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Yellow Rock Overlook: A Window to the Ozarks

Hike to panoramic views on the Yellow Rock Trail in Devil's Den State Park, a CCC-era treasure in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.

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Hike the Yellow Rock Trail in Devil's Den State Park to a stunning overlook with panoramic views of Lee Creek Valley. This moderate 3-mile loop showcases the beauty of the Ozark Mountains, with unique rock formations and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history.

A brief summary to Yellow Rock Overlook

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky and uneven.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the hike can be strenuous.
  • Be cautious at the Yellow Rock Overlook, as there are no fences or guardrails.
  • Visit during the fall for vibrant foliage views of the Lee Creek Valley.
  • Check the Devil's Den State Park website for trail conditions and possible closures.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Devil's Den State Park is located off Highway 74. From Interstate 49, take exit 53 (West Fork) and travel 17 miles southwest on AR Hwy 170, or take exit 45 (Winslow) and go 7 miles west on AR Hwy 74. Note that trailers over 26 feet should use exit 53. Once inside the park, follow signs to the Yellow Rock Trailhead near Camping Area A. Parking is available at the trailhead. If the lot is full, additional parking is located across the bridge over Lee Creek.

  • Walking

    From the Yellow Rock Trailhead parking area near Camping Area A, the trail begins with an immediate ascent past natural sandstone crevices. Alternatively, access the trail from the CCC Overlook on Hwy 170 for a mostly flat hike to Yellow Rock. The loop can be hiked in either direction. The lower trailhead near the campground to Yellow Rock is about 1.5 miles. The loop at the top to the Overlook and back is about 2.5 miles. The hike from the Overlook Trailhead to Yellow Rock and back via the loop is about 2 miles.

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Discover more about Yellow Rock Overlook

The Yellow Rock Overlook, situated in Devil's Den State Park near West Fork, Arkansas, offers one of the most breathtaking vistas in the region. The overlook is the highlight of the 3-mile Yellow Rock Trail, a moderately challenging loop that winds through the diverse terrain of the Ozark Mountains. The trail itself is a journey through geological wonders. Hikers traverse past towering sandstone crevices, bluffs, and a shallow cave, remnants of the area's ancient past. As the trail ascends, it passes through cedar glades, offering glimpses into the lives of early settlers and the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). At the Yellow Rock Overlook, hikers are rewarded with an expansive view of Lee Creek Valley. The vista stretches across rolling hills and lush forests, with Lee Creek winding through the valley below. The overlook provides a stunning perspective of the natural beauty that defines the Ozarks. The Yellow Rock Trail also connects to the CCC Overlook Trail, where visitors can explore a historic stone pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This pavilion, the first structure built in the park, offers another scenic viewpoint and a glimpse into the park's rich history. Devil's Den State Park was largely constructed by the CCC, and is considered one of the best-preserved CCC sites in the U.S.. The CCC also built the park's cabins, a dam on Lee Creek that created Lake Devil, bridges and trails. Devil's Den State Park has a long and varied history. The area's rugged terrain, caves and crevices once served as hideouts for outlaws on the Butterfield Stage Line. During the Prohibition era, some caves were used for making moonshine. Today, the park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty and history of the Ozarks.

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