The Butterfield Hiking Trail in Northwest Arkansas: Day Hikes

The Butterfield Hiking Trail is located in the Ozark National Forest. Part of the trail takes you through Devil's Den State Park near West Fork, but most of the trail lies outside the park's boundaries. The trail is named for the Butterfield Overland Trail, the longest stage coach route in the world. The actual stagecoach route lies about 2 miles from the hiking trail. In order to access the trail, hikers must stop at the Visitors' Center in Devil's Den State Park to obtain a free permit.

Trail Rating

The Butterfield Hiking Trail is rated as strenuous. Uneven and rocky terrain adds to the difficulty of the trail. Good hiking boots are a must.

This trail creates a loop that covers almost 15 miles. It is blazoned by blue diamonds, although some trees still have blue rectangles painted on them. Blue diamonds with a white border indicate a change in the trail. Mile markers on located on metal stakes at each mile. The trail is marked in both directions. Only extremely experienced hikers who know the trail well can complete the entire 15 miles in a single day.

Day Hike from Route 74 to Quaill Valley

This hike is a total of 4 miles, out and back. After checking in at the Devil's Den Visitors' Center, exit the parking lot and turn right. Proceed up the hill on Rt. 74 until you come to a sign that says Holt Road, Cross Country Trail. Park your car by the sign on the left hand side of the road. Cross the road and proceed down Holt Road (unpaved) for 0.2 miles. The trail will turn toward the left away from Holt Road. This will take you up a hill to the Mount Olive area. Mount Olive is the highest point of the Butterfield Hiking Trail. This is a short distance from the remains of the Mount Olive School and Church. These remains are not visible from the Butterfield Hiking Trail.

As you head toward mile marker 4, the trail will cross the Vista Horse Trail (green blazon with horseshoe). Continue on the Butterfield Hiking Trail until you see a marker that indicates the trail makes a dogleg turn to the right, down a rather steep hill. At this point you can follow the trail straight ahead, which is part of the Vista Horse Trail to the Vista Point Overlook. The overlook is about 150 yards down the horse trail. This is a sight worth visiting as it has amazing views of the Blackburn Valley. Be careful near the bluff edge, it can be slippery in wet weather.

Return to the Butterfield Hiking Trail and continue down the hill. Here the trail crosses an intermittent stream, in spring and early summer look for tadpoles; you will see thousands of them. As soon as you cross the stream the trail heads back uphill to the bluff line. The top of this ridge is 80 feet above the valley. The views are breathtaking. Continue along the bluff line and the trail will descend into Quaill Valley. A large piece of the mountain fell 100 feet down into the valley creating a geologically unique area. Quaill Valley offers the hiker crevices, caves, and bluffs to explore. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you wish to enter the crevices and caves.

Mile marker 5 brings you to the turnaround point. Return back the way you came in. Be sure to let the park service know once you are off the trail. Depending on weather conditions and the fitness level of the hiker, this day hike can take 3 hours or more. It is not stroller friendly, and children under the age of 8 may have difficulty completing this hike.

Butterfield Hiking Trail Trailhead to Holt Ridge Overlook

This is a strenuous hike. Although the mileage is only a total of 5 miles for this out and back trail, you have to cross the Hell's Half Mile twice, once uphill and then downhill. Allow 4 hours to complete this hike, it is not stroller friendly and young children may find this trail impossible to manage (small feet tire quickly).

This hike takes you from the trailhead located in the parking lot by the CCC Dam and playground to Holt Overlook. It is a hike worth enduring as Holt Overlook has possibly the best view in the entire area. Starting at the trailhead, follow the trail away from the suspension bridge and the dam. This first part of the trail will follow Lee Creek and gently go up and down along the ridge, crossing the horse trails. Be sure to follow the blue diamonds that mark the Butterfield Hiking Trail (BHT). As you follow the bluff line, you will come to mile marker 1 (or mile marker 14 if coming from the other direction).

Shortly after mile marker 1, the trail will start to ascend quickly up the ridge in a wide arc. This is known as Hell's Half Mile. There will be a 400 feet gain in elevation over the next half mile of trail, take it slow. Once you are on top of the ridge look for the intersection with the Gorley King Horse Trail (red blazon with horseshoe). It is just before mile marker 2 (or 13 if coming the other way) The Holt Overlook is down the horse trail to the left, the Butterfield Hiking Trail heads uphill. Follow the Horse Trail for 0.6 miles (one way) to the overlook. The views are well worth the hike. From the overlook you will have a clear view of the entire Lee Creek Valley. The vista is amidst of cedar glades. It is truly a sight to behold. Use your time spent at the overlook to rest after the uphill climb. Go back to the trail and continue on until you reach mile marker 2, the turnaround point for this hike. The good news is that the return trip is mostly downhill.

Day hikes are an alternative to hiking the entire Butterfield Hiking Trail. These hikes bring visitors to several of the most scenic areas on the trail. Enjoy them and remember to leave no trace of your visit.

sources:

Devil's Den State Park