Highest park in Arkansas including the peak of Mount Magazine (called Signal Hill) which contains The Lodge at Mount Magazine, cabins, trails, and a hang gliding area
General Information
Visitor Center:
Open all year 8am to 5pm daily
How to Get There
From Little ( 114mi) Get on I-630 E. Follow I-40 W to AR-363 S in Pottsville. Take exit 88 from I-40 W. Take AR-247 N, AR-27 S and AR-10 W to AR-309/Mount Magazine Scenic Byway in Mountain Township
Overview
Mount Magazine State Park protects Arkansas's highest point, Mount Magazine, and is the highest state park in Arkansas. Inhabited since the 1850s and passed between the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests before becoming a state park, the park's Mossback Ridge and summit, Signal Hill, are home to The Lodge at Mount Magazine, cliffside cabins, trails, and a hang gliding launch.
Beyond the visitor center, the park offers camping at Cameron Bluff Campground, picnic areas, and hiking and horseback riding trails through its wooded terrain, including the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail and Will Apple's Road Trail. Blue Mountain Lake, Cove Lake, and Spring Lake offer fishing and swimming, while the park also draws ATV riders, backpackers, hang gliders, mountain bikers, and rock climbers. The park hosts the annual Mount Magazine International Butterfly Festival and is a haven for rare butterflies, including Arkansas's state butterfly, the Diana fritillary, along with resident black bear, deer, bobcat, and coyote.
Opened in 2006, The Lodge at Mount Magazine offers 60 guest rooms, cliffside cabins, an indoor pool, and panoramic views from every room, along with the Skycrest Restaurant, which looks out over the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake.
Things to Do
Stand on Arkansas's Highest Peak
Mount Magazine State Park is home to Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from numerous overlooks, taking in panoramic vistas of the Arkansas River Valley, Blue Mountain Lake, and the surrounding Ozark and Ouachita Mountains.
Experience Outdoor Adventure
The park is one of Arkansas's premier destinations for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, horseback riding, and hang gliding. Its rugged terrain and scenic landscapes provide opportunities for both casual recreation and challenging outdoor adventures.
Visit the Lodge and Visitor Center
The park's mountaintop lodge offers spectacular views, dining, exhibits, and educational programs that highlight the natural history, geology, and wildlife of Mount Magazine. Visitors can also learn about the mountain's unique ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Top Trails
Signal Hill Trail
Length: Approximately 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 250 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This trail leads to Signal Hill, the highest point in Arkansas. The route passes through scenic forests and provides visitors with the opportunity to stand atop the state's highest elevation.
Benefield Loop Trail
Length: Approximately 8.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
One of the park's premier hiking routes, the Benefield Loop traverses forests, mountain slopes, streams, and scenic ridges while showcasing the diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats of Mount Magazine.
Sources: Arkansas State Parks official Mount Magazine State Park information, including Arkansas's highest peak, scenic overlooks, outdoor recreation opportunities, lodge amenities, hiking trails, and visitor resources. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-magazine-state-park Additional trail and recreation information verified through Arkansas State Parks trail resources and park guides. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-magazine-state-park/activities
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Mount Magazine State Park", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
