Turtle Rocks at Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas. February 24, 2010.
When Betsy and I visited Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas last week, we hiked a couple of trails which were new for us. One of the trails was Rock House Trail, which is fairly short, but did lead us through the “Turtle Rocks” shown above.
“Turtle rocks” are mounded structures resembling a turtle shell which have been carved in thick sandstones. Turtle Rocks are found only in Hartshorne Sandstone, which is found at several locations in the Arkansas River Valley.
It’s not known how the “turtle rocks” were created, but they are certainly are interesting.
Can you see the turtles through the trees?
As we followed another trail we spotted on “turtle” on another, as shown in the picture above.
The “Turtle Rocks” of Petit Jean certainly added to our day at the park.
Senior Moments 
March 4, 2010 at 5:35 am |
I had to enlarge the first photo..they do look like turtles! I have never heard of this before, mother nature is surely something isn’t she?
March 4, 2010 at 8:41 am |
I’ve never heard of that before George. I could see the turtles in the trees. How neat!
March 4, 2010 at 9:30 am |
What wondrous stone formation! It is a curiosity as to how they are formed. I learned something new here again! Thanks so much for sharing those! Will have to do some googling and find out more about them. Hope y’all have a lovely day!!
March 4, 2010 at 9:52 am |
Those are some really neat rocks…I had never heard of them.
March 4, 2010 at 12:39 pm |
Wonderful rock formations!
March 4, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
Very neat, George. Isn’t it amazing how certain formations show up in one special place and one can find different ones all over our country. Special. thanks for sharing these ‘turtles’.
March 4, 2010 at 1:08 pm |
This is most certainly unique.One could almost believe that they were real turtles.
Blessings,Ruth
March 4, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
Wow! These turtle rocks are amazing. Its absolutely wonderful to see what nature has “set out” for us to enjoy and thanks to you for sharing your finds with us.
March 4, 2010 at 2:19 pm |
My word! I’ve never seen anything like that! I’m assuming that these are man made, but just not known by whom or when?
March 4, 2010 at 2:33 pm |
George, I believe those are Loggerhead sea turtles. 🙂
March 4, 2010 at 2:53 pm |
I can see why they are called turtle rocks. Really cool!!
March 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm |
I’ve never heard of this George. I LOVE that last shot! It sure does look like a turtle perched above that rock. So cool!
March 4, 2010 at 10:19 pm |
How interesting…it makes me wonder just how they were formed!!!
March 4, 2010 at 10:55 pm |
That is very interesting! I’ve never seen or heard of turtle rocks. They really look like their name!
March 5, 2010 at 11:49 pm |
I like the turtle rock pictures.
March 6, 2010 at 11:53 am |
Wow … what a fascinating place! Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos 😉
Hugs and blessings,