Adventure’s Calling: This Trail Is Ideal for Fossil Hunting in Arkansas

If you’re looking for hikes in Arkansas that bring out your sense of adventure, head to Devil’s Den State Park and embark on the Fossil Flats Loop. This 2.6-mile trail in Winslow, Arkansas, leads to an exposed creek bed where you can search for fossils in the rock. With minimal elevation gain, I think it’s an ideal hike for beginners, families (dogs included!), or anyone looking for a unique outdoor adventure that isn’t too strenuous. 

The Fossil Flats Loop has an elevation gain of just under 200 feet, so it’s perfect for those times when you want to enjoy the great outdoors without working up a big sweat. It’s open year-round, and the scenery is always beautiful. The trees change color in the fall, their bright green leaves transforming into warm, autumnal hues. If you visit in the winter, you may see a frozen waterfall. Summertime hikers can enjoy cooling off in Lee Creek, which crosses the trail in several spots. (Watch out for ticks, as they’re prevalent here during the warmer months.) 

No matter when you take the Fossil Flats Loop, I know you'll be wowed by the wild, untamed landscape. The path is surrounded by the rugged rock formations the Ozarks are famous for, and the crystal-clear creek waters are calm and placid. Lining the creek are lush trees that provide plenty of shade as their leaves gently rustle in the wind.

When you reach the dry creek bed, you’ll see where the trail gets its name from. Fossils are embedded in the rock, and searching for them will make you feel like a paleontologist. You can pick up the fossils for a closer look, but please return them to their original location so future hikers can marvel at this incredible evidence of the ancient life that once existed here. This is a great activity for kids because it allows them to get some fresh air and exercise while learning about natural history, not to mention it’s just plain fun. You could even make a game out of it and see how many fossils you can find. 

You'll also see evidence of early settlers in the area, including a historic homestead. If you're interested in camping, there's a hike-in campsite on the trail. Mountain biking is allowed on the Fossil Flats Loop as well. It intersects with almost a dozen other trails, so you can create your own adventure.  

Have you ever taken this unique trail? Are there any other hikes in Arkansas where you can see fossils? We’d love to hear your suggestions. Visit AllTrails for more information about the Fossil Flats Loop, including current trail conditions.

If you’re bummed that you can’t take any of the fossilized rocks home with you, you’ll love the Crystal Vista Trail in the Crystal Mountain Scenic Area. The trail runs across the surface of a former commercial quartz mine, and you can collect and keep any crystals you find.