The Battle of Carthage State Historic Site can be described as a nice little park with a little big of history. There is ample parking and three picnic tables but no facilities or trash bins. There is plenty of room if someone wanted to play from frisbee, catch, soccer, or tag. There is a nice open area for playing but no play equipment. There is a very short path about .2 miles that will take you around the little stream that is there. It is a nice peaceful and quiet park.
Be sure to check out the kiosk which tells of the battle that took place in Carthage.
If you have time, you might also stop in a visit the Civil War Museum just off the square in Carthage. There is a short informative movie about the battle that happened in the area and has some nice displays as well. The personnel were very friendly and full of lots of information.
Overall, a nice but short outing in between rain storms.
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.
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.
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.
This is a very popular trail so I arrived early at sunrise and was able to cover almost all of the trail without seeing many people. It is rated an easy trail and I would agree. There are parts of the White Tail trail that will be hills and rocks but it is easily transversed.
Upon arriving, there is a flower bed, picnic tables, and an old jail to see. There are restrooms somewhere but I didn’t find them. I traveled the trail by going to the left or counter clockwise. Shortly into the hike, you will come to the waterfall. When I was there, it did have a little water flowing. You are able to walk up and around to the top and come down on the opposite side. It can be a little steep and rocky doing this. Along the trail, there are benches to sit and enjoy the scenery, animals, or peace and quiet. There aren’t many signs to help guide along the path but you should be able to figure out which way to go.
I did see some racoons and was able to get pretty close to a family of deer. A buck, doe, and two fawns. There is also the Blue Bird Trail that is another easy path to follow. It will intersect with the Old Kate Loop.
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.
This is a moderate rated trail. I actually found it very easy to walk. There were a few rocks and roots but very little elevation. You will be under tree cover for 99% of this trail. It is about an eight mile walk. Around the three mile mark, there is some kind of open area that appears to be where some type of games are played. About four miles in you can walk down to the water. This is the only area where swimming is allowed area at the lake. No boats are allowed. There is a bathroom at this point.
When you come to the cemetery, there is another trail Umber Ridge Trail that you can take but today I just continued on the Lakeview Trail.
A little way passed the cemetery, you will be able to go off trail for just a bit at the bridge and you can walk a little closer to the water. Here you will see boats on the water.
About the last mile or so, you will come out of the trees and cross the highway and then will be back in the trees for a bit and then travel on a service road and back to the parking area.
It isn’t the most exciting or pretty trail but it is a nice get-away if you want to have some alone time. I only encountered a park employee at the swimming area. Otherwise, I was alone on the trail. I did see a squirrel, several deer, and two wild turkeys.
All in all a very nice walk in the woods.
(After returning from my outing, I was told that it isn’t very safe to walk there by yourself. Several people had been attacked. I try to do my due diligence and stay safe but sometimes you never know until after the fact. Just be aware of your surroundings. I do usually have a walking stick and spray with me in hopes of being able to defend myself if needed.)
I did the yellow trail first which circles around the perimeter bottom. This trail was very pretty and had several scenic views. I did have to cross water several times and would definitely recommend waterproof boots or shoes. I had a couple of deer watching me from on top of the hill for a while. This was a pretty easy trail even though it was rocky in places.
After the yellow trail, I did the white trail which basically climbs the hill and is a moderate climb. This trail cut the yellow trail in half. When I reached the end of the white trail where it meets the yellow, I turned back and did it again.
All in all, a 6.5 mile hike.
I was the only one on the trail today and it was a cold wintery day and I would recommend this trail.
Today I participated in a guided hike to see the bison, or as most people call them buffalo, at Prairie State Park. The guide was very informative and the hike very short so when we reached the bison and the guide turned back to the visitor center, I and a few others continued on down the trail.
I did not get close to the bison as that can be very dangerous but I kept them in sight and continued on the path that went to the west and curved around and came up north of the visitor center. Eventually I came to a road which lead back to the parking lot.
This is mostly a grass trail and during the rainy season could be very wet and possibly be tick infested. I would rate the trails as easy.
Overall, it was a nice day to get outside and enjoy nature and see bison in the wild.
Because the bugs and ticks are still out and abundant this year, today I opted for a paved trail. In the All Trails app this is called the Fulbright Spring Greenway and rated an easy 7.9 mile trail.
At the trailhead, there is a descent sized parking lot and port-a-potties. There is also a little swing set and a bench so the kids can play and the adults can rest awhile. This trail does allow bicycles and everyone I met today on bikes were courteous and gave warning when they were approaching. A little way in, you will come to a fork in the road. I went right on the David C. Murray Trailhead (2.78). Most of this trail is shaded. There are a couple of creek crossings so if it has recently rained, you may have to cross water. There are also a few small inclines on the path I traveled today but nothing too strenuous. This trail does travel along side a shooting range so pay attention to the signs and do not follow the path into the range.
When you reach the Retiree Bridge, keep to the left and enter what used to be the Fulbright Landfill. You will eventually reach another trailhead and I followed the Ritter Springs Trailhead (1.85) until I reached the stop sign at Farm Road 88. There was quite a bit of traffic today so I didn’t want to walk on the road and I turned back at this point.
When I reached the intersection of the David C. Murray Trailhead and Truman Elementary Trailhead, I followed the Truman Elementary Trailhead until I reached the housing development. This was about a mile or so and then I turned around and went back to the parking lot.
The trail was fairly busy today with people walking dogs, people running, and others just out enjoying a walk. All in all, this was a very nice walk and should I need a paved trail in the future, I will come back and maybe start at the Ritter Springs Trailhead.
