Trail Overview
Petite Jean is a scenic, easy-going 10.9-mile gravel route through the Ouachita National Forest, perfect for beginners, overland enthusiasts, and those looking to find remote dispersed camping. Running west toward Waldron, Arkansas, this trail takes drivers past the stunning Petite Jean Mountain and climbs over Kingdoodle Knob, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,175 feet. While graded and manageable for most high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, the primary gravel surface can become highly rutted, slick, and muddy during and after heavy rains. Thick fog frequently rolls through the higher elevations, reducing visibility to near zero and adding a layer of challenge to an otherwise straightforward drive.
The route features a total elevation gain of 1,722 feet and a loss of 918 feet, offering rolling climbs and descents that showcase the dense forest canopy. Dispersed camping opportunities are scattered along the route, including a popular roadside campsite located on the left just after crossing over Kingdoodle Knob when traveling west. The trail accommodates a variety of vehicle types, from stock four-wheel-drive SUVs to SxSs and dirt bikes, though wet conditions may require extra caution and lower tire pressures. Traveling west, the trail eventually terminates at a fork where a left turn leads out of the forest and onto Highway 248, bringing travelers directly into Waldron.
