Many facilities built by the CCC have been preserved as part of the 1/4 mile self-guided CCC Interpretive Trail, which incorporates exhibits to assist visitors in imagining the park during construction. The 1/4 mile Woody Plant Trail highlights 16 of the more than 75 tree and woody plant species found within the park. The Lee Creek and Lake Trails offer good wildlife watching opportunities, and the latter crosses a suspension bridge and provides a great view of the CCC dam, quite a sight when the water is rushing. There is a 15 mile mountain bike trail, which is moderate to strenuous in places, 3 horse trails, as well as the 15 mile Butterfield Trail for hikers seeking an overnight experience.
Devil's Den Geology
The Devil's Den and Yellow Rock trails have been designated National Recreation Trails by the National Parks Service. According to Harnish and Keck's "Guide to the Caves and Crevices of the Devil's Den Trail", Devil's Den is the largest crevice area in the United States and is unique in structure. The Boston Mountains are actually part of a plateau, made largely of sedimentary sandstone and shale, left behind when a shallow sea receded some 300 million years ago. While sedimentary rocks are normally layered horizontally, along the Devil's Den Trail sandstone is layered at an angle, creating vertically-oriented fissures for water to penetrate through. As the water reached the impervious shale located beneath the sandstone, coupled with Lee Creek eroding the supporting substrate, a large mass of sandstone slid off of its now lubricated shale base, cracking and creating the fractured crevice caves that make Devil's Den so spectacular.
Devil's Den Wildlife
The park is named for its longest cave, which extends 550 feet and in winter houses eastern pipistrelle bats. Less well-known caves provide refuge to the endangered Indiana and Ozark big-eared bats. The park is thankfully protective of its bats, as known hibernacula of the endangered bats have been equipped with alarm systems, and tripping one can carry a $100,000 fine. Disturbing bats from their winter slumber can cause them to use up precious energy reserves and may be fatal. If a bat is encountered, admire it respectfully but please, do not disturb! There are many other points of interest along this 1.5 mile trail, including Devil's Icebox and Twin Falls. A day spent at Devil's Den State Park is sure to make one want to return!
In the area for a while? There are many other attractions near Devil's Den and around Northwest Arkansas.
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