Journies Outside

Category: Waterfalls

  • Devil’s Den State Park

    Devil’s Den State Park – Devil’s Den, Yellow Rock, and Devil’s Raceway

    West Fork, Arkansas

    April 12, 2025

    It was an absolutely beautiful day for a hike. I started on the Devil’s Den trail at the entrance just passed the visitor’s center by the Lee Creek Bridge. This trailhead began with the first of many stone staircases for the day. I had the trail to myself so it was very peaceful and I was able to see the beginning of blooms such as little wildflowers and the dogwood trees. The Devil’s Den Cave is closed for exploring but it is still a nice feature along the trail. The waterfalls along the trail were running from the recent rains. This trail is moderately challenging as there are lots of rocks and stone stairways to traverse. This trail is pretty easy to follow and is a Red Diamond. I did all of the trail which involved just a little backtracking but I ended with about 1.8 miles.

    The second trail for the day was the Yellow Rock trail. I started at the trailhead on the other side of Lee Creek. From the Devil’s Den parking area, turn right after crossing the bridge and there is a small parking area for this trailhead. This area is very popular as many bikers start on the Devil’s Raceway here. This trail has areas that are very rocky and then smoother. It is a very popular trail because of the scenic overlook which allows you to see a great distance. There wasn’t a lot of blooms on this trail because it is a mostly wooded trail with great views along the way. There was a small waterfall that I crossed but the water was low enough and I was able to cross on rocks so my shoes did not get wet. I have previously done this trail before and after the scenic overlook, the trail really isn’t all that exciting but it is a nice walk through the woods. Therefore, today, I started at the trailhead, went to the overlook, and then went back to the trailhead. The trail was also becoming busier as I headed back. Going this route, I was still able to do about 1.8 miles. This part of the Yellow Rock trail will take you passed some huge rocks and overhangs and there are more stone stairs to climb but it is a very nice moderately hard trail. This trail is a White Diamond.

    The last trail I checked out today was part of the Devil’s Raceway. I started over by the Amphitheater where there is a small parking area. Getting in and out here was a little challenging as the road had a deep ditch to navigate over which was probably caused from the recent rainfall. I went to the left from the Amphitheater and followed the trail to the road crossing. Going right from the Amphitheater, I came across a lot of maintenance areas and what looks like to be construction for a new camping area. This trail really wasn’t very exciting or challenging but was an easy way to end the day. I traveled through the woods and then came to an open area and followed the trail until I came to a spot where I could go down to the water and then turned back to the parking area. The only other people I saw on this trail were bikers. I did do about 2.21 miles on this trail and it was a White Diamond trail as well.

    There really are no facilities at these trailheads but the visitor center is close to all of them and centrally located. It is a very busy and popular stop.

    You can see more photos and videos from my journey on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Waterfalls of Arkansas

    Glory Hole – Magnolia Falls – Paradise Falls

    Deer, Arkansas

    March 22, 2025

    Today I decided to check out three waterfalls near Deer Arkansas. I had the trails to myself the majority of the time, which was great because I was able to enjoy the peace and quiet. I didn’t really see much wildlife except for the herd of elk that was on the side of the road on my way to the trails. If you decide to check out any of these waterfalls, be sure to use your GPS because none of the trails or trail heads are marked and the parking lots are just wide shoulders along the road. I have actually driven passed these several times while checking out other trails in the area and didn’t even realize it.

    My first stop was at Glory Hole. I did this one first because it is a very popular trail for people to visit. The trail is not marked but because of its popularity, it is easy to follow. The trail down to the bottom was pretty easy but overall, I would say that this is a moderately hard trail because you will go almost straight down and then there is the almost straight uphill climb to your vehicle. There were several little falls along the path that I ventured over to check out. Once you reach the bottom where the Glory Hole can be seen, the size of the boulders in the area are enormous! There was a system of tree roots that was my ladder in and out of the bottom today. There was also a path around the boulders that I did follow for a bit. All in all, a very nice adventure and I did about 2 ½ miles while here.

    My next stop which was just about 5 minutes down the road was Magnolia Falls. At this location, I did see another vehicle but didn’t encounter anyone along the path until I came back to my vehicle and other hikers were starting out on their journey. This trail was really pretty easy, but again, not marked. Along the trail you will see a line of boulders that just suddenly appear and you will follow them for awhile and then they will be gone. You will come to a small creek that has a trail continuing forward or you can turn left. Turn left and follow the path to the falls. Using a tree root system again, I was able to climb to the bottom of the falls and explore the area closer. The clefts and rock formation are very unique. This trail was pretty easy but there is a downward climb and then the climb back up but it was moderately easy and I did almost 2 ½ miles here as well.

    The final stop of the day was Paradise Falls which was only about another 5 minutes down the road. This trail was not marked either but is well traveled so the trail is visible. At times, I felt like was I doing a little bushwacking. It is not well maintained and the trail itself will disappear at times but you will be able to find your way. I had this trail to myself until I started back and about halfway, I did encounter a few other hikers out enjoying the day. This trail I would rate as a moderately hard trail as there can be a lot of climbing involved depending on how close you want to get to the falls along the trail and at the end where the actual Paradise Falls are. This is a shorter trail but I was able to get a little over 2 miles here.

    Overall, it was a very nice day and I did get a workout. There are still more waterfalls in the area that I hope to one day go back and visit.

    There are no facilities near these locations so plan accordingly. I didn’t have reception either while in the area but I did download trail maps and my driving route prior to going so you might keep that in mind if you want to visit as well.

    There were a few areas along each of the paths where I did have to cross water but I went between rain falls and was able to avoid getting my shoes wet but if you go during the rainy season there will be mud and water crossings involved.

    You can enjoy more of my photos from the day and a few videos on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836