Mount Magazine State Park

Rising high above the Arkansas River Valley,  Mount Magazine State park preserves the  spectacular scenery of the tallest mountain in  Arkansas. Formed over thousands of years, Mount  Magazine was a landmark for Native  Americans long before the first Europeans  set foot in Arkansas. French explorers and fur trappers who penetrated the region during  the 1600s were quick to notice the mountain  and, in fact, its name comes from the French  word for barn. The name evidently refers to  the unique barn-shaped outline presented by  the mountain when viewed from a distance. The mountain was a hideout for both  refugees and Arkansas men avoiding service  during the Civil War. Its high bluffs provided  both protection and outstanding viewpoints  from which military movements could be  watched. In the years after the war, Mount Magazine  took on new life as a significant resort area. A  lodge was built atop the mountain where  visitors could enjoy cool breezes even during  the hottest months of the summer. Plans  were even made for the development of an  entire town on the top of the mountain, but  the envisioned city in the sky never became a reality. Today the mountain is an Arkansas state  park and has moved into a new era in its  history as a resort. The state has built a  magnificent new lodge and restaurant on the  bluffs overlooking Petit Jean Valley. Cabins  and campgrounds are also available on the  mountain. Mount Magazine also offers hiking trails,  picnic areas, horseback trails and launching  points for hang gliding. Several seasonal  waterfalls flow down the sides of the  mountain (usually during the winter and early  spring) and the National Forest Service  recreation area just below the park on  Highway 309 offers swimming in a beautiful  mountain lake. Often overlooked by many visitors to the park  are its two significant waterfalls. Both flow  best after good rains and are especially  scenic in the winter and early spring. The Mt. Magazine Cascade, which is more  than 100 feet from top to bottom, can be  reached by following the trail from the Brown  Springs Picnic Area for 1/2 mile until you  reach a stream. The cascade falls off to your  right. Mt. Magazine Falls is a 28 foot cascade and  waterfall that can be reached from the last  parking area on Cameron Bluff Overlook  Drive. Just follow the trail down the mountain  and under the high bluff until you reach a  creek. The falls will be downstream, 100  yards to your left. Please exercise caution visiting the falls as  they are slippery and can be dangerous.