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Overnight Beginner Backpacking


  • SCOTT Adventure Lab @ The MOTTO (Bentonville) (map)

EVENT DETAILS

Backpacking the Karst Loop at Devil’s Den State Park immerses hikers in one of Arkansas’s most geologically unique landscapes. This rugged loop winds through classic Ozark terrain shaped by limestone, caves, sinkholes, and rock shelters, showcasing a true karst ecosystem. The trail travels through dense hardwood forest, narrow hollows, rocky ridgelines, and shaded creek corridors, offering constant variety and a strong sense of place.

With steady elevation changes and rocky footing, this route provides a rewarding challenge without being overly technical. Designated backcountry campsites offer a quiet, scenic place to spend the night and experience the park after day visitors leave—when the forest settles in and the stars come out.

Trip Information

Distance: ~7–8 miles total (loop)

  • Trip Length: 2 days / 1 night

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Ability Level: Intermediate or adventurous beginners

  • Elevation Gain: Moderate, with several sustained climbs and descents

  • Terrain: Rocky trail, forest floor, limestone outcrops, narrow tread in places

37 North Master Guides will handle everything for you. They teach you how to pack your pack, carry extra supplies, set up camp for those needing assistance, and prepare delicious backcountry meals for the entire group. 37 North provides tents and sleeping pads, along with water and all meals. Guests will be responsible for personal items sleeping bags, and backpack. 

DAY 1

  • Meet at Wishing Springs for gear check, loading and group orientatino

  • Depart for Devils Den State Park

  • At the Trail head, unload and make final pack adjustments

  • Begin hike on the Karst Loop, moving through forested ridges and karst features

  • Lunch and breaks along the trail

  • Arrive at designated backcountry campsite

  • Camp setup, dinner, and evening in the backcountry

DAY 2

  • Breakfast and breakdown of camp

  • Continue the loop through additional rock features and scenic terrain

  • Complete hike back to the trailhead by early afternoon

*This trip has a minimum participation requirement of 4 participants.

Upon inclement weather, the rain date for this event has been selected for November 7 + 8, 2026.

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June 13

Buffalo River Guided Paddle & Hemmed-In-Hollow Hike