Butterfield Hiking Trail
~2 days · 14.8 mi · easy · Loop
Quick facts
What the Butterfield Hiking Trail is known for
The Butterfield Hiking Trail is a roughly 15-mile loop from Devil's Den State Park into the surrounding Ozark National Forest in northwest Arkansas, dropping through rocky hollows and creek crossings typical of the Boston Mountains. Usually backpacked as a two-day loop with one night out.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,015 ft to 5,814 ft over 14.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.1 mi · 48%
- Downhill 5.7 mi · 39%
- Flat 2.0 mi · 13%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Butterfield Hiking Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Butterfield Hiking Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 14.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Butterfield Hiking Trail?
The Butterfield Hiking Trail climbs roughly 2,051 ft total — about 139 ft per mile, topping out near 1,778 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.