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.
Quoted from exploresouthernhistory.com
What is it? A state park.
Where is it? 16878 Hwy 309 S., Paris, Arkansas, USA
Why go here? Beautiful natural vista from the highest point in Arkansas.
