Devil's Den State Park
4.8(1.8K)google
4.5(51)yelp
Nature
Overview
Devil's Den State Park is a 2,200-acre (890 ha) Arkansas state park in Washington County, near West Fork, Arkansas in the United States. Park amenities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, beginning in 1933. Devil's Den State Park is in the Lee Creek Valley in the Boston Mountains, which are the southwestern part of The Ozarks.
Practical Info
Mon8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration0.5-2 days
Best TimeLate spring for rushing waterfalls or mid-October for an elite Ozark autumn foliage experience. Hiking the famous Devil's Den Trail between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM is spectacular; early morning sunlight slices down into the steep sandstone crevices and ancient rock slits, casting cinematic rays over the historic 1930s CCC-built stone dams.
Getting ThereNestled deep in a rugged mountain valley at 11333 West AR-74 south of West Fork. Drive off highway I-49 taking Exit 45 at Winslow. Turn west onto state highway AR-74 W and navigate the extremely steep, narrow mountain curves down into the box canyon for 7 miles to find the park headquarters, offering ample paved free trailhead lots. (Vehicles over 26 feet strictly prohibited).
Travel Tips
- To arrest the spread of the fatal White-Nose Syndrome bat fungus, state wildlife decrees enforce an absolute, non-negotiable closure of all wild cave fissures, including Devil's Den Cave and the Ice Box Cave. Trespassing past steel bat-gates triggers criminal felony arrest.
- The landmark Devil's Den Trail loops weave past deep, unfenced vertical sandstone fissures. Structural micro-humidity creates layers of invisible, highly slick black lichen over the rock steps; standard fashion sneakers are banned, and hiking after dusk is fully illegal.
- Highway 170 and Highway 220 leading down into the park basin feature sustained 15-degree pitches and blind hairpin curves without shoulders. Extended travel trailers and motorhomes over 26 feet face massive risks of bottoming out and completely wedging mountain traffic.
Reviews
Positive
- One of the most iconic natural spectacles in the Ozarks, featuring massive sandstone cavern crevices, dramatic waterfalls, and unique rock bridges that offer a visual feast.
- The famous Devil's Den and Yellow Rock trails are flawlessly marked; the cliffside overlooks at the top offer panoramic valley views, delivering a perfect hiking experience.
- The stone cabins and beautiful dam built by the CCC in the 1930s are beautifully preserved, alongside cozy rustic cabins and highly manicured camping grounds.
- Entirely free to enter with impeccable maintenance; restrooms and trash bins are high-frequency and clean, offering flawless value for a top-tier outdoor escape.
Heads up
- Due to its massive popularity, autumn weekend crowds are overwhelming; main lots fill at dawn, and landmarks are swarming with tourists, stripping away the serenity.
- Due to endangered bat conservation and safety hazards, the famous underground Devil's Den Cave is closed long-term, disappointing cave-exploration fans.
- Some precipitous cliff trails lack guardrails, featuring rugged rocks and steep drop-offs that get highly slick after rain, requiring extreme caution with kids or seniors.
- Cell reception inside the deep valley is near 100% non-existent; without downloading offline maps at the visitor center first, it is extremely easy to lose direction.