Madison County
Kings River Overlook Nature Trail
From Arkansas Highway 23 north of Huntsville, turn east on County Road 1250. Travel about 1.5 miles and stay straight on County Road 1425. Travel 0.5 miles and turn right on County Road 1230. Travel 2 miles and stay straight on County Road 1254. Turn left and follow the signs to the Kings River Overlook Nature Trail parking area.
Quick Facts
Maps
Important Numbers
Madison County EMS
911
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
479-738-2320
Stop Poaching Hotline
833-356-0824
AGFC Beaver Lake Regional Office
833-340-7506
Distances
The Kings River Overlook Nature Trail is a moderate, 1-mile, out-and-back hike along a bluff overlooking the Kings River. It’s for foot traffic only. Stay away from the bluff’s edge.
Bluffs along the Kings River Overlook Nature Trail offer spectacular views of the Kings River’s twists and turns. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.
McIllroy Madison County WMA’s 14,536 acres is typical rugged Ozark Mountain terrain with numerous steep mountains and hollows. The area is extensively forested in upland hardwood and shortleaf pine timber stands. There are numerous small streams on the area that are all tributaries of the nearby Kings River which skirts the eastern boundary of the WMA.
The trail is an excellent place to view bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, turkey vultures and other birds that soar using the updraft from the bluff. Deer and turkey are plentiful on the WMA.
Camping and campfires are not allowed along the trail or on the overlook. Designated camping areas are scattered throughout the WMA – one is above this parking area. Rappelling is not allowed along the Kings River Overlook Nature Trail.
The Kings River winds its way north about 90 miles to the White River, which flows into Missouri’s Table Rock Lake. The upper part of the Kings carves through sandstone, shale and limestone, and provides seasonal whitewater excitement for paddlers. The lower stretches provide year-round floating with deep pools, occasional rapids and several large bluffs. The river holds hefty smallmouth bass. Check the current Arkansas Fishing Guidebook for details.
Hunters pursue deer, bear, turkey and small game on the area. Check the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook for details.