Lee Creek Crossing

Embark on the Butterfield Hiking Trail for a deep dive into the rugged beauty of the Ozarks, a challenging 14.8-mile (23.8 km) loop that will test your mettle over roughly 8 hours and 19 minutes. You'll traverse varied terrain, from lush forests with streams and small waterfalls to dramatic rock outcrops and bluffs, particularly around Blackburn Creek, offering a true wilderness feel.

This difficult route, with its 1742 feet (531 metres) of elevation gain, requires a free permit obtained from the Devil's Den State Park office before you begin. Spring and fall are considered the best times to hike, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. The trail is a loop, starting and ending in Devil's Den State Park, making logistics straightforward for multi-day trips.

Named after the historic Butterfield Stagecoach, this trail is one of the few looped backpacking options in Arkansas, making it a popular choice for those seeking an overnight or two-day adventure without needing a shuttle. You'll experience unique Ozark "balds"—patches of prairie on sun-bleached slopes—and abundant wildlife, showcasing the region's natural diversity.

The Yellowrock Overlook – CCC Overlook Shelter loop from Devil's Den State Park offers a diverse journey through unique Ozark geology and stunning vistas. You'll climb past impressive rock formations and through cedar glades, eventually reaching the Yellow Rock Overlook for panoramic views of the Lee Creek Valley. Further along, the historic CCC Overlook Shelter provides another excellent spot to take in the scenery. This 8.1-mile (13.1 km) hike, with 746 feet (227 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and typically takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes.

To plan your visit, head to Devil's Den State Park. The trail can be muddy after rain, and some sections are exposed, so carry plenty of water, especially in summer. Fall is a particularly beautiful time to hike this route, as the valley bursts with autumn colors. While the initial climb is steep, the trail is generally manageable for most hikers, including families.

This route is notable for its iconic views, often compared to Whitaker Point, and its historical significance. Both the trail and the CCC Overlook pavilion were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, showcasing extensive rock work from that era. It's a National Recreation Trail, packing diverse landscapes from dramatic rock formations to dense forests and expansive valley views into its length.