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 is a 2,234-acre park located in Arkansas. Inhabited since the 1850s, Mount Magazine first became part of the Ouachita National Forest in 1938, was re-designated as part of the Ozark National Forest in 1941, and became a state park after a 22-year conversion process from the U.S. Forest Service to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Mount Magazine State Park is the highest park in Arkansas. The park contains Mossback Ridge, including the peak of Mount Magazine (called Signal Hill) which contains The Lodge at Mount Magazine, cabins, trails, and a hang gliding area.
The park offers a visitors center with interactive exhibits and gift shop shortly after entering the park. Campers can choose from two class AAA campsites and 16 class AA tent-only campsites at Cameron Bluff Campground. Groups can rent the Greenfield Picnic Area, which is a large pavilion, or utilize the grills and tables at the Benefield, Brown Springs, or Cameron Bluff picnic areas for free. Hiking and horseback riding trails meander throughout the wooded areas of the park. Cycling is allowed throughout the park, and all paved routes feature bike lanes. Bike trails include the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail and the Will Apple's Road Trail. Blue Mountain Lake, Cove Lake, and Spring Lake all offer bream, catfish and largemouth bass in addition to free swimming. Cedar Piney Lake is also available for fishing but not swimming.
There also exist many opportunities for ATV riding, backpacking, hang gliding, mountain biking, rappelling, and rock climbing within the park. The park hosts the annual Mount Magazine International Butterfly Festival, and is a haven for many rare species of butterflies in Arkansas due to the special blend of altitude and temperature available. The state butterfly, the Diana fritillary, is found almost exclusively in the Arkansas River Valley and the Petit Jean River Valley.
The mountain is also home to black bear, whitetail deer, bobcat, and coyote as well as other species.
In 2006, the multimillion-dollar Lodge at Mount Magazine and 13 cliffside cabins were opened. The 66,617 square feet (6,189 m2) rustic-style lodge offers 60 guest rooms, a grand lobby, a conference center, a business center, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a gift shop, and panoramic views from every guest room. The Skycrest Restaurant offers traditional Southern cuisine, a two-story fireplace, and a view of the Petit Jean River Valley and distant 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
