Mount Magazine | Arkansas (#25)

And Mount Magazine State Park

Since Mount Magazine / Signal Hill sits inside Mount Magazine State Park — which is on my list as the Best State Park in Arkansas — I decided to combine both into one post.

The park is about 2 hours west/northwest of Little Rock, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes east of Fort Smith, and a little over 2 hours south of Bentonville — home of Walmart, for you trivia buffs.

Photo: Mount Magazine State Park Entrance sign across from the Petit Jean Valley Overlook

Is It Mount Magazine or Signal Hill?

At 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine proudly claims the title of Arkansas’s highest point. It ranks #34 in State High Pointsand was my 25th High Point.

That officially puts me halfway to becoming a High Pointer. (And yes, since I include the District of Columbia — I know — that makes 51 total.)

So what’s the deal? Is it Mount Magazine or Signal Hill?

After a little research, here’s the clarification.

Mount Magazine is a broad, flat-topped plateau capped with sandstone and rimmed by dramatic cliffs. Sitting on that plateau are two peaks: Signal Hill, the highest natural point in Arkansas, and Mossback Ridge at 2,700 feet.

Therefore, the highest natural point in Arkansas is Signal Hill on Mount Magazine.

About Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine State Park spans 2,234 acres within the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests and includes more than 14 miles of trails.

Because of its isolated dominance over the surrounding landscape, it’s often called an “Island in the Sky.”

Originally, many trails were game paths used by Native American hunters. Later, settlers farmed the plateau and turned those paths into wagon roads.

Today, it’s an outdoor playground.

You’ll find mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, rock climbing, ATV riding, and even hang-gliding. In fact, it’s one of only two Arkansas parks with hang-gliding launch areas.

In addition, the park includes camping, cabins, and The Lodge at Mount Magazine, which features 60 guest rooms and the Skycrest Restaurant.

And there’s no entrance or parking fee — which is always a win.

Let the Exploring Begin!

As you climb Arkansas 309 from the valley below, your first stop should be the Petit Jean Valley Overlook.

The views are immediate and expansive. They set the tone for everything that follows.

Photos: Views from Petit Jean Valley Overlook |
Blue Mountain Lake in the distance

Visitor Center Stop

Next up — no surprise — the Visitor Center.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits, a wildlife viewing area, and a butterfly garden. I chatted with a ranger about must-see locations and wildlife.

Thankfully, there were no recent bear sightings. However, if there were, they’d likely be in Bear Hollow.

Because cell service can be spotty on the mountain, I grabbed a map.

Photos: Visitor Center | Park Map

First Recommendation: A Scenic Drive

It was suggested that I begin with the Cameron Bluff Overlook Drive, a one-way route with seven scenic pull-offs.

Along the way, you’ll see sweeping views of the Arkansas River, the Ozark Plateau, and towns below.

Photos: Views from the first parking area

Photos: Mountain Top Selfie | View from the first parking area

At the second stop, you’ll find the historic Cameron Bluff Amphitheater.

After a fire destroyed the lodge in 1971, visitation declined and the amphitheater fell into disrepair. However, it has since been restored.

Photos: The Amphitheater | View from the Amphitheater

Farther along, a short dirt road leads to a cliffside overlook.

There are no guardrails. Still, the panoramic views — and the hawks soaring overhead — are worth it.

Photos: View looking down from the cliff | Hawk sighting

The Lodge and Cabins

A visit isn’t complete without stopping at The Lodge.

From the Hearth Lobby and Terrace, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Petit Jean River Valley.

The lodge balances modern comfort with rustic charm. There’s also a cool 3-dimensional model of the area in the lobby.

In addition, the park offers 13 mountain cabins stretching along the bluff.

I could absolutely see coming back and staying here.

Photos: The Lodge | Some of the Cabins

Photos: The Entrance | The Hearth Lobby

Photos: The Terrace | View of the Petit Jean River Valley from the terrace

Photo: The 3-dimensional model of the area

What about the Summit?

There are a couple of routes to Signal Hill. I chose the Signal Hill Trail.

It’s a 1.4-mile loop with just 259 feet of elevation gain. Even with photos and conversation, it took about 40 minutes.

The day could not have been nicer. I ended up putting on shorts — and was very glad I did.

Photos: Hang Glider Launch Area | View from the Hang Glider Launch

Photos: Signal Hill Trailhead | Signal Hill Trail Bulletin Board |
Signal Hill Trail looking towards Lodge Dr.

Like many high points, the summit itself doesn’t offer sweeping views.

However, the summit does feature:

• A sign
• A Highpointers Club mailbox
• A survey marker

A nice couple asked why I was photographing the survey marker. So naturally, Chatty Cathy gave them the full Highpointers rundown.

Photos: Summit Sign | Survey Marker

Photos: Me on the Summit | Highpointers Club Mailbox

Views and More Views

With summit #25 under my belt, I headed back toward the Visitor Center and over to the North Rim Trailhead.

The ranger had recommended this one too, suggesting I hike out about a mile to Dill Point and then turn around. It ended up being a 1.7-mile round trip, which I knocked out in about 45 minutes.

The trail has modest elevation changes and crosses two creeks along the way. I was actually surprised by the lack of trail blazes. Still, it was easy enough to follow.

School Creek comes first, about 2/10 of a mile in. It was mostly dry and simple to cross. About a half mile in, you reach Dill Creek, which was even drier than the first.

Photos: School Creek | Dill Creek

Just before Dill Point, there’s a short spur trail to another overlook. Since it didn’t have a name — at least none that I saw — I decided to call it Hollywood Point. (One of my nicknames is Hollywood 😎)

Photo: View from “Hollywood” Point

Hiking out to Dill Point is absolutely worth it. And if you’re as lucky as I was, you might have the place mostly to yourself.

That’s one of the perks of fall hiking — especially when you’re willing to go a little farther.

Other benefits?
Unobstructed views without leaves.
No bugs.
And, most importantly, no cobwebs stretched across the trail.

I hate running into cobwebs.

Photo: View from Dill Point

Saving the Best for Last

For my final hike of the day, I parked at the Benefield Picnic Area, just down the road from the Petit Jean Valley Overlook — where the day had started.

From here, you can access the Benefield West Loop, Benefield East Loop, and Bear Hollow Trail. I remembered the ranger mentioning that if I were going to see a bear, it would likely be here — so yes, I brought the bear spray.

Better safe than sorry.

Photos: Benefield Picnic Area | Trailheads at the parking lot

The hike itself is relatively short — less than a mile — but absolutely worth it.

From the parking lot, you start on the main trail toward the Benefield Trails and Bear Hollow. Before long, the path splits. I headed toward the Benefield West Loop.

It splits again.

At that junction, I followed Bear Hollow Trail. A short while later, it splits yet again — and I took Bear Hollow to the right.

Photos: The start of the trails | Second Guide Sign – I took Bear Hollow Trail | First Guide Sign – I took the West Loop

Inspiration Point & Sunrise Rock

Eventually, the trail opens up to Inspiration Point.

And the name fits.

Near Inspiration Point, I ran into a group of younger hikers. However, they were soon heading back down Bear Hollow, and before long, I had the place to myself.

So I sat.

No checklist.
No rush.
Just the view stretching across the valley.

Sometimes the best part of the day isn’t the summit — it’s the stillness.

Photo: View from Inspiration Point

Photos: Looking down from Inspiration Point |
View from Inspiration Point

Photo: Getting some Inspiration from Inspiration Point

A short distance from there sits Sunrise Rock, offering another incredible perspective over the valley below.

It felt like the perfect closing scene.

Photos: Sunrise Rock | Last Guide Sign on the Loop – East Loop splits off

As you continue around the loop, you’ll reach another intersection. You can go left onto the Benefield East Loop, which eventually brings you down toward the overlook.

Or you can turn right and climb back up to the parking lot.

I chose right.

A fitting way to end the day — up, not down.

Final Comments about the Park

Mount Magazine State Park does not allow hunting, and all wildlife within park boundaries is protected.

That was especially comforting because it was deer season, and I heard my share of distant gunshots outside the park. On the drive in, I saw a couple of guys on ATVs wearing orange vests with rifles strapped to their backs. At one roadside restaurant and bar, there was even a deer in the back of a pickup truck.

It was a clear reminder that when you’re traveling through rural America in the fall, you need to know the season — and dress accordingly if you’re hiking in areas where hunting is allowed.

Inside the park, however, it felt different.

I saw hawks riding the thermals and more squirrels than I could count. Apparently, they got the memo that they were in a safe zone.

Because outside those park boundaries, squirrel season is very real.

There’s the Arkansas Big Squirrel Challenge, where hunters compete to bag the largest squirrel in multiple categories — including Adult Fox Squirrels.

And then there’s the World Championship Squirrel Cook-Off in Springdale.

Now, as a chef, that’s where things get interesting.

If you’re free in early September and feeling adventurous, you might want to attend. Some recent entries have included:

• Confit of Squirrel with Acorn Squash Ravioli and Garlic Cream Sauce
• Squirrel “Chicken and Waffles”
• Squirrel Khao Soi (Thai Coconut Soup with Squirrel)

Let that sink in for a second.

Squirrel… but elevated.

Bet you didn’t think squirrel could go gourmet.

On that slightly unexpected culinary note, my journey continues south to Louisiana.

And knowing Louisiana… I have a feeling there might be a Gator Cook-Off somewhere down there.

Stay tuned.

Catch you on the trails and summits!

Date of Visit: 12 November 2023