Petit Jean: A Legend of Exploration and Romance

By Sarah Struthers

Arkansas’ first state park, located in the town of Morrilton, is nestled between the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains in Conway County. Located 2 hours southwest of Mountain View, Petite Jean State Park offers over 3,000 acres to explore and has plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. Rustic log and stone buildings on the property, including the historic Mather Lodge, were built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Cabins, campsites, pavilions, playgrounds, and a pool are available. The park also features a boat launch with boat and kayak rentals on Lake Bailey. Mather Lodge offers a restaurant, meeting rooms, and gift shop.

Petit Jean offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from a ¼-mile stroll to a 12-mile strenuous hike for the more advanced hiker. Trail highlights include bluffs, canyons, deep forests, a grotto, natural bridge, and overlooks with breathtaking views. Don’t miss Cedar Falls, a 95-foot waterfall that can be seen from several observation decks, or by hiking directly to the falls area.

There are unique rock formations including turtle rocks, carpet rocks, and giant sandstone boulders to explore. Rock House Cave, one of the largest bluff shelters in the state of Arkansas, gives us a glimpse into the archeological history of the area. The cave features prehistoric rock art, with images painted and etched into stone.

How did the park come to be named Petit Jean?

Legend has it that a romantic story is behind the name. In the 1700s, a young French girl named Adrienne DuMont became heartbroken when she learned her lover was going far away overseas. Her love, Jean-Jacques Chavet, was a member of an adventuring excursion to explore the New World and the Louisiana Territory. Determined to be with him, Adrienne cut her hair, and disguised herself as a cabin boy on the ship so that she could be with Chavet. She joined the company of explorers and sailors as they explored the New World. The sailors called her “Petit Jean,” French for “Little John,” because of her small stature.

Adrienne, or “Petit Jean,” survived the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, north on the Mississippi River, and to the Arkansas River. Shortly thereafter, she became ill. During the time of her failing health, her true identity was revealed. Petit Jean eventually succumbed to her illness and passed away.

of what we now call Petit Jean Mountain.

Legend has it that her spirit still wanders around the park. Visit and see for yourself!

Sarah is an RN who loves hiking and exploring all the natural world on her time off.