Vista Horse Trail at Devils Den State Park, Arkansas

The Vista Horse Trail at Devil's Den State Park located in West Fork, Arkansas is the most difficult of the three horse trails. The name is derived from the Vista Point Overlook which offers an incredible view of the Blackburn Creek and surrounding area. The trail is approximately 9 miles long. Expect to spend at least 5 hours riding to complete the trail. This trail is for expert or advanced riders only. There are creek crossings, steep inclines and descents. It can be a strenuous ride for both riders and horses. Some of the trail leaves Devils Den State Park and enters the Ozark National Forest. Wildlife and amazing scenery abound. Be sure to bring a camera.

Before you go contact the park office at Devils Den State Park to find out about current trail and weather conditions. The park has very specific rules about where horses can ride. A campground area specifically designated for horses and their owners has spaces for RV's and horse trailers. Tree to tree ties are available to tie up horses. A horse wash and people showers, electricity and water are available at the horse campsite.

When planning to ride the Vista Horse Trail, be sure to pack a camera, drinking water, food and a flashlight or headlamp for exploring the geological features in Quaill Valley. Vista Horse Trail offers many places to dismount, take scenic pictures, and enjoy a picnic lunch or snack. The panoramic views from the lookout cannot be beat. Be sure to take an extra sweater or jacket as the trail heads through woods and along mountain ridges. Expect wind and cooler temperatures.

The Trail

The Vista Horse Trail begins on the east side of the Horse Campground. Vista Horse Trail is blazoned with horseshoes attached to green plates. Trailheads to Vista Horse Trail and Gorley King Horse Trail (red markers) start out in the same place. Start at the trail head and follow it down to Lee Creek, where you will cross the creek. Vista Trail and Gorley King Trail follow the same route for one and a half miles. Vista Horse Trail will veer off to the left. Shortly after this break the Vista Horse Trail leaves Devils Den State Park and enters the Ozark National Forest. Be sure to follow the green trail blazons. As the trail begins to ascend up the ridge toward Mount Olive, it crosses Holt Road and a then second smaller road once used by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). You continue up the mountain and cross the overnight hiking trail (blue trail blazons). There may be pedestrian traffic but they must give horses the right of way. After crossing the hiking trail, Vista trail levels off for a short distance and then begins to descend into the valley. As you descend there are a few historic sites to see. An old well that was part of an 1800's homestead is the first of these sites. Continuing on, the Vista Horse Trail comes to another old road and follows Highway 74 to the right. Located at the intersection of Highway 74 and this old road are the historical sites of the old Mount Olive School and church. These were in use until 1937. Follow the old road for another mile and it intersects with a third old road. Turn left (follow the green trail blazons) down this third old road. Vista Horse Trail continues along the third old road and then begins an ascent to the bluffs of Vista Point. Vista Point Overlook offers killer views, the best in the area. Just a mere 100 yards down the trail from Vista Point Overlook the Butterfield Hiking Trail intersects with the Vista Horse Trail. Both trails continue together for a short distance and then the Butterfield Hiking Trail (blue blazons, no horseshoes) breaks off to the left and descends into the Quaill Valley.

There is a hitching post nearby. It is well worth the effort to dismount and tie up the horse. Horses are not allowed on the Butterfield Hiking Trail (except where it intersects with the horse trails). Follow the Butterfield Trail down into the Quaill Valley and explore the many caves, crevices, waterfalls, and unique geological features that are exclusive to the Boston Mountains. A flashlight or headlamp is handy when exploring the rock formations. These features were formed when a large portion of the mountain fell off into the valley. When you are done exploring the geology of Quaill Valley continue on for more excitement. Keep track of the time spent here. Vista Horse Trail is a long strenuous trail and it is close to impossible to travel in the dark.

Vista Horse Trail then continues down pass the bluffs and to another historical site. It brings you through the lower part of the CCC quarry. This quarry was used for sandstone. The buildings, dams, and other structures of Devils Den State Park were constructed from the sandstone taken from this quarry. From the quarry follow the trail across Holt Road and it joins up with the Gorley King Horse Trail and the Butterfield Hiking Trail. Stay to the right in order to travel to the Holt Ridge Overlook. The overlook offers more amazing views of the valley and wildlife. Check for bald eagles in the fall and winter. At this point you have re-entered Devil's Den State Park. To end the trail follow the green trail blazons to the left. Vista Trail descends down the ridge, across Lee Creek and back into the east side of the horse camp.

Vista Horse Trail is just one of the many attractions of Devils Den State Park. Horses are not available for hire in the park; however several places just outside the park offer hire out horses by the hour or by the day. Why not camp for a few days and enjoy all the attractions at the park including hiking trails, boating and swimming. Contact the Devil's Den State Park office at 11333 West Arkansas Highway 74, West Fork Arkansas, 72774. Call them at 479-761-3325.

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

Sources:

http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/devilsden/