Hike Sam's Throne
Mount Judea, Arkansas
Details
Distance
0.5 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Parker Dodson
This is a very easy hike that leads to a bluff overlooking Sam's Throne and the surrounding Valley. One of the top rock climbing destinations in all of Arkansas.
This hike starts at the Sam's Throne Campground parking area. Once you walk to the end of the campground there is a fence with three different entrances that all lead to different trails. Take the middle trial for the shortest and easiest hike to the bluffs. This hike is very easy and only takes about 15 minutes walking at a normal pace. Once you get to the bluffs you will be greeted by Sam's Throne directly in front of you. The bluffs are an amazing place to walk around with many different vantage points of Sam's Throne and the surrounding valley. This is one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in all of Arkansas so don't be surprised to see people climbing the rock faces. Stick around and catch one of the best sunsets you've ever seen.
Download Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Hike Sam's Throne Reviews
Wife and I took kids out of school on the first 65 degree sunny February day to come here. One other person in the campground, no one on the trail. Started down middle to the point, then cut back left along the ridge. Circled around the throne and made the relatively easy climb up to the top of the throne on the southeast side of it. Then walked back along the west side of the ridge and climbed back to campground. I love winter hiking for the views. Hikes along top of and below the ridge are all worth it with spectacular views, a wet weather waterfall, cliffs, overhangs, and bouldering. As the description says there are lots of climbing routes, but even for an 8 year old there are plenty of spots to scramble around and over. 2.9 miles in total with not a boring spot on the entire trial.
5.0
Short easy hike to an amazing view. Rock climbing and repelling are popular there.
5.0
I Love Sams Thrown! It's Great If You're like having the trail to yourself. Well it was like that when when I went in April. I want to go back and rock climb one I learn how to do that. It's perfect for that!! The trail i took was... Challenging. I've done some scrambling before, but not a ton and it was hard I needed help. I wouldn't advise this for a fresh beginner. I'd actually suggest going to lost Vally first, then tacking Sams Thrown. But it's got a great view and just a great short hike!
5.0
It snowed the whole time we were there. We woke up to wind chills of -1° one morning. However, the terrain was beautiful and the trails well established. I can't wait to go back during summer to climb.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Ricketts Mountain Bluffs Trail
Owens Mountain Bluffs Trail
Hike to Punchbowl Falls
Backpack to the Sandstone Castles
Camp at Richland Creek Campground
Hike to Twin Falls in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area
Discover
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2026 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy