Devils Den State Park Guide: Best Time to Visit, Hikes & Itinerary

Deep in the Boston Mountains of the Arkansas Ozarks lies a place where geology and history intersect in spectacular fashion. Devils Den State Park is more than just a collection of trails; it is a rugged sanctuary defined by massive sandstone crevices, ancient fossil beds, and the pristine waters of Lee Creek. Whether you are descending into the cool air of the Devil’s Icebox or watching the fog lift from the valley floor, the park offers a raw, unfiltered connection to the natural world.

What truly sets this park apart is its status as a living museum of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In the 1930s, the CCC transformed this wild valley into a park using native stone and timber, creating rustic cabins, a mesmerizing dam, and bridges that seem to grow organically from the earth. This “parkitecture” provides a romantic, timeless atmosphere that transports visitors back to a simpler era of American travel.

The Legacy of Stone

The most striking feature of Devils Den is the harmonious blend of man-made structures and natural geological formations. The park contains one of the most well-preserved collections of CCC structures in the United States. The native stone dam, which creates the serene 8-acre Lake Devil, cascades water in a way that mimics a natural waterfall. Visitors can sleep in the same rustic cabins built by hand nearly a century ago, offering a unique opportunity to literally stay inside a piece of history. Beyond the architecture, the park’s geology features a massive sandstone crevice area, the result of a prehistoric landslide, creating a maze of cold air traps and rock shelters that have fascinated explorers for generations.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Yellow Rock Overlook - A moderate hike leads to this massive, flat-top boulder offering the park’s premier view of the Lee Creek Valley (3 mi loop, Free).

The Devil’s Icebox - A deep rock crevice where air currents keep the temperature significantly cooler than the outside air, perfect for hot summer days (0.5 mi from trailhead, Free).

CCC Dam & Lake Devil - The architectural heart of the park, featuring a stunning stone dam and a small lake perfect for paddling (Central park area, Boat rentals ~$15 USD/hr).

Fossil Flats - A flat, rocky area along Lee Creek where visitors can spot ancient marine fossils embedded in the limestone creek bed (Accessible via hiking or biking trails, Free).

Planning Your Visit

Devils Den is located off Highway 74 or Highway 170 near West Fork, Arkansas. The roads leading into the valley are paved but steep and winding; those driving large RVs should exercise caution and use the Highway 170 entrance from the south if possible. There is virtually no cell phone service in the valley bottom, so it is essential to download maps or print reservations before you lose signal. WiFi is generally available at the Visitor Center and the Cafe.

When packing, prioritize sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, as the terrain is rocky and uneven. If you plan to visit in the summer, bring water shoes for Lee Creek. For those hoping to stay in the historic cabins, bookings open a year in advance and fill up almost instantly for peak fall weekends, so plan accordingly.

While the vibrant reds and golds of autumn draw the biggest crowds, Devils Den is a year-round destination. Spring brings thunderous waterfalls and wildflowers, while winter offers a quiet, stark beauty where you can have the trails to yourself. Whenever you choose to visit, the timeless stone structures and ancient bluffs of the Ozarks await.