Old Road Horse Trail at Devils Den State Park Arkansas

The Old Road Horse Trail at Devils Den State Park, located in West fork Arkansas, is the easiest of the three horse trails. This trail is the only horse trail in the park that stays completely within the boundaries of Devils Den. The trail is moderate in difficulty. It crosses Highway 170 on two places. There are historic and scenic sites to take in. Be sure to bring a camera.

Before starting out it is a good idea to contact the Devil's Den State Park Office to get current conditions of Old Road Horse Trail and to get the current rates for camping and day use of the horse area.

When planning to ride the Old Road Horse Trail; bring along an extra sweater or jacket, a camera, binoculars, drinking water and a picnic lunch or snack. The trail is 5 miles long, moderately difficult, and takes about 2 hours to complete. Old Road Horse Trail is named for Old Highway 170, a dirt road built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The road is one of several historically significant landmarks along this trail. In addition to the old road; there is an old explosive bunker and an abandoned dirt road which used to be the main road through this area about a century ago. Many species of birds and other wildlife can be viewed along Old Road Trail. Binoculars help make the most of the views. The Old Road Horse Trail crosses the current Highway 170 in two places. Extreme caution should be used as this road is very winding and driver visibility is limited.

The Trail

The trailhead to Old Road Horse Trail is located across Arkansas Highway 220, to the west of the Horse Camping Area. The trail is blazoned with horseshoes mounted on yellow plates. Immediately after starting the Old Road Trail, it crosses the abandoned old dirt road mentioned above. Then the trail ascends up the hill and passes several old car parts left there from days of old. As the Old Road Horse Trail continues, it travels through a stand of cedars and forks. Travel in the direction of your choice. I have written this article to describe the trail by taking a left at this fork. From the fork, the trail meanders uphill and comes within view of Highway 170. The trail crosses the old CCC road (old highway 170, still clearly visible) and continues to ascend up the hill and turns left. Here you will see a small cement structure. This is the old explosive bunker mentioned above. The bunker was used by the CCC while building the road. Continue along the Old Road Trail and it eventually crosses the old CCC road another time. Here the trail moseys through the woods to the right. This is a good place to stop and have a snack and to view wildlife. The trail then arrives at the first crossing of Highway 170. Be careful here.

Once you cross the highway, the trail will descend quickly. It drops 400 feet in elevation in less than a mile. As the trail terrain flattens out, Old Road Horse Trail (in yellow) crosses the Yellow Rock Hiking Trail, which is part of the National Trails System. This is the only part of the Yellow Rock Trail where horses are allowed. To see an amazing view, turn left down Yellow Rock Hiking Trail until you come to a hitching post. Tie the horses here, they are not allowed out on Yellow Rock. Follow the trail about 100 yards to Yellow Rock. You cannot miss it. This outcropping gets its name from the iron that is trapped in the sandstone and has turned the rock a yellow color. The Yellow Rock outcrop is 250 feet above the valley. The view of the Lee Creek River headwaters and surrounding area is outstanding. Yellow Rock is another place to stop and have a snack or picnic. Bald eagles can be seen during the fall and winter months. In spring and summer many migratory birds can be viewed. This final part of the Old Road trail is the most scenic.

Return to the Old Road Horse Trail and continue along down the mountain. This scenic part of the trail will bring the rider through shelter bluffs and a cliff ridge. Amazing views await the rider. Continue to descend down the trail; it passes under the CCC overlook and drops another 130 feet in elevation to the second crossing of Arkansas Highway 170. Use caution when crossing. Arkansas Highway 170 is a busy road at times and it is difficult for drivers to see you. After crossing the highway, the Old Road Horse Trail continues to the left and proceeds down the hill to the trailhead, thus completing the loop.

Devils Den State Park is located on 11333 West Arkansas Highway 74, West Fork, Arkansas, 72774. The park office can be reached by phone at 479-761-3325. In addition to horseback riding trails, Devils Den State Park offers hiking, camping, fishing, swimming and boating. It is opened almost every day of the year, Contact the park for more details.

To read more articles on camping and parks by this author click on the links below:

The Best Campgrounds for Kids in Adirondack Park

Great Scenic Driving Tours of Adirondack Park

Upstate New York RV Campgrounds

Summer Guide to Visiting Thousand Island Region of New York

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Devils Den State Park