Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead and Campground

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Northwest Arkansas, the Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead and Campground offers a quintessential outdoor experience for locals and visitors alike. As a vital component of the renowned Devil’s Den State Park, this destination has become a beacon for adventurers seeking thrilling mountain biking trails, serene hiking paths, and comfortable camping facilities. It represents Arkansas's commitment to providing world-class outdoor recreation, seamlessly blending natural beauty with meticulously crafted amenities.

Devil’s Racetrack is more than just a trailhead; it's a gateway to an expansive network of trails that showcase the unique geology and lush forests of the Ozark Mountains. Known for its distinctive rock formations, bluffs, and seasonal waterfalls, the area provides a dynamic environment for various activities. The spirit of adventure is palpable here, with trails designed by expert builders to offer both challenge and awe-inspiring views. From the rich history embedded in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architecture of Devil’s Den State Park to the modern, sustainable design of its trails, Devil's Racetrack embodies a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary outdoor enjoyment.

This location is celebrated by those who visit, often described as "Everything a state park should be" and lauded for its "Amazing mountain biking!" It offers a truly immersive experience in the heart of Arkansas’s natural beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with the outdoors.

The Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead and Campground is conveniently situated within Devil’s Den State Park, located at QPCJ+8G, Banyard, AR 72774, USA. This prime location places it in the scenic Lee Creek Valley, providing relatively easy access for many residents of Northwest Arkansas. While specific directions can vary based on your starting point, it's typically accessible via Arkansas Highway 220 (Lee Creek Road), west of the park's horse camp.

Accessibility to the trails is designed to be straightforward, with several entry points. The Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead itself includes a dedicated parking area, restrooms, and changing stalls, providing essential conveniences before and after your adventures. Additionally, the trail can be accessed from various camping areas within Devil's Den State Park, such as Campground A, as well as connections to other popular trails like Goldbrick Trail and the historic Fossil Flats Trail. Visitors are encouraged to utilize resources like online trail maps or apps like TrailForks for optimal navigation, as cell service can be limited in certain areas of the park.

The park's infrastructure, largely influenced by the rustic-style wood and stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings, creating a welcoming and authentic atmosphere. This blend of historical charm and modern convenience ensures that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, whether they are arriving for a day trip or an extended stay.

The Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead and Campground, as part of Devil’s Den State Park, offers a comprehensive array of services designed to enhance the visitor experience. These include:

• Camping Facilities: The park boasts a large campground with 135 campsites, including Class AAA sites with full hookups (water, 50 amp, sewer), Class D sites (no hookups), and dedicated bike-in (tent-only) sites. There are also 24 sites with hookups in the horse camp, which includes a bathhouse. Seven new hike-in/bike-in backcountry-style campsites are nestled near the Ellis Branch Creek, accessible from the new parking area.
• Cabin Rentals: For those preferring more comfort, the park offers 17 full-service cabins with modern amenities such as satellite television, heat, air conditioning, and full kitchens. Additionally, there are 9 rustic “camper cabins” that provide a closer-to-camping experience without internal facilities but with access to a shared bathhouse.
• Restrooms and Showers: Modern, well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities are available for campers and day-use visitors, particularly at the Devil's Racetrack Trailhead and throughout the main campgrounds.
• Visitor Center: The park's visitor center is open daily and provides information, maps, and interpretive programs.
• Park Store: A park store is available, offering supplies and souvenirs for visitors.
• Seasonal Cafe and Pool: During peak season, a cafe provides dining options, and a swimming pool is open for refreshing dips after a day on the trails.
• Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic tables and large picnic pavilions are available for day use, with some pavilions available for rent for group gatherings.

The Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead and Campground, and the broader Devil’s Den State Park, are rich with features and highlights that make them a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Arkansas.

• World-Class Mountain Biking: Devil’s Racetrack is a key part of the Monument Trail system, recognized for its professionally crafted, sustainable trails. Reviews consistently highlight the "Amazing mountain biking!" with trails featuring unique rock formations, natural obstacles, and exciting descents. The Devil's Racetrack trail itself travels almost the length of the park, linking up with other trails and offering diverse terrain for various skill levels.
• Scenic Hiking Opportunities: Beyond mountain biking, the area offers fantastic hiking trails. The Devil's Racetrack trail is also open to hikers and provides stunning views, bluffs, and the chance to pass under or behind waterfalls, especially after rain. Other notable trails like Yellow Rock Trail and Moonshiners Cave Trail offer different perspectives of the park's beauty.
• Unique Geological Formations: The park is famous for its distinctive sandstone and limestone bluffs, caves, and crevices, making it a geological marvel. Visitors can observe ancient fossils embedded in the rocks, particularly along the lower sections of the Devil's Racetrack trail.
• Waterfalls: After periods of rain, the trails come alive with numerous waterfalls, providing picturesque scenes and unique riding or hiking experiences where you can even go under the falls.
• Lee Creek and Lake Devil: Lee Creek runs through the park, offering opportunities for swimming in various holes. The 8-acre Lake Devil, formed by an impressive rock dam, is available for fishing and pedal boating.
• Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) History: The park is on the National Register of Historic Places for being one of the most preserved CCC sites in the country. The rustic architecture and many of the original trails were built by the CCC in the 1930s, adding a rich historical layer to the natural experience.
• Ozark Mountain Bike Festival: Devil's Den State Park hosts the annual Ozark Mountain Bike Festival every spring, a testament to its significant role in the Arkansas mountain biking community.

For direct inquiries, reservations, or more specific information about Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead and Campground, please refer to the following:

Address: QPCJ+8G, Banyard, AR 72774, USA

Phone: (479) 761-3325 (for Devil's Den State Park general inquiries and reservations)

For the most current information regarding trail conditions, camping availability, and park programs, it is always recommended to contact Devil's Den State Park directly.

For residents of Arkansas, Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead and Campground is not just another outdoor spot; it’s a local treasure that offers an unparalleled escape into nature right in their backyard. The consistent positive feedback, such as "Wow, just wow" and "Fantastic ride," from those who have experienced it, underscores its appeal. Its status as a world-class mountain biking destination within the Monument Trail system means that Arkansans have access to some of the finest trails designed by top builders, eliminating the need to travel far for high-quality outdoor adventures.

The blend of challenging terrain for experienced riders and hikers, coupled with the serene beauty of the Ozarks, ensures there’s something for every skill level and interest. The unique geological features, seasonal waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife viewing create a dynamic environment that evolves with the seasons, encouraging repeat visits. The historical significance of the Civilian Conservation Corps structures adds a layer of depth, inviting locals to connect with Arkansas's rich heritage while enjoying its natural wonders.

Moreover, the range of amenities, from diverse camping options to comfortable cabins, makes it suitable for various types of trips—whether it's a quick day ride, a weekend camping trip with the family, or an extended stay to fully explore the park. Its accessibility from many parts of Northwest Arkansas makes it a convenient and practical choice for spontaneous excursions or well-planned getaways. Devil’s Racetrack is truly a place where lasting memories are made, a testament to the extraordinary places Arkansas has to offer its own.