About Fossil Flats Trailhead
Fossil Flats is the classic mountain bike trail at Devil’s Den State Park near West Fork, and it holds a special place in Arkansas riding history as one of the state’s original mountain bike trails. Tucked into a beautiful Ozark valley, it mixes fast, flowy singletrack with technical creek crossings and rocky terrain.
Trail details
The main Fossil Flats loop runs about 6 miles and is mostly singletrack, with a little over 500 feet of climbing. It rates as intermediate. Expect fast and flowy stretches broken up by technical features: rocky sections, a steep climb with fast switchbacks on the descent, a scenic bluff overlook, the gravity cavity descent, and several creek and stream crossings that demand focus and some bike-handling skill. Most riders go clockwise from the main trailhead, but it works in either direction. With the Sawmill connectors you can stitch together a bit more distance.
The park – where it is
Fossil Flats is inside Devil’s Den State Park near West Fork, Arkansas, southeast of Fayetteville. The trail begins at the back of Campground A, where there are shower facilities and water spigots. Being a state park, there is camping on site along with the usual park amenities, and it is a genuinely scenic place to spend a day. The park hosts the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival in the spring and has a long history with Northwest Arkansas mountain bike racing.
Connected & nearby trails
Fossil Flats is a bit apart from the main NWA trail clusters, but it pairs well with the Fayetteville systems to the north.
- Kessler Mountain Regional Park – the closest big Fayetteville system heading back toward town, with a good range of singletrack.
- Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain – a world-class purpose-built park in Fayetteville, great to pair on a weekend trip.
- Lake Wedington – a scenic lake-side system west of Fayetteville if you want another nature-focused ride.
Know before you go
Ride spring through fall, and avoid the trail when it is wet – the creek crossings and dirt get messy and fragile after heavy rain. This is a multi-use trail, so yield to hikers and be ready to share on busy weekends. Bring water even though the campground has spigots, watch your footing on the creek crossings, and give yourself time to enjoy the bluff overlook. There may be a state park day-use or camping fee depending on how you visit.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Fossil Flats Trail?
The main Fossil Flats loop is about 6 miles, mostly singletrack, with a bit over 500 feet of climbing. With connectors and the Sawmill options, riders often piece together a bit more.
How difficult is Fossil Flats?
It is an intermediate trail. It is largely fast and flowy singletrack, but it has technical spots – rocky sections, a steep climb with fast switchbacks, and several creek and stream crossings that take some focus.
Where is the Fossil Flats trailhead?
It is in Devil’s Den State Park near West Fork, Arkansas. The trail starts at the back of Campground A, where you will also find shower facilities and water spigots.
When is the best time to ride Fossil Flats?
Spring through fall is best. The trail can get muddy after heavy rain and should be avoided when wet. Weekends can bring hikers and other riders, so expect company on nice days.
Are dogs allowed at Devil’s Den State Park?
Devil’s Den is a state park that generally allows leashed dogs on trails, but rules can change, so check current park guidance. On a multi-use trail with hikers and other cyclists, keeping a dog leashed and under control is the courteous move.