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Devil’s Den State Park. Your Ultimate Guide to Arkansas Adventure
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If you venture into the NW corner of Arkansas, the best state park to explore is Devil’s Den State Park. This park lands in my top 5 Arkansas State Parks of the 52 and here’s why you shouldn’t miss it…
Let’s dive into all things Devil’s Den- (history, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping) before you plan your next trip.
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Table of Contents
At 2,500 acres, Devil’s Den State Park is the 5th largest Arkansas State Park, giving you plenty to explore.
Devil’s Den State Park Info:
Devil’s Den State Park
11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74
West Fork, AR 72774
Phone: 479-761-3325
Admission: FREE
History of Devil’s Den State Park
The park’s name, Devil’s Den, is believed to have originated from the unique rock formations found in the area. These rock formations (sandstone and limestone) create caves, crevices, and cliffs that resemble a den. The 60 crevice caves were reportedly used as hideouts by outlaws.
The creation of Devil’s Den State Park dates back to the 1930s. Lee Creek Valley was selected to be a state park in 1933. The park was established in 1933 as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program during the Great Depression.
The CCC
As part of the New Deal Program (to help lift the United States out of the Great Depression) Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. The CCC allowed single men between the ages of 18 and 25 to enlist in work programs to improve America’s public lands, forests, and parks.
At Devil’s Den State Park, the CCC constructed various facilities and amenities, including cabins, trails, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. Many of these structures were built using native materials, such as stone and timber, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Devil’s Den State Park now stands as one of the most intact CCC sites in the U.S.
“I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list.”
Susan Sontag
Devil’s Den Activities
Devil’s Den State Park offers 64 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, camping, picnic areas, playgrounds, a cafe (open seasonally), a gift shop, and a swimming pool (open summers only).
The Pool is open seasonally (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend). Cabin guests receive free admission.
Interpretive programs are offered year-round. Depending on the season, these can include guided hikes, history and nature talks, recreation games, and programs.
Devil’s Den State Park offers ample activities such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and mountain biking. The park’s trails lead to the surrounding Ozark National Forest. The trails cater to different skill levels, allowing hikers to explore the diverse landscapes and encounter wildlife along the way.
Hiking Trails at Devil’s Den
Hiking Trails
Parking and use of all hiking trails is FREE.
Butterfield Hiking Trail
- Trail Type: Backpacking, Day Hikes, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 15 miles
- Time: 12 hours-overnight hiking time
The Butterfield Trail is one of the few looped backpacking trails in Arkansas. Beginning in Devil’s Den State Park near the park’s pavilion the trail travels through scenic views, such as Blackburn Creek and Vista Point.
BUTTERFIELD HIKING TRAIL FULL MAP SIDE 1
BUTTERFIELD HIKING TRAIL FULL MAP SIDE 2
CCC Interpretive Trail
- Trail Type: Day Hikes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1/4 mile
- Time: 1/2 hour hiking time
This self-guided trail winds through the main CCC camp that was used in the construction of the park. A brochure at the Devil’s Den State Park Visitor Center will help to interpret the remnants of the camp and give a glimpse into what life was like in the CCC camp. A free permit from the park office is required before hiking this trail.
Devil’s Den Self-Guided Trail (National Recreational Trail)
- Trail Type: Day Hikes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 1 1/2 miles
- Time: 2 – 3 hours hiking time
The Devil’s Den Trail has gravity flow springs, wet weather waterfalls, and lush Ozark plant and animal life.
Fossil Flats
- Trail Type: Day Hikes, Mountain Biking
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3 – 5 miles
- Time: 1/2 to 2 hours hiking time
Many fossils are visible in the exposed rock creek bed that gives this trail its name. This trail gives riders and hikers a choice of a 2.4-mile, 4.2-mile, or 6-mile journey with the difficulty increasing with each mile added.
“The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.”
Werner Herzog
Gorley King
- Trail Type: Day Hikes, Horseback Riding
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 7 miles
- Time: 3 hours hiking time
This trail follows Holt Ridge as it winds its way around both sides of Lee Creek. Along the trail you will see limestone and cedar glades, three natural bridges, and a view of the CCC Dam and Lake Devil.
Hiking Backpack
My backpack: Lowe Alpine AirZone Active Backpack for Day Hiking
Lake Trail
- Trail Type: Day Hikes, Mountain Biking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1/2 mile (one way)
- Time: 1/2 hour hiking time
Lake Trail follows Lee Creek and makes its way to the CCC dam that creates Lake Devil.
Lee Creek Trail
- Trail Type: Day Hikes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles
- Time: 1 hour hiking time
This loop trail takes hikers up the Lee Creek Valley and returns to the trailhead via the creek bed. The creek bed should be avoided when water is high.
Old Road Trail
- Trail Type: Day Hikes, Horseback Riding
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5 miles
- Time: 2 hours hiking time
This trail follows Old Hwy. 170 as it makes its way around the park. The Yellow Rock Trail intersects this trail and gives riders a chance to hitch their horse and see the incredible Yellow Rock view.
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.”
Mary Davis
Hiking Boots
My hiking boots: Columbia Women’s Facet 75 Mid Outdry Hiking Shoe
Vista Point Trail
- Trail Type: Day Hikes, Horseback Riding
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 8 miles
- Time: 4 hours hiking time
Vista Point Trail crosses Lee Creek and climbs to the top of Holt Ridge. The highlight of this trail is two overlooks.
Woody Plant Trail
- Trail Type: Day Hikes, Mountain Biking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1/4 mile
- Time: 1/2 – 3/4 hour hiking time
This short, self-guided trail helps visitors learn more about the diversified plant life found in this part of the Ozarks. Plants along the trail have been numbered to correspond with the identification sheet that is available at the visitor center.
Yellow Rock Trail
- Trail Type: Day Hikes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3 miles
- Time: 2 hours hiking time
On this National Recreation Trail, you will hike 300 feet in elevation to The Yellow Rock Overlook- one of the best views in the park.
Yellow Rock Overlook Short Video
Yellow Rock Overlook Short Video 2
The Yellow Rock Trail makes it to my Best Hikes in Arkansas list.
The Best Hikes in Arkansas
The top 5 picks and what you can expect.
Mountain Biking at Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den State Park is considered the home of Arkansas mountain biking. In the late 1980s, Fossil Flats was the first designated mountain bike trail in the state park system. Along with the trail came the first mountain bike festival in 1989. The Ozark Mountain Bike Festival, a free, three-day mountain biking event that has taken place annually, is still going strong.
The trail was recently upgraded to Monument Trail and has since added more trails.
Mountain Biking Trails
Parking and use of all Devil’s Den State Park mountain biking trails is FREE.
Horseback Riding at Devil’s Den
For horseback riding at Devil’s Den, bring your horse and use the horse camp located near riding trails that wind through the Ozark National Forest. Horse rental/rides are not available at Devil’s Den State Park.
Horseback Riding Trails
FULL HORSEBACK RIDING TRAIL MAP HERE
Fishing at Devil’s Den State Park
A rock dam spans Lee Creek forming Lake Devil, an 8-acre lake for fishing and boating with canoes and pedal boats for rent. The area has a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and bream.
FISHING TIPS
- Use live bait
- Fish near submerged logs and structures
- Fish in the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild (with temps ranging from 50°F to 70°F)
Camping at Devil’s Den
Camping options at Devil’s Den State Park range from traditional tent sites to fully-equipped cabins.
Devil’s Den includes 17 cabins (with kitchens and fireplaces), 6 camper cabins, and 135 campsites. Campsites: 44 Class AAA, 24 Class D, 8 hike-ins, and 42 sites with hookups in the horse camp that include a bathhouse and access to the horse trails.
Devil’s Den Caves
One of the unique features of Devil’s Den State Park are the caves. Devil’s Den Cave, a natural limestone cavern, is the longest cave in the park at 550 feet long. This cave previously could be self-explored, or visitors could participate in a strenuous guided cave exploration hike. However, the caves are currently closed to protect the wildlife inside.
The caves make inviting hibernacula (a shelter that an animal uses during unfavorable seasons) for at least five of the sixteen species of bats known to live in Arkansas, including the tri-color bat, the big brown bat, the Northern long-eared bat, and two endangered species: the Ozark big-eared bat, and the Indiana bat.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BATS IN ARKANSAS
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a beautiful and affordable place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Devil’s Den State Park is the perfect destination for you. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. From a weekend getaway to a week-long vacation, Devil’s Den State Park is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature.
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This sounds like a great place to spend days outdoors. Not much of a hiker, but love the horse riding! I don’t own a horse to bring along though 🙂 Can we rent some there?
Excellent question! I have never needed to rent, but I will look into that and get back to you!
This sounds like such a cool place to visit! I love that you can see fossils from the trails and the loop backpack trail sounds awesome!
Would love to see more pictures, but it sounds amazing! I will be adding this to my travel list. Thanks for sharing!
Excellent tip! Your wish is my command. Pics added (and a few video links!)