Journies Outside

Tag: Arkansas

  • 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

  • Twin Knobs Trail

    Trailhead Marker

    Twin Knobs Trail

    Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

    Siloam Springs AR

    March 1, 2025

    Today was a beautiful day for a hike in the woods and I picked the Twin Knobs Trail near Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Before I tell you about the trail, let me mention that once you exit off the highway (412), you are pretty much on a gravel/dirt almost single lane road for about 4 miles to get to the trail head.

    The parking area at the trail head is very small but there is another parking area just before the trail head to the west that is a little bigger. There are no bathrooms so you might want to stop at the gas station on the corner of the Highway 59 and 412 intersections.

    The Twin Knobs Trail is rated as a moderate trail and I would have to agree although there are several areas that are much easier to walk. There are times when you will walk on larger rocks and other times smaller ones but all in all, a very easy moderate hike. There were a few places that were muddy or had standing water but I was able to avoid getting my shoes messy by walking on the rocks.

    The first Knob that you come to is very large and unique but the second Knob at the end of the trail where you will turn around and head back to the parking area was by far much better in my opinion. On the back side of the second knob there were faded blue markings leading up to the top and I being the curious sort, decided to investigate. It is almost a straight up climb but short. I wondered around a bit and discovered that there was a camp site and someone had tried to make a lean to for shelter. I didn’t want to miss any of the original trail so I climbed back down and continued on around the knob. You can see for miles in the distance on the second knob. When heading back around and down from here you will come to an area that has what looks like a square cut from the rocks. I decided to investigate and discovered that people have camped in this sheltered area as the fire ring was still there as well as the ashes.

    The trail markers are blue and you will see several off the walking path but the correct path is well worn and used by people walking, people on bicycles, dogs, deer, and other wildlife. Although today I didn’t see any wildlife other than the tracks that were left behind.

    Along the trail it is very peaceful and I can imagine that the fall colors are absolutely gorgeous but you will always hear the hum of the distant traffic.  

    When I reached the parking lot, I decided to continue following the trail for just a bit longer. The trailhead by the parking lot heading south is not marked but the path is well worn and visible. I followed this trail down to the bottom at the dry creek bed and then turned back to the trailhead. It was a very easy trail but very quiet. So, if you want to get away from all noise and not wanting to see anything but trees, I would suggest this trail. It was about a mile to the creek bed where I turned back.

    I only saw two other people on the Twin Knobs trail and that was as I was heading back to the parking lot. This does appear to be a very popular area for people to visit as there were three other vehicles there when I left.

    By following my route, you will do almost 8 miles round trip.

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

  • Arkansas Missouri Oklahoma Tri-State Marker

    Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma Tri-State Marker

    March 1, 2025

    After hiking the Twin Knobs Trail today, I decided to return home via a different route and stopped at the place where Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma all intersect and depending on which side of the marker you are standing, you can be in a different state. There is a gas station on the east side of the road and the marker is on the west side. You will need to park at the gas station if you want to get up close to the marker. This area is very busy so be careful when crossing the road. The marker isn’t very big but it was something different to see while I was in the area.

    The marker is located on Arkansas 43 near Sulphur Springs, Arkansas and McDonald County Missouri.

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

  • Tunnel Vision – Tweety Bird – Landline Loop

    January 1, 2024

    This was a First Day hike for me. All in all I did about 7 miles or so. I had walked this trail before but due to the rainy and muddy conditions in the area, I decided to do this one again because the trail is usually pretty dry. The trail was a little wet at the start but that is usually the case because of the runoff along the Tunnel Vision path. I enjoy this trail. There was no one on the golf course today, but I also started pretty early. Last time I was on this trail, there was construction after the golf course but today that was completed and I was able to go through the tunnel, “You got this”.

    After I finished the trail on the All Trails app. I drove over to the beginning of the Tweety Bird trail and went to the left and through the tunnel which was decorated on both sides. After going for about a mile, I turned around and went back to the car as that was as far as I wanted to walk today. The Tunnel Vision trail seems to be rather long and I think I’m going to try and walk all of it some day and see how long it is.

    It was a cloudy and cool day. By the time I was finishing, it was starting to get cold even though the temperature was higher than when I started.

    The trails today were very easy for me. I enjoy going this time of year as you will sometimes see Christmas decorations along the trail.

    You can see more photos I took along the trail on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Hemmed Hollow Trail

    Buffalo National River

    Compton AR

    October 26, 2024

    When I arrived, which was just after sunrise, there were only two other cars in the parking lot. When I finished, and got back to the car, the lot was pretty much full. I never did see anyone on the way down, and only started seeing people when I was starting back up.

    It is rated a hard trail and but it was pretty easy to navigate. It wasn’t well marked but the trail to the waterfall was well used so I had no trouble finding it. There are a couple of signs along the way to help with direction.

    On the way down, it will be narrow in spots, rocky, and tree root covered but there are also stone “steps” that will help with some of the gravity as you will be descending about 1400 feet. It is so hard to describe the magnitude of the waterfall. Even though it was only a trickle the day I was there, the sheer size of it and the beauty is so nice and because I was there alone, so very peaceful.

    On the way back, I decided to follow the trail down to the river. It only added another 1.4 miles or so to the original 5 miles. The river trail is relatively easy. The river was mostly dry the day I was there so I was able to walk out into the center and across it. It too was very pretty.

    The fall colors added to the beauty of the entire hike. The hike back to the top did get me out of breathe a couple of times. The steps did help with the ascent. I did have to crawl over a few downed trees and over a few rocks but overall a very nice hike and well worth the drive.

    You can see a few more photos on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Center Point to Goat Trail

    Near Huntsville AR

    October 10, 2024

    To find the parking lot, which is very small, you will see a sign that says No Parking, look just to the right of this sign and you will see a small driveway. This will lead you to the parking lot. It isn’t very big but this seems to be a popular trail so I would arrive early if possible.

    This is rated a hard hike but until you reach the Goat Trail it really is pretty easy. You will be going down and walking on rocks and tree roots. There are a few times when you will crawl over or until a downed tree but this was a great fall hike and the colors were so pretty.

    When I reached the intersection of the Center Point Trail and the Goat Trail I did use the AllTrails App to see where I was. There really isn’t any markings along the way but the Goat Trail is very popular and the path is well worn. Just stay to the right to find the path. Once on it, the trail will become a little more difficult, steep, narrow, but beautiful.

    I was able to see the river below once I reached the rock cliffs. The height of just how far up you are and the distance you can see is just remarkable.

    The walk back to the car really wasn’t very difficult but this is when I started to encounter more visitors. While at the rocks, I only saw one other person.

    Overall, it was a great hike and a beautiful day.

    I have a few more photos on my Facebook page that you can check out as well. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Alum Cove Natural Bridge

    Alum Cove Natural Bridge

    November 15, 2024

    It was a beautiful day for hiking. I was on my way to Pedestal Rock/King’s Bluff (30 minutes further east) and thought I would stop here since I was in the area. I’m so glad I did. This was a pretty easy trail and I was the only one on it. There was a camper in the parking lot when I arrived and left but I never saw anyone. There is a nice sized parking lot, several picnic tables, and a primitive bathroom. Along the trail there are several benches where you can stop and enjoy the peace and quiet and see the beauty.

    The trail isn’t really marked but I didn’t have much trouble finding my way as the path is well used. Even with the leaves covering the path, you are still able to find it. The AllTrails app can also be of assistance.

    When you reach the top of the Natural Bridge, you can look down and see the area below. Keep going down the trail and to the left, you will see the underneath part of the bridge. Today there was a little water falling. I was able to get up closed and explore all around the base of the bridge. Just to the right of the bridge there is a path. If you follow it, you will go back to the top so turn around and go back to the path you just walked off and follow it around. It will take you to a water crossing and a cave and another waterfall. Here at the cave and waterfall, the path is really hard to see so be vigilant. The path will wind around and take you back to the Natural Bridge and lead you to the path that was on the right. This will take you back to the top of the bridge and you will back track your way back to the parking lot.

    The trail itself it only about a mile but well worth the stop if you have the time. I didn’t see any animals other than a few squirrels while I was there.

    You can see a few more photos of this beautiful site on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

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  • Kessler Mountain – First Trip

    Kessler Mountain – First Trip

    November 29, 2024

    The original plan was to hike the Mount Kessler Loop that the AllTrails app had but I lost GPS and signal early on so I wondered around and still managed to do about 10 miles. I really enjoyed my hike. The trail isn’t really marked well. You will find trail markers where the trail intersects but that is about all. If you hike when the leaves have fallen and cover the trail, like the conditions were for me today, you will need to watch for the path. It is still visible but in some places you will need to look hard. I would recommend downloading a map before you go or have a paper map with you. On the way back to the parking lot, I did come across a trail map which was helpful but at about the same time, I also had cell service again.

    The trailhead isn’t really marked. When you pull into the parking lot where the AllTrails app takes you, you will see a “gravel” road and a path to the left with a wooden bridge. Take the path with the bridge. Soon you will come to a marker the has Last Call and Saddle Up, this is where I started. When you reach the edge of the woods, the Last Call trail is to the right and Saddle Up is to the left. They will intersect shortly on down the trail.

    When I reached the intersection of Terrapin Station, Crazy Mary, and Fayetteville Traverse, I lost reception. I ended up following the Fayetteville Traverse Trail all the way to the road where it ends/begins with the parking lot. I was very glad I followed this trail as I came across an abandoned cabin, and because I started out on a 25 degree morning at sunrise, I came across some frost flowers at the top of the mountain in the clearing. After the flowers, you will come to an intersection of Rock City, Flight Training, and Fayetteville Traverse. Here I followed the Flight Training/Fayetteville Traverse trail all the way to the road. I turned back and because I had only seen one other person on the trail so far, I followed the trail that says One Way Do No Enter. This is a hard trail and if it is a busy time, I would definitely not recommend doing this as it is very steep but a great work out. You will need to back track the way you came, back to the intersection of Rock City, Flight Training, and Fayetteville Traverse. Once reaching this intersection again, I followed the Rock City trail and it lives up to its name. It is a very rocky trail but has lots of rock formations and very pretty today.

    I took the Egg Beater trail to the Western Myth and then on to Spell Bound. This was also a challenging route to take. After Spell Bound, I took the Western Myth back to the intersection of the Goat Trail. I made my way back to the Serpentine, Trent Trail, and Fayetteville Traverse trails. Following the Trent Trail will put you back on the Terrapin Station trail and back to the intersection that will lead back to the parking lot.

    If you want to follow this route, this is the best I can do for a description as I was just wondering around trying to find my way back but loving every minute of the hike. I was doing mostly moderate to hard trails. I do hope to go back one day and try to the Loop which was the original plan. I believe the Terrapin Station and Crazy Mary trails will take you passed some really neat rock formations.

    It was a beautiful day today and by the time I ended it was about 44 degrees and I had taken my gloves and hat off. There was barely any wind. You couldn’t have asked for a better day to hike. At the end I did meet two bikers that were just started out so all in all I had the trails to myself today.

    I did see a couple of deer near the parking lot at the first, but along the trail for about the first hour or so I saw many others here and there. The gray squirrels were in abundance.

    I have a few more photos on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836

  • Bashore Ridge Loop – Dutton Hollow Loop – Historic Van Winkle Trail – Sinking Stream Trail

    Bashore Ridge Loop – Dutton Hollow Loop – Historic Van Winkle Trail – Sinking Stream Trail

    December 21, 2024

    It was a beautiful day for a hike today. I traveled over four different trails beginning with the Bashore Ridge Loop at sunrise (about 7:30 am) today when the gates were opened to the parking lot. There is quite a bit of parking at the Bashore Ridge Loop Trailhead and there is also a parking lot across the road. Based on the size of the parking lots, I’m pretty sure the Bashore Ridge Loop, Dutton Hollow Loop and the Little Clifty Creek Loop are very popular. There is a vault bathroom in the parking lot. I wasn’t able to travel the Little Clifty Creek Loop today as it was still closed from the tornado damage to the trail earlier this year. The park crew and/or volunteers have worked a lot of hours to get the Bashore Ridge Loop and Dutton Hollow Loop cleared for visitors. You could see the destruction all along the trail. I can only imagine how beautiful these trails were but they were still very pretty today.

    I traveled on the Bashore Ridge Loop first and went counter clockwise. This is rated a moderate trail but I found it very easy to travel. It is a rocky and tree root trail. I did walk down to the Beaver Lake Overlook and was able to get pretty close to the water. It was very pretty at the water and it was early enough in the day that the fog was gliding over the water. I did meet two other people at this area. Other than that encounter, I had the Bashore Ridge Loop and Dutton Hollow Loop all to myself.

    When I got back to the Bashore Ridge Loop and Dutton Hollow Loop intersection, I followed the Dutton Hollow Loop in a counter clockwise direction as well. This trail is rated as easy but I really found it about the same as the Bashore Ridge Loop trail. When I was at the bottom of the hollow, I did come across a couple of deer and a chipmunk. These were the only wildlife I saw all day.

    There is a shooting range close by and because of the noise, this may be the reason there is very little wildlife to see. I did hear a couple of birds but even they weren’t singing. This may also be because it is winter right now. Overall, I found these two trails very nice to travel over.

    From here I went about a mile away and visited the Historic Van Winkle Trail and Sinking Stream Trail. These also must be very popular trails as I did encounter three different families here. The parking lot is large, there is a vaulted bathroom and a picnic table here.

    The Historic Van Winkle Trail will be paved for the first little bit and then it will become small gravel. There are signs along the short easy trail that tell the history of the area. There isn’t a lot to see but there is a small stream that runs through the area.

    The Sinking Stream Trail is also an easy trail and is gravel, small rocks, and dirt surfaces. This time was loaded with so many frost flowers. (I did find frost flowers on all four trails today.) The trail follows and crosses the stream but you will have bridges to use to cross over the water. This trail was probably the quietest one for the day. It appears that during the spring/summer months, you will be able to find lots of flowering plants.

    The day may have started out about 24 degrees but it was sunny with very little wind and ended about 35 degrees.

    The Bashore and Dutton Hollows Loops are about 4 miles each. The Van Winkle and Sinking Stream Trails are about ½ mile each. On each of the trails, there are a few benches scattered along the trail but they are few and far between.

    There are a few other photos from this adventure on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836