Take a scenic 12-mile journey with us as we drive west along Arkansas Highway 154 from Oppelo to Petit Jean State Park—a route that blends rolling farmland, sweeping mountain curves, and rich Arkansas history into one unforgettable drive.
Our trip begins in the quiet town of Oppelo, located just west of the Arkansas River in Conway County. At the intersection with Arkansas Highway 9, we turn west onto AR-154 and almost immediately find ourselves surrounded by open fields and patches of wooded terrain. The road here is smooth and rural, framed by farms and the gentle slopes of the river valley. As we leave the last homes of Oppelo behind, the road narrows and gently curves, giving us hints of the climb that lies ahead.
Not far from town, AR-154 takes a northerly curve as it begins its approach toward Petit Jean Mountain—a towering natural landmark that dominates the skyline in this part of Arkansas. The climb is anything but subtle: the highway wraps around the northeastern shoulder of the mountain in a series of switchbacks and rising grades. It’s here that the drive shifts from pastoral to dramatic. Dense forest closes in, and occasional overlooks offer expansive views back toward the Arkansas River Valley. About halfway up the mountain, the road turns west and pushes upward toward the summit. Keep an eye out for CR-5—a small but notable junction—and the entrance to Petit Jean’s gravesite, a poignant historical stop near the top.
Once we crest the summit, the tone of the drive changes again. The landscape flattens slightly, and we enter Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas’s first and arguably most iconic state park. AR-154 skirts the edge of Cedar Creek Canyon, offering occasional glimpses into the tree-covered gorge below. A short distance westward brings us to the entrance to Cedar Falls Overlook, one of the park’s most visited spots. If you have time, park and walk the short trail to witness one of the state’s most photographed waterfalls—especially stunning after spring rains.
From here, AR-154 turns southwest, hugging the southern rim of the canyon. The forest opens up in places to reveal picnic areas, cabins, and trailheads. As we approach the Mather Lodge area, the heart of the park comes into view. This rustic stone-and-timber lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offers lodging, a restaurant, and access to many of the park’s most scenic hiking trails. Our segment ends just at the entrance to the lodge, but if you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find no shortage of trails, overlooks, and scenic drives beyond this point.
Whether you’re heading up for a day hike or staying the weekend, the drive along Arkansas Highway 154 from Oppelo to Petit Jean State Park is more than just a way to get there—it’s part of the experience.
🎵 Music: Track List
🗺️ Route Map
0 Comments