Yellow Rock Trail - Devil's Den State Park

Devil’s Den State Park is a 2,500-acre park that offers miles of hiking with varying distances, and each trail offers a unique landscape for nonstop exploration. Yellow Rock Trail is a popular 3-mile semi-loop that takes you up to the popular Yellow Rock Overlook. The trailhead is located near the campground and goes past some amazing rock formations that showcase the geology of the Ozarks, with crevices cut into the multi-layered rock walls. The trail goes under overhanging rocks and along cliffs that aren’t very deep (although you’ll still want to keep an eye on the youngest hikers) before bringing you through cedar glades. At the fork, you can head left for a .3-mile hike up to the CCC Overlook pavilion before coming back and taking the trail toward the Yellow Rock Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of Lee Creek Valley. Fall is the best time to visit as the valley is ablaze in bright fall colors, so you’ll want to follow along with local weather blogs to keep abreast of peak fall times so you plan your visit and enjoy the fall foliage. There are no fences or guardrails at the Yellow Rock Overlook, so please take caution to keep everyone in your party at a safe distance from the jutting rocks. Dogs are allowed on trail but must stay on a leash. Bring plenty of water and pack a snack as both overlooks are great options for taking a snack and water break. Make a weekend of it – stay in the park and enjoy the amenities like the year-round cafe and store, and cool down in the summers at the pool after a hard day of hiking. There are rustic and full-service cabins as well as over 100 campsites.