Devils Den State Park Trails
Devil's Den State Park Hiking, Mtn Biking & Equestrian Trails

Butterfield Hiking Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking, Backpacking
  • Length: 15 miles Loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
  • Time: 9 hours - Overnight
  • Requirements: Permit Required; Available at Park Office for Free
    Description
  • Between 1858-1861, the Butterfield Stagecoach ran through the area, which is where this trail get its name. It is one of the few looped backpacking trails in the state. Starting in Devil's Den State Park, this trail loops into the adjoining Ozark National Forest, leading hikers deep into the rugged ozarks hills and hollows. There are two primitive camping areas along the trail for backpackers who want an overnight stay. This well maintained trail is a moderate hike, with a few rugged climbs/decends as it passes bluffs and boulders in one of the largest crevice areas in the country. Hikers are required to obtain a free backcountry permit, available at the park office, before venturing onto this trail.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: Two Primitive Areas Available Along Trail
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Near Pavilion
  • Trail Markings: Blue Blazes
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

CCC Interpretive Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: ¼ mile Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: ½ hour
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Winding through the Civilian Conservation Corps camp, this trail teaches about the CCC program, giving one a better understanding of the park. Several exhibits along the trail explain about the camp.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Cross Country Mountain Bike Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Mountain Biking
  • Length: 3 - 15 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 1 hour - All Day
  • Requirements: Permit Required; Available at Park Office for Free
    Description
  • With scenic views, creek crossings, dirt roads, single track, long downhills, and tough uphills, this trail has something to appeal to every rider. Located just outside the park in the Ozark National Forest, this trail is divided into three loops. Riders must obtain a free permit available at the visitors center to ride.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Devil's Den Self-Guided Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 1½ miles Loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 1 - 2 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • The Devil's Den trailhead is located on Hwy 74, just south of the bridge that spans Lee Creek. There is also a short spur trail leading from the visitor center that connects to the Devil's Den Trail. From the main trailhead, after climbing the stairs, take the loop to the RIGHT. You will soon pass the connecting trail from the visitor center on your right, then a short connecting trail of your left. The trail then climbs the hill, curves right then back left, and soon approaches Devil's Den Cave. From here, the trail levels out some, passing by some small bluffs and interesting rock formations, then passes by the Devil's Icebox crevice. Past the icebox, the trail swings slightly to the left, then comes to the Twin Falls at around the 1 mile point. The trail will lead you behind the right falls, then crosses a bridge that spans the left falls. From here, the trail drops to the bottom of the hill, then follows Lee Creek back to the trailhead. Bring a flashlight and use caution if you explore the caves!
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Behind Visitor Center; Hwy 170 bridge at Lee Creek
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Fossil Flats Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Mountain Biking
  • Length: 3 - 5 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
  • Time: 1 - 3 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Fossil Flats Trail is divided into three different loops. Each loop has two creek crossings. Racer's Hill contains technical single track and should only be attempted by experienced riders.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Gorley King Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking, Mtn Biking, Equestrian
  • Length: 7 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 3 - 7 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Gorley King Trail is one of the three horse trails located at Devil's Den State Park. The trail coincides with Vista Point Trail, climbing to the top of Holt Ridge and Holt Ridge Lookout. The rugged and scenic beauty make this trail a great experience for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike. The trail has four creek crossings, so it should be avoided during high water.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Devil's Den Horse Camp; near bathroom
  • Trail Markings: Red blazes on diamond-shaped plate w/horseshoe
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Lake Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: ½ mile One-Way
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: ½ hour
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • This half-mile trail provides views of the lake and Lee Creek. It is a great trail to bird-watch and observe other wildlife.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Lee Creek Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 1¼ miles Loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 1 - 1½ hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • This trail takes hikers up the Lee Creek valley, then loops back to the trailhead via the creekbed. A seam of coal and an adundance of fossils are found along the trail. Avoid the creekbed during high water.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Old Road Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking, Mtn Biking, Equestrian
  • Length: 5 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 2 - 5 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • The Old Road Trail is the easiest of the park's three horse trails. Much of the trail follows the original route of Hwy 170. Use caution at the two intersections with Hwy 170. The route is marked with yellow signs.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Across State Rd 220 from the horse camp
  • Trail Markings: Yellow blazes on diamond-shaped plate w/horseshoe
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Vista Point Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking, Mtn Biking, Equestrian
  • Length: 8 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
  • Time: 5 - 8 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Beginning at the horse camp, this trail crosses Lee Creek, then climbs to the top of Holt Ridge. The highlights of this trail are its two overlooks. Vista Point looks out over Blackburn Valley, and the Holt Ridge Overlook offers views of Lee Creek Valley and the park down below. The trail is marked with green signs.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Devil's Den Horse Camp; near bathroom
  • Trail Markings: Green blazes on diamond-shaped plate w/horseshoe
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Woody Plant Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: ¼ mile One-Way
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: ½ hour
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Beginning in Camping Area E, this trail travels through the woods near the campgrounds. The short, self-guided trail teaches visitors about the diversity of plant life found in the Ozarks. Many plants along the trail have been numbered to correspond with an identification sheet, available at the visitors center.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Camping Area E; near either bathhouse
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season:

Yellow Rock Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 3 miles Loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 2 - 3 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • The feature to this trail is the view from Yellow Rock Bluff. This trail is perfect in the fall for viewing the changing colors, but is also great in the spring to view its many colors as well. Yellow Rock Trail is a part of the National Trails System.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season: Fall, Spring