Page 27 - OzarksMagazineFeb17

Hiking trail yields exciting views and rock formations
By JEFF BRasEL
BEn HUR, ark. — If an outdoor enthusiast wants to see a little wildlife on a hike, outstanding rock formations and even more natural beauty, the Pedestal Rocks trail is the place to go.
e popular hike is located in Pope County, just a rock throw from Newton County and Searcy County, in north central Arkansas, just south of Harrison.
Pedestal Rock is one of two trails that are located in this area. ere is the King’s Blu Trail that allows enthusiasts to get two trails walked in one drive.
e Pedestal Rock trail is named a er the formation of rocks almost in the middle of the trail.
Hikers begin over a small foot bridge that has a very small stream owing through it. ere is a small descention that is highlighted by nine steps. About .1 of a mile into the hike there is a fork in the path.
e right fork is the return of the King’s Blu trail and the le path is the return of the Pedestal Rocks trail.
With the trail being a loop, there are two ways to conquer the natural wonder. Depending on the desire of the hiker, beginning the loop on the le side will result in an easier descent, but later a longer, higher ascent.
At the beginning of the trail, it is level with thick foliage to keep a
At left, Pedestal Rock trail has dozens of these unique geologic formations as well as caves and scenic views. www.OzarksMag.com
canopy while walking. is does lead to several opportunities for spider webs to grow across the path and entangle participants.
e path eventually begins a decline about .5 miles into the hike. During the decline there is a sign reading, “Warning high cli area. Watch your children.”
ere are several switchbacks on the trail. ese are designed to help maintain the trails and prevent washing out.
At the end of the decline, hikers will be at the cli s and the rock formations. ere are several crags at the begin- ning of the cli s.
ere are trails that lead under the crags for more exploration. Caves and several underground springs that keep the area moist in the spring season can be found. ere are several photo opportunities under the cli s in a world separate from the trail.
e trail goes along the edge of the cli s and does demand that a hand be kept on spirited children.
Past the crags, the pedestal rocks can be seen. ese rocks are about 1.25 miles into the hike and are about the center of the walk.
Along the way, there are several areas that have gaping holes in the middle of the cli s where hikers are walking. Some of these holes are small and others are large and have fences built around them to keep pedestrians on the path and out of the valley below.
Spring 2018 | Ozarks Magazine | 27