Day Hikes In The Ozark Mountains
For the hiker desiring day hikes rather than a long distance backpacking, the following trails provide a variety of experiences. Distances range from 1 to 14 miles. For current information on trails you can check here
Alum Cove:
This trail leads down to one of the larges natural bridges in the part of the country. It is in a beautiful little valley enclosed by a rugged bluff line. The natural bridge is carved from solid rock by a small creek and spans over 130 feet. The trail goes across the natural bridge and then loops back underneath. It then loops through the valley, across a small creek to a long bluff line, and back through the valley to the natural bridge. There are large cave-like rooms to explore, and smaller natural bridges which are weathered out of this sandstone bluff. The valley contains a large variety of wildflowers and trees including Dogwood, Rosebud, Umbrella Magnolia, and Beech. From the natural bridge, you retrace your steps to the trailhead. This section is steep, so take your time climbing out.
Length: 1.1 miles - Difficulty: Moderate
Location: 15 miles south of Jasper on State 7, then west 1 mile on State 16, then northwest on State 327 for 1 mile.
Butterfield Cooperative Hiking Trail:
The Butterfield Hiking Trail gets its name from the Butterfield Stagecoach which ran in the area between 1858-1861. The Butterfield Trail is one of the few looped backpacking trails in the state. Beginning in Devil's Den State Park at Camp Area A, the trail crosses State 74 and passes near Mount Olive. Scenic views, such as Blackburn Creek and Vista Point, are plentiful. Rock formations and mountainous outcroppings provide photographers with dramatic subject. Backpackers must obtain a free permit at the park office before beginning their hike. Camping is restricted to designated campsites spaced along the trail.
Length: 14 1/2 miles Time: 12 hours to overnight Difficulty: Moderate
Location: 8 miles south of Fayetteville on U.S. 71, then 18 miles southwest on State 170, or 13 miles west from U.S. 71 at Winslow on State 74
The Devil's Den Self-Guided Trail:
This is one of the most popular trails within the park and features two fracture caves; the Devil's Den and the Devil's Icebox. Gravity flow springs, peculiar erosional remnants of sandstone strata, wet weather waterfalls, and lush Ozark plant and animal life are just a few of the sights you can expect as you wind through the rugged Boston Mountain terrain. A flashlight is necessary to explore the caves. Extreme caution should be used while walking in the cave area due to open crevasses!
Length: 1 1/2 miles Time: 2 to 3 hrs Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Trailheads are located behind the visitor center and by the Highway 170 bridge at Lee Creek.
Woody Plant Trail:
This short, self-guided trail begins near either bathhouse in Camping Area E and meanders through the woods surrounding the campgrounds. To help visitors learn more about the diversified plant life found in this part of the Ozarks, plants along the trail have been numbed to correspond with an identification sheet which is available at the visitor center.
Length: 1/4 mile Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Easy
Location: Devil's Den State Park
Pleasant Hill:
The Horsehead Lake Trail is constructed in a loop to return the hiker to the point of beginning. Scenic views of the Ozark mountains and Horshead Lake plus large hardwoods offer spectacular fall foliage.
Length: 3 miles Time: 2 1/2 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Location: 8 miles northwest of Clarksville on State 103, then west on State 164 for 4 miles, then right on gravel forest Road 1408 for 3 miles
Cove Lake:
This flat and easy trail loops around Cove Lake. Two short trails spur off the loop with one going 0.8 miles from the site of the Old Corley Civilian Conservation Corps camp. The other makes a 1.0 Mile loop to a high vista overlooking Cove Lake.
Length: 3 1/2 miles Time: 2 1/2 hours Difficulty: Easy
Location: 1 mile south of Paris on State 109, then 9 miles southeast on State 309.
Pedestal Rock Loop Trail:
This spectacular trail derives its name from the large number of weathered limestone columns that resemble huge pedestals which are interspersed along the bluff line. Caves and shelters are also formed as a result of the massive weathering. These are located along the base of the bluff line. From the top of the bluff, visitors can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view down into the valley of the Illinois Bayou's North Fork. This is truly a scenic area, offering a glimpse of the ancient geology of the Ozarks.
Length: 2 1/2 miles Time: 2 to 3 hours Difficulty: Easy
Location: Approximately 6 miles east of Pelsor on State 16; both the Pedestal Rocks Loop and the King's Bluff Loop trails are accessed from the Pedestal Rocks Trailhead.
King's Bluff Loop Trail:
This trail travels through a forest of large hardwoods and visits the awe-inspiring King's Bluff. This is a beautiful area; the bluff and the views into the surrounding valley are simply fantastic. The creek which helped expose this majestic sandstone bluff spills over the edge, forming one of the highest waterfalls in this part of the Ozarks.
Length: 2 miles Time: 1 1/2 hours Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Location: Approximately 6 miles east of Pelsor on State 16; both the Pedestal Rocks Loop and the King's Bluff Loop trails are accessed from the Pedestal Rocks Trailhead.
White Rock Rim:
This trail travels around the rim of the White Rock Mountain bluff line offering some of the most scenic views in the state. This area was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. There are three rustic cabins and a bunkhouse-type lodge available for rent. There are also two small rooms in the bottom of the lodge which are available for hikers. There are also a number of beautiful stone shelters along the trail which offer outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. Extreme caution is required! Children using this trail should have constant adult supervision because the bluffs are extremely high. The White Rock to Shores Lake trail descends White Rock Mountain following White Rock Creek. The trail termini are located at White Rock Mountain and Shores Lake Recreation Areas, for a total length of six miles.
Length: 2 miles Time: 1 1/2 hours Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Location: North of I-40 on State 215 at Mulberry for 14 miles to Shores Lake campground. Continue past campground on gravel road, go left at intersection with Forest Road 1003, go right at intersection with Forest Road 1505, then continue to next right which is the entrance into the mountaintop recreation area. Trailhead is at end of road near cabins.
Lake Wedington:
This trail through the heart of the Ozarks leads past Twin Knobs, a unique rock formation, and terminates on the banks of the Illinois River. Camping is permitted along the trail. To return, it is necessary to retrace the same route. This trail is often used for overnight hiking trips.
Length: 7 3/4 miles one way Time: 12 hours to overnight Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
Location: 13 miles west of Fayetteville on State 16
North Sylamore Creek:
The North Sylamore Trail is named for the scenic North Slymore Creek which flows alongside the trail. The trail is marked with white diamond-shaped blazes on the trees along the main route, and signs indicate trailheads. Waterfalls at Slick Rock Hollow, fern beds moistened by Ozark Springs, and numerous scenic bluffs are a few features of the trail. The trail follows the north fork of the Sylamore Creek, providing one of the most scenic trails in the region. Camping is open, but there are developed camping areas such as Gunner Pool Campground and Blanchard Springs Recreational located along the trail. The creek provides excellent opportunities for swimming, especially in hot weather when the spring-fed creek water remains cold.
Length: 14 miles one way Time: 12 hours to overnight Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Western terminus: Barkshed Campground. Turn north from State 14 to Forest Road 1112. Eastern terminus: Turn right off State 14, approximately 1/2 mile after turning west at the intersection of State 14 and 5 at the community of Allison. Low traveled gravel road turns right of 14 in outside of first curve, as road starts up hill. Follow signs to trailhead for 1/2 mile on gravel road. Trailhead sign stands in the middle of an old pasture. The trail begins to the left and behind the sign, down by the creek bank.
Bull Shoals Lake:
The trail traverses the wooded hills below Bull Shoals Dam. Overlooking the White River, the trail offers examples of plant succession and wildlife native to the area. A portion of the trail ls located near a bluff, so be careful to stay on the trail at all times.
Length: 1 3/4 miles Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy
Location: 6 miles north of Mountain Home on State 5 North, the 7 miles west on State 178
Lake Charles:
This linear trail follows the lakeshore through the park, offering access to most camping areas. It is also an excellent trail for anglers wishing to try their luck in Lake Charles. This leisurely walk wanders under a canopy of hardwoods, and wildflowers are abundant in the spring and fall.
Length: 1 1/2 miles Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy
Location: 8 Miles northwest of Hoxie on U.S. 63, then 6 miles south on State 25.
Lake Fork Smith:
Lake Fort Smith is the western end of the Ozark Highland Trail which stretches about 200 miles through the Ozark National Forest and along a portion of the Buffalo National River. After approximately 2 1/2 miles of sharing the same route, by a bench above Lake Fort Smith, the Evans Point Loop branches to the left and circles the lake to return to the park. This trail was named for early settlers of the area. It offers excellent views, outstanding fall colors, old home sites, and wildlife such as wild turkey and deer.
Length: 5 miles Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Location: 1/2 mile east off U.S. Hwy 71 at Mountainburg - watch for highway sign on U.S. 71 for turnoff to park entrance.
Mammoth Spring:
This loop trail is accessible from most of the park's facilities. The park's feature attraction is Mammoth Spring, the largest spring in Arkansas. Other attractions include a train depot museum, a walkway across the dam and an out-of-service hydroelectric station.
Length: 2/3 mile Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy
Location: East off U.S. 63 at the intersection of State 9 within the city limits of Mammoth Spring
Old Davidson State Park:
The Cemetery Trail is a small gate in time and focuses on memories of times past. Headstones bearing unusual inscriptions recall Arkansas's early settlers. Other features include a profusion ow wildflowers, flowering dogwoods and large, majestic oaks.
Length: 3/4 mile Time: 3/4 hour Difficulty: Easy
Location: 2 miles west of Pocahontas on U.S. 62, then 9 miles south on State 166
War Eagle Trail:
The War Eagle Trail is named for the scenic river which runs along its length. A small cave with rock formations is located about halfway down the trail. Past the cave and through the beautiful Ozark hardwood forest, a scenic overlook is located atop a 150 foot high buff. A great view of the river and mountain countryside makes this trail very popular.
Length: 2 miles Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy
Location: Withrow Springs State Park 5 miles north of Huntsville on State 23
Alum Cove:
This trail leads down to one of the larges natural bridges in the part of the country. It is in a beautiful little valley enclosed by a rugged bluff line. The natural bridge is carved from solid rock by a small creek and spans over 130 feet. The trail goes across the natural bridge and then loops back underneath. It then loops through the valley, across a small creek to a long bluff line, and back through the valley to the natural bridge. There are large cave-like rooms to explore, and smaller natural bridges which are weathered out of this sandstone bluff. The valley contains a large variety of wildflowers and trees including Dogwood, Rosebud, Umbrella Magnolia, and Beech. From the natural bridge, you retrace your steps to the trailhead. This section is steep, so take your time climbing out.
Length: 1.1 miles - Difficulty: Moderate
Location: 15 miles south of Jasper on State 7, then west 1 mile on State 16, then northwest on State 327 for 1 mile.
Butterfield Cooperative Hiking Trail:
The Butterfield Hiking Trail gets its name from the Butterfield Stagecoach which ran in the area between 1858-1861. The Butterfield Trail is one of the few looped backpacking trails in the state. Beginning in Devil's Den State Park at Camp Area A, the trail crosses State 74 and passes near Mount Olive. Scenic views, such as Blackburn Creek and Vista Point, are plentiful. Rock formations and mountainous outcroppings provide photographers with dramatic subject. Backpackers must obtain a free permit at the park office before beginning their hike. Camping is restricted to designated campsites spaced along the trail.
Length: 14 1/2 miles Time: 12 hours to overnight Difficulty: Moderate
Location: 8 miles south of Fayetteville on U.S. 71, then 18 miles southwest on State 170, or 13 miles west from U.S. 71 at Winslow on State 74
The Devil's Den Self-Guided Trail:
This is one of the most popular trails within the park and features two fracture caves; the Devil's Den and the Devil's Icebox. Gravity flow springs, peculiar erosional remnants of sandstone strata, wet weather waterfalls, and lush Ozark plant and animal life are just a few of the sights you can expect as you wind through the rugged Boston Mountain terrain. A flashlight is necessary to explore the caves. Extreme caution should be used while walking in the cave area due to open crevasses!
Length: 1 1/2 miles Time: 2 to 3 hrs Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Trailheads are located behind the visitor center and by the Highway 170 bridge at Lee Creek.
Woody Plant Trail:
This short, self-guided trail begins near either bathhouse in Camping Area E and meanders through the woods surrounding the campgrounds. To help visitors learn more about the diversified plant life found in this part of the Ozarks, plants along the trail have been numbed to correspond with an identification sheet which is available at the visitor center.
Length: 1/4 mile Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Easy
Location: Devil's Den State Park
Pleasant Hill:
The Horsehead Lake Trail is constructed in a loop to return the hiker to the point of beginning. Scenic views of the Ozark mountains and Horshead Lake plus large hardwoods offer spectacular fall foliage.
Length: 3 miles Time: 2 1/2 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Location: 8 miles northwest of Clarksville on State 103, then west on State 164 for 4 miles, then right on gravel forest Road 1408 for 3 miles
Cove Lake:
This flat and easy trail loops around Cove Lake. Two short trails spur off the loop with one going 0.8 miles from the site of the Old Corley Civilian Conservation Corps camp. The other makes a 1.0 Mile loop to a high vista overlooking Cove Lake.
Length: 3 1/2 miles Time: 2 1/2 hours Difficulty: Easy
Location: 1 mile south of Paris on State 109, then 9 miles southeast on State 309.
Pedestal Rock Loop Trail:
This spectacular trail derives its name from the large number of weathered limestone columns that resemble huge pedestals which are interspersed along the bluff line. Caves and shelters are also formed as a result of the massive weathering. These are located along the base of the bluff line. From the top of the bluff, visitors can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view down into the valley of the Illinois Bayou's North Fork. This is truly a scenic area, offering a glimpse of the ancient geology of the Ozarks.
Length: 2 1/2 miles Time: 2 to 3 hours Difficulty: Easy
Location: Approximately 6 miles east of Pelsor on State 16; both the Pedestal Rocks Loop and the King's Bluff Loop trails are accessed from the Pedestal Rocks Trailhead.
King's Bluff Loop Trail:
This trail travels through a forest of large hardwoods and visits the awe-inspiring King's Bluff. This is a beautiful area; the bluff and the views into the surrounding valley are simply fantastic. The creek which helped expose this majestic sandstone bluff spills over the edge, forming one of the highest waterfalls in this part of the Ozarks.
Length: 2 miles Time: 1 1/2 hours Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Location: Approximately 6 miles east of Pelsor on State 16; both the Pedestal Rocks Loop and the King's Bluff Loop trails are accessed from the Pedestal Rocks Trailhead.
White Rock Rim:
This trail travels around the rim of the White Rock Mountain bluff line offering some of the most scenic views in the state. This area was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. There are three rustic cabins and a bunkhouse-type lodge available for rent. There are also two small rooms in the bottom of the lodge which are available for hikers. There are also a number of beautiful stone shelters along the trail which offer outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. Extreme caution is required! Children using this trail should have constant adult supervision because the bluffs are extremely high. The White Rock to Shores Lake trail descends White Rock Mountain following White Rock Creek. The trail termini are located at White Rock Mountain and Shores Lake Recreation Areas, for a total length of six miles.
Length: 2 miles Time: 1 1/2 hours Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Location: North of I-40 on State 215 at Mulberry for 14 miles to Shores Lake campground. Continue past campground on gravel road, go left at intersection with Forest Road 1003, go right at intersection with Forest Road 1505, then continue to next right which is the entrance into the mountaintop recreation area. Trailhead is at end of road near cabins.
Lake Wedington:
This trail through the heart of the Ozarks leads past Twin Knobs, a unique rock formation, and terminates on the banks of the Illinois River. Camping is permitted along the trail. To return, it is necessary to retrace the same route. This trail is often used for overnight hiking trips.
Length: 7 3/4 miles one way Time: 12 hours to overnight Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
Location: 13 miles west of Fayetteville on State 16
North Sylamore Creek:
The North Sylamore Trail is named for the scenic North Slymore Creek which flows alongside the trail. The trail is marked with white diamond-shaped blazes on the trees along the main route, and signs indicate trailheads. Waterfalls at Slick Rock Hollow, fern beds moistened by Ozark Springs, and numerous scenic bluffs are a few features of the trail. The trail follows the north fork of the Sylamore Creek, providing one of the most scenic trails in the region. Camping is open, but there are developed camping areas such as Gunner Pool Campground and Blanchard Springs Recreational located along the trail. The creek provides excellent opportunities for swimming, especially in hot weather when the spring-fed creek water remains cold.
Length: 14 miles one way Time: 12 hours to overnight Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Western terminus: Barkshed Campground. Turn north from State 14 to Forest Road 1112. Eastern terminus: Turn right off State 14, approximately 1/2 mile after turning west at the intersection of State 14 and 5 at the community of Allison. Low traveled gravel road turns right of 14 in outside of first curve, as road starts up hill. Follow signs to trailhead for 1/2 mile on gravel road. Trailhead sign stands in the middle of an old pasture. The trail begins to the left and behind the sign, down by the creek bank.
Bull Shoals Lake:
The trail traverses the wooded hills below Bull Shoals Dam. Overlooking the White River, the trail offers examples of plant succession and wildlife native to the area. A portion of the trail ls located near a bluff, so be careful to stay on the trail at all times.
Length: 1 3/4 miles Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy
Location: 6 miles north of Mountain Home on State 5 North, the 7 miles west on State 178
Lake Charles:
This linear trail follows the lakeshore through the park, offering access to most camping areas. It is also an excellent trail for anglers wishing to try their luck in Lake Charles. This leisurely walk wanders under a canopy of hardwoods, and wildflowers are abundant in the spring and fall.
Length: 1 1/2 miles Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy
Location: 8 Miles northwest of Hoxie on U.S. 63, then 6 miles south on State 25.
Lake Fork Smith:
Lake Fort Smith is the western end of the Ozark Highland Trail which stretches about 200 miles through the Ozark National Forest and along a portion of the Buffalo National River. After approximately 2 1/2 miles of sharing the same route, by a bench above Lake Fort Smith, the Evans Point Loop branches to the left and circles the lake to return to the park. This trail was named for early settlers of the area. It offers excellent views, outstanding fall colors, old home sites, and wildlife such as wild turkey and deer.
Length: 5 miles Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Location: 1/2 mile east off U.S. Hwy 71 at Mountainburg - watch for highway sign on U.S. 71 for turnoff to park entrance.
Mammoth Spring:
This loop trail is accessible from most of the park's facilities. The park's feature attraction is Mammoth Spring, the largest spring in Arkansas. Other attractions include a train depot museum, a walkway across the dam and an out-of-service hydroelectric station.
Length: 2/3 mile Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy
Location: East off U.S. 63 at the intersection of State 9 within the city limits of Mammoth Spring
Old Davidson State Park:
The Cemetery Trail is a small gate in time and focuses on memories of times past. Headstones bearing unusual inscriptions recall Arkansas's early settlers. Other features include a profusion ow wildflowers, flowering dogwoods and large, majestic oaks.
Length: 3/4 mile Time: 3/4 hour Difficulty: Easy
Location: 2 miles west of Pocahontas on U.S. 62, then 9 miles south on State 166
War Eagle Trail:
The War Eagle Trail is named for the scenic river which runs along its length. A small cave with rock formations is located about halfway down the trail. Past the cave and through the beautiful Ozark hardwood forest, a scenic overlook is located atop a 150 foot high buff. A great view of the river and mountain countryside makes this trail very popular.
Length: 2 miles Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy
Location: Withrow Springs State Park 5 miles north of Huntsville on State 23