Arkansas Highway 154: Oppelo to Petit Jean State Park

Nestled in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas Highway 154 offers one of the most scenic short drives in the state, connecting the small town of Oppelo with the breathtaking beauty of Petit Jean State Park. The route spans just 13 miles, but it covers a striking range of landscapes, from pastoral farmland to sweeping mountain vistas. We begin our journey turning west onto AR-154 from AR-9 in Oppelo, a quiet agricultural community situated just south of Morrilton. The first leg of the drive rolls gently through open farmland, where rows of crops and scattered farmhouses give way to the looming silhouette of Petit Jean Mountain rising ahead.

As we near the base of the mountain, the road transitions from flat rural stretches to a more winding, elevated path. AR-154 climbs the southeastern side of Petit Jean Mountain via a gentle set of switchbacks, offering increasingly wide views of the Arkansas River Valley below. While this ascent is not as steep or dramatic as some others in the state, it’s still a noticeable and scenic climb—especially during fall when the foliage ignites with color. Just past the summit, drivers often take a short side trip to Stout’s Point, home of the famed Petit Jean Gravesite Overlook, where the legend of the park’s namesake comes to life alongside panoramic views of the river far below.

Back on AR-154, the drive continues westward along the ridgeline of the mountain, revealing why this stretch is designated part of the Petit Jean Scenic Byway. The Museum of Automobiles appears on the left—an unexpected gem that showcases vintage cars, motorcycles, and Arkansas license plates. Not far beyond that, the highway enters the eastern side of Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas’s very first state park and a longstanding favorite for outdoor lovers. Inside the park, AR-154 meanders past the Lake Bailey recreational area, the visitor center, and multiple trailheads. The video concludes at the Mather Lodge, a historic stone-and-timber lodge perched near the edge of Cedar Creek Canyon. It’s the gateway to the Cedar Falls Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the park.

Though short in distance, this drive captures the spirit of Arkansas’s natural beauty and offers access to a wealth of recreational opportunities. Whether you’re coming to camp, hike, fish, or simply take in the views, the route from Oppelo to Petit Jean is a gateway to one of the Natural State’s most iconic landscapes.