Moonshiners Cave, Arkansas River Valley Travel Guide

4.7 (53)

Discover Moonshiners Cave near Devil's Den State Park: A historic Ozark hideaway with a waterfall and a stone-walled bluff shelter.

Moonshiners Cave, near Winslow, Arkansas, is a unique historical site nestled just outside Devil's Den State Park. This bluff shelter, possibly used as a root cellar in 1905 and later rumored as a moonshining hideout, features a small waterfall and a stone wall enclosure, offering a glimpse into Ozark history and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Moonshiners Cave

10751 AR-74, Winslow, Arkansas, 72959, US

Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Moonshiners Cave.

Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky and sometimes muddy trail.
Visit after a rain for the best chance to see the waterfall flowing.
Combine your visit with a hike in nearby Devil's Den State Park.
Be aware that cell service in the area is limited; download maps in advance.
Help preserve the site by packing out all trash and leaving no trace.

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Getting There

Driving

From Winslow, Arkansas, head west on AR-74 (Devil's Den Road) for approximately 4.4 miles. You'll pass through the small community of Blackburn. Look for the large sign for Devil's Den State Park on the right side of the road. The parking area for Moonshiners Cave is directly across the highway from this sign. Parking is free. Be cautious crossing the road.
Walking

From the parking area, walk west (toward Devil's Den State Park) along AR-74 for about 50-100 feet. Look for an opening in the woods on the left, resembling a dry creek bed. This is the unmarked trailhead. The trail is approximately 0.4 miles to the cave. Follow the rocky path downhill, veering left at any trail splits. The hike is considered moderately challenging due to the rocky terrain and uphill return.

Discover more about Moonshiners Cave

Moonshiners Cave, a captivating site near Winslow, Arkansas, offers a blend of natural beauty and intriguing local history. Located just outside the boundaries of Devil's Den State Park, this isn't a typical cave but rather a bluff shelter enclosed by a stone wall.Local legend suggests that in 1905, a family constructed the stone wall to use the space as a root cellar. The shelter provided a cool, secure place to store vegetables and canned goods. Later, whispers arose that the cave served as a hideout for moonshiners during the Prohibition era. The secluded location and nearby water source made it an ideal spot for crafting and concealing their illicit liquor. While concrete evidence remains elusive, the name "Moonshiners Cave" has stuck, adding to its mystique.Today, visitors can explore the short, rocky trail leading to the cave and marvel at the stone structure, complete with a small doorway and window. A seasonal waterfall cascades over the bluff, enhancing the picturesque setting. The area provides a sense of peacefulness and a connection to the past. However, the site has suffered from vandalism, with the removal of a dated plaque and graffiti on the interior, highlighting the need for preservation and respect.The hike to Moonshiners Cave is an easy way to experience a unique slice of Arkansas history and nature.