Devil’s Den State Park hosted an open house of its new Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead, parking area, restrooms and campground today. The Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead is part of the Monument Trail system, one of four sets of trails in the Arkansas State Park’s Monument Trails family. Other Monument Trail systems are located at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Mount Nebo State Park and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.“As Arkansans, we are fortunate to have a world-class mountain biking network of trails in our own backyard,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “This new trailhead and its amenities further enhance the experience of the Monument Trail system, offering visitors of all skill levels a meaningful and enduring experience in nature.”
The Monument Trails project is a partnership between Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Parks & Recreation Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation. These shared-use trails are professionally crafted by some of the world’s best trail builders to showcase natural iconic beauty through innovative and sustainable design and building. The Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead, a Monument Trails Project, was funded through a Walton Family Foundation Home Region Grant.
“We are excited to continue the work we began as a partner in the Arkansas Monument Trails network,” said Suzanne Grobmyer, executive director of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation. “This latest project creates an additional space for hikers, bikers and trail runners to have an exceptional outdoor adventure.”
The Devil’s Den Monument Trail project included rehabilitation of the Fossil Flats Mountain Biking Trail and the creation of 12 new trails that opened in May 2021. In addition to the new parking area, restrooms, campground and Devil’s Racetrack Trailhead, the newest amenities include changing stalls open to the public and plans for seven new hike-in/bike-in backcountry style campsites nestled near the Ellis Branch Creek and accessible by the new parking area.
“Monument Trails are seamlessly woven into the beautiful landscape of Arkansas State Parks and highlight the unique terrain, historic landmarks and scenic vistas,” said Shea Lewis, director of Arkansas State Parks. “This new trailhead and its amenities are just another way that Arkansas State Parks connect visitors to our state’s extraordinary places, build lasting memories from each visit and complete the experience.”
The trailhead and new amenities were designed and built by Boulder Construction of Fayetteville. The design was inspired by the Civilian Conservation Corps architectural style, known for its use of native stone, already present at the park.
The total investment of the entire Monument Trail project is $2,023,350.00. The total portion of the amenities opening today (parking lot, restroom, changing stall and new camping area) is $940,078.00.
