Mount Magazine State Park crowns the highest point in Arkansas — Signal Hill, at 2,753 feet — with jaw-dropping bluff-top views, a full-service lodge and cabins, and some of the best adventure recreation in the state, from hiking and rock climbing to hang gliding. It’s a longer drive from Northwest Arkansas, but for a big-view weekend it’s well worth it.
About Mount Magazine
Rising above the Arkansas River Valley south of the Ozarks, Mount Magazine is the state’s tallest mountain and one of its most dramatic parks. The summit and surrounding bluffs deliver sweeping panoramas, cool breezes, and a sense of being on top of Arkansas. It’s a favorite for scenic drives, overlook hikes, and adrenaline sports alike.
Things to Do
- Hike to Signal Hill — a short (~15-minute) trail reaches Arkansas’s highest point; the park has about 14 miles of trails in all.
- Drive Cameron Bluff Overlook — a one-way scenic road with multiple pull-offs and huge valley views.
- Rock climbing — the park is the state’s premier destination for technical climbing on its bluffs.
- Hang gliding — one of only two Arkansas state parks with a launch area (for certified pilots).
- Wildlife & wildflowers — the mountain is known for butterflies, rare plants, and fall color.
Lodge, Cabins & Camping
Mount Magazine offers a 60-room lodge with a restaurant, indoor pool, and conference center perched on the bluff, plus 13 cabins (many with hot tubs and bluff views) and campsites with RV hookups and primitive options. Reserve through Arkansas State Parks.
Good to Know
- Admission: Free to enter (fees apply for lodging, cabins, and camping).
- Location: 16878 Hwy 309 S, Paris — about a 2-hour drive south of Fayetteville.
- Best season: Spring and fall for the views, wildflowers, and comfortable temperatures.
- Tip: The summit is noticeably cooler and breezier than the valley — bring a layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Arkansas?
Signal Hill on Mount Magazine, at 2,753 feet, is the highest point in Arkansas. A short trail in the state park leads right to it.
Is there a lodge at Mount Magazine?
Yes — a 60-room lodge with a restaurant, indoor pool, and bluff-top views, plus cabins and campsites.
How far is Mount Magazine from Northwest Arkansas?
About a 2-hour drive south of Fayetteville, near Paris in the Arkansas River Valley.
Location & Directions
- Address: 16878 Hwy 309 S, Paris, AR 72855
- Admission: Free to enter (fees for lodging/cabins/camping)
- Official site: Arkansas State Parks
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