mystery at Devil's Den

[Mike Magee]

I took a day trip to Devil's Den SP in AR today. Too cold for camping IMO, so I left the trailer home and just drove the 2.5 hours for a hike. It was my first time there. While I was there, I did get to have my first Bigfoot sighting; it was parked in a campsite with no one home (apparently). It was a pleasant day today, not terribly windy and some sun, with a high in the low 50s (but it will freeze tonight).

Anyway, I saw this waterfall and took a few pictures... and then it struck me. Does anyone else notice the oddity?



Here is a different angle.



See if you can detect the mystery.

Nearby, I came across this odd sight. Surely it's the devil's handiwork!

[Mike Magee]

One more angle.

[Mike Magee]

If no one can detect the mystery by this time tomorrow, I will give the answer. But surely someone will see it....

[Mountain Moma]

Where does the water go? Or is it ice

[k corbin]

Originally Posted by Mountain Moma

Where does the water go? Or is it ice

given the slope of the terrain the water has to be running back underneath the ledge stone through a channel it has carved out over time.

[Paul O.]

The rock looks like limestone to me, the water can appear and disappear - flow above the surface or under. Coming across "disappearing" rivers is always interesting. Did you build those hoodoos? (Just joking.)

[Mike Magee]

You spotted it; the stream has no visible outlet! Dry land in all directions. The water appeared to be running straight down through the loose rocks at the base of the fall, and probably into a cave below. The area is riddled with caves.

Unfortunately no one is allowed in the caves at the present time because they're trying to prevent the bats from catching white nose syndrome.

I don't know who built all the cairns. It was such a surprise to see so many in one place. I took several photos from various angles.

For those who wish to visit, Devil's Den was a pain to get to from the west (Tulsa area). The little county roads are incredibly curvy and narrow as they navigate the steep terrain. Taking the shortest route was not worth the bother. The best way to reach this park is from the east, via I-540.

[mary and bob]

Building those cairns (piles of rocks) seems to be a trend lately. I've seen it done along the coast of Maine, resulting in signs asking for it not to be done.

[monB]

When you said Devil's Den, I thought you were talking about the one in Oklahoma! Closed for many years, I hoped it was open again.

Mon

[BAMA & Pachyderm Posse]

Mike glad you didn`t catch the nose ! Are you coming to River Valley Egg Rally this year ? time to register .