Camping & Hiking in the Ozarks at Devil’s Den State Park

Camping & Hiking in the Ozarks at Devil’s Den State Park

Devil’s Den State Park is a 2,500-acre state park located in West Fork, Arkansas in the northwest corridor. This historic treasure, located within the Ozark Mountains, offers intriguing cliffs, caves, and lush forests on the many Devil’s Den hiking trails and camping sites.

This park also connects visitors to understand the legacy of one of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal program, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and their role in constructing Devil’s Den State Park starting in 1933.

While most people overlook Arkansas as a state to visit because they think it lacks beauty, Devil’s Den State Park is an example that this assumption is far off! So let’s take a look at this beautiful Arkansas State Park!

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Where to Stay at Devil’s Den State Park

For those who live in Northwest Arkansas, Devil’s Den State Park is easy to visit for a day trip. But it is also a terrific place to go camping for a weekend getaway for locals and those out-of-state.

There are many different accommodations available at Devil’s Den State Park each with its own special charm and experience.

The cabins at Devil’s Den are fully equipped with beds, a fireplace, a kitchen with basic kitchenware, a fridge, microwave, bathroom, air conditioner, television, and more. There are also some smaller cabins available with bathhouses nearby.

If you are looking to disconnect a bit more there are campsites for RV camping and tent camping available as well. Some have bathhouses nearby and others are a bit more primitive.

OTHER PARK AMENITIES

• The Visitor Center is where you will find maps, snacks, trail guides, and see more of the conservation history.
• Laundry facilities are available year-round from 8am-10pm, daily
• The park store and boat rental marina are available to all visitors.
• There is also a pool for guests to enjoy – open May 27th – September 4th – 12pm-6pm, daily

READ MORE: A Complete Guide of Things to Do in Northwest Arkansas

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Devil’s Den State Park Reservoir

The Devil’s Den State Park Reservoir is an easy walk near the swimming pool area. While swimming is not allowed in the reservoir, you can carefully walk or climb on the rocks nearby. Be cautious as they’re incredibly slippery!

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Devil’s Den Hiking Trails

There are 64 miles of different Devil’s Den hiking trails to pick from ranging by length and difficulty. Because of this, some of the trails are more for leisurely hiking and some for more extensive hiking. At some of the trails in Devil’s Den, you can also go mountain biking or horseback riding.

On nearly all of the trails at Devil’s Den State Park, you will find flowing springs, bluff overlooks, caves to escape the heat, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls.

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Devil’s Den Trail

The Devil’s Den Self-Guided Trail is our favorite trail at Devil’s Den State Park. It perfect for those who are hoping to experience all the beauty that the park has to offer with gravity flow springs, sandstone erosion remnants, waterfalls, and beautiful greenery.

Miles: 1.5 miles
Approximate Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Day Hikes

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Old Road Trail

Old Road Trail is a stretch of 4.5 miles along the old Arkansas Highway 170. It’s a rather unique trail being that it’s the only one that is contained entirely in the park. There are also a number of old car parts from the earliest days of the automobile industry in Arkansas located at the head of the trail.

Miles: 5 miles
Approximate Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Day Hike, Horseback Riding

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Gorley King Trail

This trail is named after Gorley King who lived in nearby Elkins, Arkansas. Gorley, along with his friend Clifford Earl, helped cut and maintain many of the trails in the area. The Gorley King Trail was the last trail to be worked on and enjoyed before his passing, thus it was named to honor his memory. The trail begins near the horse camp and goes down Lee Creek Valley near the Butterfield Hiking Trail and Vista Point Trail.

Miles: 7 miles
Approximate Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Day Hike, Horseback Riding

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Fossil Flats Trail

The Fossil Flats Trail is an area of flat exposed rock in the creek bed where you can spot many fossils! There is also evidence of the CCC and settlers, creek views, and rock formations.

Miles: 3-5 miles (you can choose the length)
Approximate Time: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Day Hike, Mountain Biking

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Vista Point Trail

The Vista Point Trail crosses Lee Creek and meanders to the top of Holt Ridge. On this Devil’s Den hike there are two overlooks that are not to be missed! The first is Vista Point, which looks out over Blackburn Valley. The second is Holt Ridge Overlook which looks out over Lee Creek Valley.

Miles: 8 miles
Approximate Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail Type: Day Hikes, Horseback Riding

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Lake Trail

Lake Trail is a easy, shaded hike that lies along Lee Creek. It is close to the CCC dam that creates Lake Devil.

Miles: 1/2 mile (one-way)
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Day Hikes, Mountain Biking

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Butterfield Hiking Trail

The Butterfield Hiking Trail is a looped backpacking trail named after the Butterfield Stagecoach that used to run in the area from the years 1858-1861. Make sure you seek out the scenic views of Vista Point and Blackburn Creek while on the trail. A free permit is required.

Miles: 15 miles
Approximate Time: 12 hours (overnight hike)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail Type: Backpacking, Day Hike, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking

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CCC Interpretive Trail

The CCC Interpretive Trail is a self-guided trail that goes through the main Civilian Conservation Corp camp. It was used when the park is constructed. Before you head to this small trail stop by the visitor center and grab a brochure that helps visitors discover what life was like at the camp.

Miles: 1/4 mile
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Day Hike

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Yellow Rock Trail

While at Devil’s Den, make the trek on the Yellow Rock Trail. This trail has a the 300 feet of elevation gain and offers one of the best views in the park overlooking the Lee Creek Valley!

Miles: 3 miles
Approximate Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Day Hike

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Woody Plant Trail

If you are interested in learning more about the diverse plant life in Arkansas, consider taking the short hike on Woody Plant Trail. This trail is located close to the campgrounds and each of the plants is marked so you can easily identify them with the guide provided by the visitor center.

Miles: 1/4 miles
Approximate Time: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Day Hike, Mountain Biking

Address: 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74 West Fork, AR 72774
Park Hours: January-December, 8am-5pm, daily / Exception: May-September, Friday & Saturday: 8am-8pm

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What is your favorite State Park?

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