The Happiness Function

In this article, we share a detailed guide for hiking the Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff Trails in Arkansas.

Tucked in the mountains of North Central Arkansas, the Pedestal Rocks scenic hiking area is a must-add to your day hike bucket list.

The geology you’ll see exploring both the Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff Trails makes for an incredible adventure.

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Where Is the Pedestal Rocks?

The Pedestal Rocks hiking area is located near Pelsor, Arkansas.

Since cell phone reception is hit-and-miss in the Ozarks, map your route ahead of time while you have cell reception.

There is signage off the highway the closer you get, so it is easy to get to the trailhead. The trailhead is well-marked and right off the road.

Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff Trailhead Details

• Distance: 4.6 miles

• Elevation Gain: 580 feet

• Route Type: Loop hike

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Time to Hike: 2-3 hours

This loop trail leads hikers through the forest and along bluffs with epic views of rock formations, natural bridges, caves, and mountain valleys.

The majority of both trails are shaded unless you’re hiking through the rocks.

Best Time to Hike

The trail is accessible year-round.

The best time of year to hike depends on your seasonal preference and weather.

Hiking in the summer will be beautiful, lush, and hot.

You’ll enjoy the beautiful fall foliage the Ozarks display and cooler temperatures during the autumn months.

Winters are relatively mild, so hiking will be weather-dependent.

In the spring, you will see larger waterfalls.

Our Practical Advice

Hike the Loop Counterclockwise — When you first start down the trailhead from the parking lot, you’ll walk over a little bridge. Keep going, and you’ll come to the Kings Bluff Trailhead, which is marked with a sign.

Hike Kings Bluff first, which will allow you to hike the loop counterclockwise. This gives you more time to explore the Pedestal Rocks area, where you can wander down into the caves and admire the rock formations.

Bring Hiking Poles – If you’re the first on the trail, there will be lots of spiderwebs. I literally felt like I was Edward Scissorhands waving my poles around.

Watch Where You Step – Cliffs, bluffs, crevasses, and ledges without railings exist. Be mindful and careful to stay safe.

Bathroom – There is a toilet at the trailhead.

Cost – There is no cost to hike or park here.

AllTrails App – The trail is well marked, and we used the app to get to the trailhead, but we didn’t use the app for hiking.

Are Dogs Allowed?

This trail is located within the Ozark National Forest, and dogs are permitted.

You’ll want to keep your dog(s) on a leash since there are steep bluffs and places where a dog could easily fall into a crevasse.

Our Experience

We were blown away when we hiked Pedestals Rocks and Kings Bluff. It has been on our Arkansas day hikes bucket list for a long time.

Pablo and I visited in August during the middle of the week and didn’t see anyone else on the trail. One other car was in the parking lot, but our paths never crossed.

We hiked the loop counterclockwise, trekking the Kings Bluff section first.

Two waterfalls in the Kings Bluff area might be running depending on the time of year. When we hiked in August, they were both little trickles.

Our favorite part of the Kings Bluff Trail was the rock formations – the hike is famous for them.

After taking in the geological sights and getting some photos, we continued to the Pedestal Rocks Trailhead.

Along the Pedestal Rocks Trail, you see a split where you can hike on top of the ledge or go lower. The best part is to go to the lower section first. We climbed around, explored the caves and rock windows, and were just in awe of the area before heading back to our truck. There is so much to see.

Overall, it took us longer to hike than the AllTrails app said because we like to take pictures, have a snack, drink water, and enjoy ourselves. Strolling around took us around three and a half hours.

When you’re on the lower section of Pedestal Rocks, explore the caves, natural bridges, and window rocks. They are awesome!

Hiking Gear

Hiking is better with the right gear. Below is what we are wearing hiking the Ozarks if you need some recommendations.

Hiking Boots – Pablo and I are both obsessed with Oboz hiking shoes.

Hiking Pants – KUHL makes great hiking pants for both men and women. My favorite loose-fitting pants are these. I prefer more looser-fitting to stay cooler in the summer. Pablo is wearing these pants.

Hiking Socks – Have you tried FITS SOCKS yet? They are so comfortable.

Shirts – Wear any sweat-wicking shirts to stay dry and comfortable.

Hiking Poles – I always hike with hiking poles, especially in remote places.

Day Pack – This is a shorter hike, so bring a bag big enough for snacks, water, a camera, and your usual hiking creature comforts. The day pack I’m using this summer is this, and here is the bag Pablo is using.

If you are in Arkansas – check out one of our favorite local gear shops, Gearhead Outfitters, to gear up for your adventures. We were brand ambassadors for them and love their stuff.

Have Fun Out There

If you like hiking through a forest that leads to spectacular views of rock formations, this hike is for you. Due to its remote, rugged, and wild landscape, it is one of our favorite areas to hike in.

If you like getting outdoors and exploring natural areas in Arkansas, be sure to check out more of our Arkansas guides. We can help you plan yours adventures.

Happy Hiking.

Ashlee & Pablo

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