Weekend Road Trip from Dallas to Petit Jean State Park

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A 3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary


If you’re looking for an easy, adventure-packed getaway from Dallas, Petit Jean State Park is one of the best bang-for-your-buck road trips within 6 hours. Think: waterfalls, slot-like rock formations, canyon views, and sunset overlooks — all in one weekend.

Here’s your Friday–Sunday itinerary freebie, plus more details about where to stay, what to do, & what to pack!

The Drive from Dallas

Distance: ~5.5 hours
Best plan: Leave early Friday morning (7–8 AM)
You’ll roll into Arkansas mid-afternoon with time to check in and hit the trails before sunset.

Where to Stay

Inside the Park (Highly Recommend for First Visit)

Mather Lodge

Image from Arkansas State Parks website

  • Historic stone lodge built in the 1930s
  • Canyon-view rooms with balconies
  • On-site restaurant (perfect for Saturday dinner)
  • Walking distance to trailheads & overlooks

Petit Jean Cabins

Image from Arkansas State Parks website

  • 1–3 bedroom options
  • Full kitchens
  • Great for families

Closest Hotels (in Morrilton – 20 min away)

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morrilton

  • Clean, reliable, free breakfast
  • Best chain option nearby

The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Friday: Arrival + Cedar Falls

Afternoon

  • Arrive at Petit Jean
  • Check into lodge/hotel
  • Head straight to the most iconic hike in the park:

Cedar Falls Trail

  • Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highlight: 95-foot waterfall
  • Pro tip: Go later in the afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.

Relax back at your lodge balcony or catch sunset at an overlook before dinner.

Saturday: Bear Caves + Seven Hollows + Lodge Dinner

Park at the Bear Caves Trailhead Lot and knock out both hikes from there.

Bear Cave Trail

  • Distance: ~0.5 mile loop
  • Difficulty: Easy but adventurous
  • What to expect: Huge rock formations, narrow passages, fun scrambling

Perfect for kids and anyone who loves exploring rock “caves.”

Seven Hollows Trail

  • Distance: 4.5 miles loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

  • Natural Bridge
  • Small waterfalls (seasonal)
  • Bluffs + forest scenery

Bring plenty of water — this one takes a few hours.

Dinner at the Lodge

Have dinner at the restaurant inside Mather Lodge.

  • Canyon views at sunset
  • Southern comfort-style menu
  • Zero need to drive after a long hiking day

If you’re staying in Morrilton, it’s still worth the 20-minute drive back into the park for dinner.

Sunday: Overlooks + Drive Home

Keep it slow and scenic before heading back to Texas.

Must-see overlooks:

  • Cedar Falls Overlook
  • Stout’s Point
  • Mary Ann Richter Overlook

Most are short walks from parking areas — perfect for stretching your legs before the 5.5-hour drive home.

Plan to leave by late morning or noon to get back to Dallas before evening traffic.

Why This Makes the Perfect Texas-to-Arkansas Road Trip

  • Easy 3-day loop
  • Mix of big payoff waterfall + adventurous rock scrambling
  • Great for families
  • Affordable lodging options
  • Feels like you went way farther than 5.5 hours

What to Pack for Hiking at Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean’s trails range from easy rock scrambles (Bear Cave) to longer moderate loops like Seven Hollows. Here’s exactly what I personally use and recommend for this trip:

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Hiking Boots

For rocky trails like Cedar Falls and Seven Hollows, ankle support matters.

Why you need them here:

  • Uneven sandstone
  • Slippery areas near waterfalls
  • Stair climbs on Cedar Falls

I wear:

Trekking Poles

Especially helpful on the climb back up from Cedar Falls.

Helpful for:

  • Reducing knee strain
  • Stability on downhill sections
  • Longer loops like Seven Hollows

Lightweight, collapsible poles are easiest for travel.

Daypack

For this weekend, a small hiking backpack is perfect.

Pack space for:

  • 2–3 liters of water
  • Snacks
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Phone tripod for photos
  • Sunscreen

Hydration

Seven Hollows is 4.5 miles — Arkansas humidity can sneak up on you.

Options:

Extras I Always Bring

  • Ball cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Portable phone charger
  • Small first aid kit
  • Lightweight rain shell

Petit Jean State Park is proof that you don’t have to fly across the country to find adventure. Just a tank of gas, a good playlist, and a willingness to hit the trail.

From scrambling through Bear Caves to standing in awe at Cedar Falls, this weekend feels bigger than 5.5 hours from Dallas.

If you take this trip, I’d love to see it — tag me so I can cheer you on.

More real-life road trips from Texas coming your way.

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