Devil’s Den State Park
Widely considered a state icon, Devil’s Den State Park is a must-see for your day trips in Arkansas. Situated just west of the Ozark National Forest near the state border, the park was built in the 1930s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a work relief program that provided employment for young men from 1933 to 1942. Devil’s Den is notable for being one of the best-preserved Civilian Conservation Corps projects in the US.
Surrounded by the native oak of the Ozark National Forest, and dissected by the pristine Lee Creek, Devil’s Den captures the magic of the Arkansas landscape. You’ll find Lake Devil, created by a native stone dam, deep inside the heart of the park, and whether you’re a “water baby” or not, its peaceful water is a sight that should be on anybody’s bucket list! The eight-acre lake attracts anglers as well as boaters, who can rent canoes and pedal boats on site.
The young men of the CCC used native wood and stone to build the park’s structures, which include pavilions, 17 cabins, and the rock dam on Lee Creek that formed Lake Devil. In recognition of its unique, rustic architecture, Devil’s Den State Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
The CCC were also responsible for creating the park’s trails, which extend to the adjacent Ozark National Forest. Nearly a dozen trails take visitors past waterfalls, caverns, and interesting rock formations. The trails are popular with hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Website: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/devils-den-state-park
- Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Admission: No charge unless you are camping
- Location: Winslow, AR 72959
