Fossil Flats Trailhead: A Natural Ozark Mountain Experience

Fossil Flats Trailhead is a popular destination within Devil's Den State Park, offering a moderate trail system for hiking and mountain biking. The trailhead is located on the western side of West Fork, Arkansas. The trail system is known for its scenic beauty, showcasing the natural wonders of the Ozark Mountains. The area is historically significant as one of the first dedicated mountain biking trails in Arkansas, with the first mountain bike festival in the state being held here. The trail system has been improved over the years and is now over six miles in length. It has hosted the Northwest Arkansas Mountain Bike Championships and the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival for many years. The trail's name comes from the flat, exposed rock in the creek bed where many fossils are visible. Along the trail, visitors can see evidence of early settlers and the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC developed Devil's Den State Park in the 1930s, building many of the park's trails and recreational facilities. The Fossil Flats Trail system offers a choice of loops, ranging from 2.4 to 6 miles, with increasing difficulty. The terrain includes singletrack, doubletrack, and technical sections, with creek crossings and rocky climbs.