Fossil Flats Trailhead: A Natural Ozark Mountain Experience

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Explore scenic trails, discover fossils, and experience the Ozark Mountains at Devil's Den State Park's historic Fossil Flats Trailhead.

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Fossil Flats Trailhead

Fossil Flats Trailhead, located in Devil's Den State Park near West Fork, Arkansas, offers hikers and mountain bikers a moderate trail system with scenic creek views, unique rock formations, and visible fossils. The area showcases the beauty of the Ozark Mountains and the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

A brief summary to Fossil Flats Trailhead

11333 AR-74, West Fork, Arkansas, 72774, US
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Monday 8 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-8 pm
Saturday 8 am-8 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain.
Bring water, especially during warmer months, as the trail can be strenuous.
Be aware of potential snake encounters along the trail.
Visit during the week to avoid crowded conditions on the weekend.

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Getting There

Driving

From West Fork, Arkansas, head west on AR-74 for approximately 6 miles. The Fossil Flats Trailhead is located within Devil's Den State Park. Follow the signs to the trailhead parking area. Parking is free. Limited parking is available at the trailhead.
Walking

From the main camping areas within Devil's Den State Park, follow the signs for the Fossil Flats Trailhead. The trailhead is located near Campground A. The walk is approximately 0.5 miles from the center of the campground.

Discover more about Fossil Flats Trailhead

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.