Nestled between the Ouachitas and Ozarks lies the 1,120-foot jumble of ancient sandstone known as Petit Jean Mountain. There, seven streams—and 300 million years—have carved the stone into seven sinuous canyons (or “hollows”) that you can explore on this 4.5-miler.

Follow the blue blazes and look out for spur trails across the creek that lead to several small caves before mile 1. Save time for the highlight at mile 1.5: a 22-foot-tall natural stone arch. Just beyond, Wet Weather Falls splashes between rocks after heavy rains. Climb up a sandstone gully at mile 1.7 to gain the bluff (watch for collared lizards darting out from boulders to sun themselves), then take a spur trail on the right at mile 2.1 to trace the ridgeline to the Grotto, a stone amphitheater that features a pour-off waterfall in spring. By mile 3, the trail levels to follow the stream through a hardwood forest shaded by 2,400-foot-tall bluffs (the park’s biggest). When you close the loop, take the 2-mile side trip to 95-foot Cedar Falls.

Distance 4.5 miles (loop) Trailhead 35.114198, -92.947485 Drive time 1:12 from Little Rock Season Year-round Contact