Exploring Northwest Arkansas

Kings River Overlook

The beautiful winter weather made for an excellent opportunity to hit up the Kings River Overlook Trail. It had been nearly 7 years since my last visit here and we caught some great lighting from the overlook. For trail directions and notes, check out this post.

Kings River Overlook Trail

The Kings River Overlook Trail is a short, easy hike to one of the most spectacular views in all of Arkansas.  The trailhead is a bit of a challenge to get to, but once there, the trail is just a short out-and-back trail to get the scenery. 

Getting there

The Kings River Overlook Trail is situated between Huntsville and Eureka Springs off of highway 23 in the Madison County Wildlife Management Area. From the town of Forum, go north 3.7 miles and turn right onto CR #1250 at the Management Area sign. You'll go a short distance and you'll start following the Kings River Overlook Trail signs. You'll go about five miles down gravel roads, after 3.1 you'll take a right onto CR #1230, then after another 1 mile you'll stay straight on CR #1254, then turn left on #447-19. There will be a sign at each turn. Don't give up on it, and you'll eventually find the parking area.

The final left will start leading you DOWN a very narrow gravel road. As you make it to the bottom of the hill, you'll pass a gate and a trail sign and turn right into a very large gravel parking area. Park here. The trail head is at the gate you just passed.

The Hike

From the parking area, the trail starts off behind the trailhead marker and a gate. You'll follow this old jeep road for the 1/2 mile to the overlook. The trail is wide, and flat, so it's a very easy hike. The trail crosses a couple of small creeks before getting to the destination. 

After crossing the second creek bed, there are two small spur trails that are noticable. The one on the left takes you up to a small cave. The one on the righgt takes you to a space in the bluffline that you can climb down if you are going to Eagle's Nest Falls. I'm not going to cover that one today as there wasn't much water on the day we hiked this so there was no falls.

This is a simple trail with a magnificent payoff - but I must warn you, be careful at the overlook. It is extremely high up, with a very sharp drop-off that would certainly be fatal if you fell. So enjoy, but watch your step and your little ones.

Distance: 1 mile round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Footwear: Tennis shoes are fine

Kids: Yes, but you must hold onto them at the overlook area

Stars: 4 out of 5