Due to it’s striking beauty, Devils Den was selected in the 1930’s as the location for one of Arkansas’ first state-parks.
Devils Den comprises of many historic homesites, natural bridges, waterfalls and caves to name just a few of the features awaiting you along the 20 plus miles of hiking trails. There are also over 20 additional miles of horse and mountain bike trails which are also suitable for hikers.
Devils Den Trail
- Length: 1.5 miles, 1 1/2 hrs (loop)
- Trailhead: Behind visitor center and at Highway 170 bridge
- Elevation change: 100ft
- Recommendations: sturdy shoes or hiking boots, flashlight
The parking is free and adequately provides enough spaces for many cars. The trailhead is right across the road from the visitor center and after you navigate down the wooden steps you plunge into a secluded tree lined trail. The going is easy and meandering past rock formations turns into fun climbing or clambering opportunities, whichever you prefer.
As you make your way along the trail you will come upon interesting features that include: Devil’s Den Cave, Devil’s Ice Box, Twin-Falls, Cold Springs and many other unique natural features. By far the most enjoyable aspect of the hike for me was Devil’s Den Cave. It offers an opportunity to disappear into the darkness as you squeeze between narrow crevices, climb over rocks, dodge water droplets falling from the ceiling and spot sleeping bats. The cave goes on for a long distance, but it’s safest and easiest to only go about 500ft in. It’s obvious how far this is when you’re there. Just make sure you pack a suitable flashlight with a good battery life or alternatively a wind up flashlight. At the furthest point into the cave it’s fun to turn off the flashlight as it’s only then you realise just how dark it can be!
The Devils Den hike is more of a casual stroll through beautiful scenery than a heart pounding hike, but nonetheless the scenery is well worth your time. So stroll and enjoy your surroundings.
This hike seems to be the most popular trail so expect it to be crowded on weekends. If you want to take landscape photos I recommend you visit in the week.
Exploring the sandstone caves is at your own risk. The caves are safe and have seen visitors to them for years and years, but as the ground and rocks are often wet in places you need to tread carefully. I’ve seen boys aged 7 afraid inside the caves and then I’ve seen a girl of 4 so excited and having such a good time we called her cave leader. I suppose if you suffer with claustrophobia it might not be a picnic for you either.
Information on all of the trails can be picked up from the visitor center.
If you would like more information on the Arkansas State Parks follow the link below which will take you to a great interactive guidebook online: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aristotle/arkansasstateparks08/
If you wish to order a copy of the guidebook along with others you can at the following link: http://www.arkansas.com/helpful-info/free-vacation-kit/
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