenandgun.com/article/hot-springs-arkansas
We’ll start today’s day trip in Hot Springs, AR. Hot Springs has been known as a spa town since the mid 1800’s due to the perceived medicinal qualities of the water coming out of several hot springs located in the vicinity. During the Prohibition Era, Hot springs became known as a vacation spot for Hollywood personalities and the underworld with the Arlington Hotel being a particular favorite of Al Capone. Hot Springs National Park borders the northern edge of town, but today we’re going to take the scenic route from Hot Springs out through the Ouachita National Forest, and up to Petit Jean State Park.
Lake Ouachita, AR. photo from: http://www.435mag.com/May-2013/A-Weekend-on-the-Water/
Lake Ouachita is a 40,000+ acre lakes surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Fishing, boating, hiking, and camping are available as well as some of central Arkansas’s most stunning scenery, and is easily accessed on Hwy 270, west of Hot Springs. If water activities are not your thing, then continue west on 270 until you reach Hwy 27 at the western edge of the lake. Turn north on 27 and enjoy your drive up through the Ouachita National Forest. Turn east on Hwy 154 just north of Danville, and that will take you straight to Petit Jean State Park.
Inside the cave at Petit Jean. photo from: http://hennacornoelidays.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/within-the-cave.jpg
Petit Jean State Park is one of the prettiest parks in AR, in my opinion. There is hiking galore, caves, cliffs, canyons, water, all the things that make time spent outdoors worthwhile.
Where is your favorite getaway in Arkansas? Leave a comment below and tell us about it, we love exploring! Also, don’t forget to visit PPL MOTORHOMES before you hit the trail, and stock up on all those RV travel items.