Devil’s Den State Park has long been a gem in Northwest Arkansas. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed much of the park in the 1930s, building stone cabins, the stone dam through Lee’s Creek, campgrounds, trails and other facilities. Since then the park has been a favorite getaway for Arkansans and visitors to the state.

Yellow Rock Trail is a nearly three mile loop trail with one of the best views in the area. You can enter the park by Highway 170 or AR 74. If you enter by 170, descend to the bottom of the valley and park at the gravel parking lot just before the bridge over Lee’s Creek. The Yellow Trail trailhead is directly across from this parking lot. If this lot is full, drive across the bridge to the parking lot and walk back. 

Once you enter the trailhead, you’ll immediately start ascending past natural sandstone crevices with some fun bluffs and even a shallow cave, which are great for a little exploring. The trail here is narrow and traffic comes from both directions. When the trail branches, you can choose either direction. Turning right you’ll pass a few smaller overlooks and some large white rocks and a creek. The rocks are a great place to sit and take a break. The scenic overlook opens onto a large, flat bluff with a panoramic view of Lee Creek Valley. Use caution in this area as the dropoff from the bluff is dangerous. Hikers have fallen from this point. 

After the overlook, the trail flattens out as it crosses the hill. When you come to a fork, you can either cross the wooden bridge to the CCC Scenic Overlook Pavilion or choose to descend the loop towards the trailhead. The pavilion is a small stone structure with another view of the valley and has a plaque with some history of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Return down the spur trail to the loop, where you’ll quickly head down the trail through cedars and oaks. The trail can be quite muddy here. You’ll soon reach the junction where the loop turns into the narrow trail back to the sandstone crevices and bluffs. Expect to pass many hikers here and have to edge off the trail. 

Yellow Rock Trail and Scenic Overlook is a moderate trail with some fun features for exploring, great places to rest, and a must if you’re visiting Devil’s Den State Park. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Arrive early if you want to miss the crowd, but expect them to catch up to you. The park has other great trails, a visitor’s center, dam, and a seasonal store and cafe.


Best Spot for a Rest - There are several smaller overlooks along the trail as well as a cluster of large, flat boulders perfect for sitting on halfway up the loop. The lookout has a large area for viewing as well.  

Best Spot For Pictures - The Yellow Rock Trail Overlook is one of the most iconic spots in Arkansas for photographs. If you choose to hike to the CCC Pavilion, you’ll catch another great view. 

Bike requirements - Yellow Rock trail is primarily used by hikers. 

Clothing Requirements - Sturdy shoes, coat or jacket for the overlook if it’s a cooler day.  

Drive Distance from Central Arkansas/NWA/NEA - 30 miles south of Fayetteville by I-49 and AR 170 and 46 miles from Fort Smith via I-49 and AR 74. 

Elevation Change Over the Trail - 300 feet but parts of the trail feel quite steep. 

Family Friendly - Yes. Children will enjoy the large rocks, shallow bluff cave near the trailhead and the overlooks, but be advised that the trail drops off in places and the overlooks can be dangerous. 

Flora and Fauna Expectations - Squirrels, birds, deer, pine, hardwood, ferns and occasional wildflowers. 

Footwear Requirements - Sturdy shoes or hiking boots that will do well over rocky terrain and occasional mud and water crossings. 

Nearby Food/Drink Options - Devil’s Den State Park runs a seasonal cafe you can check out if you visit during late spring into summer. The nearest gas stations are in West Fork 15 miles from the park. Food options are slim nearby. There are a few local options in West Fork and several fast food stops at the junction of I-49 and Hwy 265. Otherwise, head into Fayetteville for an array of restaurants. 

Peak Times - Yellow Rock Trail is one of the most trafficked in Arkansas. Expect crowded trails on the weekends year-round and during spring/fall breaks and throughout the summer. This isn’t a trail where you can enjoy a solo hike through the woods but the view from the overlook is worth it.  

Trail Conditions - Rocky path with dirt that turns to mud if it’s been raining. Occasional larger rocks at water crossings. Wear waterproof shoes if you hike after it rains.  

Tree Cover - Substantial. The trail is mostly shaded except for the overlooks.

Water Crossings - You’ll cross a creek several times. There are two wooden bridges, but other crossings are stone steps.  

What food to bring/drink - Water, snack or lunch if desired. Note no glass bottles or alcohol are allowed in the state park. 

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