Tucked away in the heart of the Ozark National Forest not too far off of Scenic Highway 7 are the Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff Trails.
These are two of our favorite short hikes in the state!
The trailheads for both of these hikes start from the same parking area along Highway 16. But the cool thing is that each offers a completely different experience.
All About Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff Trails
Location of Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff Trails
The trailhead is located near the tiny community of Pelsor (also called Sand Gap) which is about halfway between Jasper and Russellville.
It is also just a few miles off of Scenic Highway 7 which makes this a great stop if you are doing a Scenic 7 road trip. And we highly recommend that every Arkansan or visitor to our state plan a Scenic 7 roadtrip!
We found the trailhead easily on our GPS and there are signs that mark the turn to the recreation area.
Directions: From Hwy 7 between Dover and Jasper at the Pelsor/Sand Gap intersection, head east on Hwy 16 towards Ben Hur. You will see a sign on the right for Pedestal Rocks / Kings Bluff Falls.
Amenities at the Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area
There’s a small parking area and there is a vault toilet, but otherwise it’s just you, the forest, and the sound of the wind in the trees.
Are These Good Hikes for Children?
I think the sign pictured below says it all.
Both hikes have high bluffs and some of the trail at Pedestal Rocks runs right alongside the edge of a cliff. I would not recommend bringing younger kids.
Pedestal Rocks Trail
The Pedestal Rocks Trail is a loop trail which is about 2.2 miles around. It is a mostly level trail without a lot of elevation change.
However, this is considered a “moderate” hike on AllTrails. I think this is because the trail follows alongside a steep bluff and there are even some places with “cracks” that go through to the bottom.
As far as the walk itself – I would say it is on the easy side of moderate!
What makes pedestal rocks trail so special is that it loops through an incredible landscape of natural rock towers, overhangs, and hidden caves.
The “pedestals” are tall stone columns. Some rise more than 20 feet above the forest floor and they look like sculptures scattered along the bluff-line.
It’s fun to see if you can find faces in the shapes of the pedestals.
We thought the one below looked like a T-Rex.
The trail follows the top of the bluff for much of the way, offering sweeping views of the Ozark Mountains.
There are places where you can carefully climb down below the bluff to see the rock formations from another angle. Be sure to watch your footing because it can be slippery, especially after rain.
You will feel as if you are in a different world as you view the bluffs and the pedestals from this lower angle.
You can tell from the photos that we hiked this trail in the winter. This made it much easier to see the pedestals without the leaves in the forest. I think that this is an excellent winter hike.
However, this trail is stunning year round. In the fall the leaves seem to glow against the gray of the stone.
Pedestal Rocks is one of those hikes where you can easily spend hours exploring the nooks and crannies of the rock formations. Every turn seems to reveal a new photo opportunity.
Kings Bluff Trail
At the same trail head you will also find the start of the Kings Bluff Trail.
This one is another loop trail that is a little shorter at just 1.7 miles round trip. It mostly leads through the quiet woods. However, about halfway through the loop, you will come to a broad, flat, bluff top.
This spot offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Ozarks at all times, but it becomes even more special after a good rain when you will see a waterfall that drops nearly 120 feet off of the cliff edge.
Just be aware that this is a wet weather waterfall. (As are many of the waterfalls in Arkansas) However, if you catch it while it is falling it is spectacular.
We hiked this one in the fall and although the water wasn’t flowing the colors were stunning. In our opinion even with the water isn’t flowing the view from the bluff is worth the hike.
The bluff creates a wide open space that feels like standing on the roof of the world. It’s a perfect spot to sit, have a snack, and take in the silence.
We have a list of tips for visiting Arkansas waterfalls.
Tips for Visiting
- Bring water and wear good shoes. The trails are rocky and uneven in places.
- Wear Bug spray if you are hiking in the summer.
- Watch your step near the bluffs. There are sheer drop-offs many of which have no guardrails.
- There is little to no cell service in the area. Be sure and download maps, etc. before you hike.
- Best seasons: Spring for waterfalls, fall for color, winter for viewing the pedestals from above.
- Allow time to explore both trails. Together, they make a perfect half-day adventure.
- As always: Leave no trace!
Final Thoughts
If you only have time for one of the hikes then I would suggest Pedestal Rocks. It is simply one of the most unique places in the state.
However, if there has been a good recent rainfall…it becomes a harder decision. I think in that case I would hike Kings Bluff to catch the water falling off the edge of the bluff.
Another great Arkansas hike off of Scenic 7 is the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Hike. If you are hiking Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff trails in the summer you might be interested in a great nearby waterhole at Falling Water Falls.
The Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff Trails are a reminder of why we love exploring Arkansas!
Whether you go for the waterfalls, the rock formations, or simply to enjoy the view, this area captures the wild spirit of the Ozarks in the best possible way.
Always be careful hiking in Arkansas, have fun, and leave no trace.
Thanks for stopping by.
