Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area | Ozarkmountainhiker

Yellow Rock Bluff, Arkansas

While selecting photos for a presentation to the Trailblazers of Fort Smith, I realized the Ozarks could hold their own following the High Sierras of California. The day of the program, photos transitioned smoothly from the John Muir Trail to the Ozarks and the audience appreciated the beauty and uniqueness of both regions without any “let down” as we moved into the Ozarks.

Why the Ozarks?

How about an extended hiking season and a variety of beauty? When mountainous regions around the United States are becoming impassable due to snow, the Ozark Mountains are beginning their long hiking season with a fall transformation to red and golden foliage.

Alley Spring, Missouri

A fall sunset over Lake Alma in Arkansas

Fall color on sandstone

As winter approaches and leaves drop, majestic vistas and towering rock formations are revealed.

Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, Arkansas

wild iris

Seasonal rains bring beautiful waterfalls year round but especially in the spring when wildflowers sparkle throughout the region, especially in open glades and along steep hillsides.

Long Creek Falls, Missouri

Shepherd Spring Waterfall at Lake Fort Smith State Park, Arkansas

Natural springs flow year-round, often showing some of their most lovely character during the “off season” of winter. You’ll also find smaller crowds in the Ozarks during the winter months.

Cascade below Maramec Spring, Missouri

I’m often asked my favorite trail. My answer is, “The last trail I hiked.” While I do enjoy the larger than life bucket-list trails offered by California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Montana, I always look forward to returning to the Ozarks. They hold their own in comparison with landscapes anywhere in the United States. If you’re looking for scenic beauty, an extended hiking season and smaller crowds, explore the Ozarks!

Clifty Creek Natural Arch, Missouri

Kessler Mountain Rock City, Arkansas

Big Spring, Missouri

Young hiker taking in the views near Whitaker Point, Arkansas

Early morning coffee in the Ozarks

If you want to explore some of the trails pictured in this post, check out Five Star Trails: The Ozarks.

The Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area is a magical place. Give yourself four hours to explore, and you’ll wish for eight. Allow a full day and you’ll wish for two days!

View of one pedestal from the trail.

A tall and narrow pedestal viewed from the bluff line.

The same pedestal as the previous viewed from down below the bluff.

Arched rocks below the bluff.

A cave that makes a suitable bedroom down below the bluff.

You’ll follow bluff lines on the Pedestal Loop Trail and the Kings Bluff Loop Trail.

Small portion of Kings Bluff

Getting there: Drive north of Russellville to Sand Gap (formerly known as Grand Gap and Pelsor). Turn right (east) on AR 16. Drive about 5 miles and watch for the Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area sign. Hankins Country Store is at the intersection of AR 7 and AR 16, and Hwy 123. Hankins is a great stop if you want to catch up on the local community or just slow down and step back in time. It’s worth the stop just to see some of the memorabilia on the wall and the old Pelsor Post Office. They make a great sandwich, too!