Moonshiners Cave Trail Sounds Intense, But It’s One of the Best Hikes in Arkansas

At first glance, Moonshiners Cave Trail sounds like a scary hiking trail in Arkansas where outlaws might still be lurking in the shadows. In reality, this short hike is a peaceful walk through the Ozark woods to a historic cave nestled beneath towering sandstone bluffs. Rich in local legend and surrounded by beautiful scenery, it's a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to experience a lesser-known place to go hiking in Arkansas.

Why Is It Called "Moonshiners Cave"?

With a name like Moonshiners Cave, you can probably guess the lore surrounding this hiking destination. Legend has it that during Prohibition, bootleggers took advantage of the remote, mountainous terrain and built a hideout to make and store moonshine without drawing attention from authorities. Some long-time residents even insist that you could smell the moonshine on windy days. According to historians, however, the true story isn't quite so sensational. The cave was likely built by a pioneer family in the early 1900s to serve as a root cellar. Park officials agree that it would've been difficult to sustain a full-time moonshine operation because there isn't a constant, reliable water source. Whether the stories are true or not, this strangely named hiking trail is one of the most memorable adventures the Ozarks have to offer.

What the Hike Is Actually Like

Less than a mile long, Moonshiners Cave Trail is one of the best hikes in Arkansas if you want to enjoy beautiful scenery without putting in too much effort. It's moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 200 feet, and a quick downhill stroll through the trees leads you straight to the cave. While the trail is a bit steep and occasionally has loose rocks, it's still considered a family-friendly hike. There are unique rock formations all along the trail, but they're only a small taste of what's to come. Of course, the rock shelter is the highlight—it's not a huge cave, but it is big enough to go inside. The light shining in through the windows makes for some neat photos. After a good rain, you can see one of the most underrated waterfalls in Arkansas just outside the cave (it's stunning when it freezes over in the winter!). The trail is accessible year-round, and if you're a leaf-peeper, the fall colors are gorgeous.

What to Know Before You Go

Moonshiners Cave Trail is located just outside the entrance to Devil's Den State Park near Winslow, but it is not an official state park trail. The trailhead is located directly across from the Devil's Den State Park entrance sign. Parking is free, but spaces are limited. No permits or entrance fees are required to hike the trail since it lies outside the park boundary (which also means there are no visitor amenities). If you need restrooms or drinking water, stop at Devil's Den State Park before or after your hike. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Because the trail is unofficial, it's also unmarked, so download a map before you arrive (cell service in the area can be unreliable). Wear hiking shoes with good traction so you don't trip on the loose rocks, and leave the cave exactly as you found it so future hikers can enjoy this unique piece of Arkansas history.

Is Moonshiners Cave Trail Worth Hiking?

If you enjoy finding hidden hiking trails in Arkansas, Moonshiners Cave Trail is worth the detour. This scenic hiking trail is less than a mile round trip, but it packs in a surprising amount of scenery, from the historic cave to the seasonal waterfall and a peaceful Ozark forest setting. The combination of mysterious local lore and unexpected natural beauty set it apart from well-known state park trails. The only real drawback of Moonshiners Cave is the length—if you're looking to spend a full day on the trail, this may not be the hike for you. In that case, maybe consider exploring Devil's Den State Park for a few hours, then visit the cave on the way out.

This trail is an excellent choice for those who appreciate unusual hiking trail names, nature photographers seeking inspiration, history buffs intrigued by Prohibition-era legends, and anyone wanting a quick adventure in the Ozarks. Because the hike is relatively short, it's easy to add to a day of exploring northwest Arkansas without committing to a long trek.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Moonshiners Cave Trail. If we've piqued your interest in strange hiking trail names, check out the Devil's Eyebrow. Despite its evil moniker, this hike with a scary name is worth the adventure.