White River State Park Trails
Bull Shoals-White River State Park – Day Hike Trails
Big Bluff Trail (A-5)
Park/Rec Area: Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Region: Ozarks
Length: 1 3/4 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
Brochure: Available at visitor center
Location: Six miles north of Mountain Home on Ark. 5 North, then eight miles west on Ark. 178
Description: The first part of this loop trail is a level walk over the remains of the railroad tram built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to bring in steel and lumber from Cotter to construct Bull Shoals Dam. Once the trail crosses the paved road, it goes up the hillside to an area overlooking the White River, Bull Shoals Dam, and the Ozark hill country. The trail then leads through cedar glades, mature deciduous forests, and across streams. These areas provide excellent habitat for colorful Ozark wildflowers.
Special Note:* Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Bluebird Trail (A-5)
Park/Rec Area: Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Region: Ozarks
Length: 2 miles
Time: 2 Hours
Difficulty: Easy
Brochure: At Visitor Center
Location: From Mountain Home, travel six miles north on Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178. Or, from U.S. 62 at Flippin, travel 10 miles on State Highway 178E to the park. Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619
Description: Not a traditional trail, this collection of bluebird houses through ther campground is a flurry of activity each spring and summer as the eastern bluebirds use these homes to raise their young. Walking the grassy lawn area from house to house and enjoying the nesting and feeding behaviors of these bluebirds is very rewarding.
Gaston Wildflower Garden Trail
Park/Rec Area: Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Region: Ozarks
Length: .75
Time: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: From Mountain Home, travel six miles north on Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178. Or, from U.S. 62 at Flippin, travel 10 miles on State Highway 178E to the park. Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619
Description: This memorial wildflower garden loop trail meanders through three acres of wildflowers that change each week through the season. Wildlife, including birds and butterflies, can be throughout the trail at feeders and rest areas. The area is under constant development amd memorial contributions may be made at any time.
Hidden Hollow Wildflower Trail (A-5)
Park/Rec Area: Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Region: Ozarks
Length: .02 miles
Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Brochure: At Visitor Center
Location: From Mountain Home, travel six miles north on Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178. Or, from U.S. 62 at Flippin, travel 10 miles on State Highway 178E to the park. Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619
Description: This short trail traverses a fragile woodland wildflower area. To get to the trailhead , you must cross a wooded area with no clearly marked trail, look for the sign approimately 50 feet into the wooded area.
Lakeside Trail (A-5)
Park/Rec Area: Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Region: Ozarks
Length: 1 mile
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Brochure: Available at visitor center
Location: 6 miles north of Mountain Home on Hwy. 5 North, then 7 miles west on Hwy. 178
Description: Constructed in 1979 by the Young Adult Conservation Corps, this loop trail offers relatively easy walking. Bull Shoals Lake, combined with the Ozark plant and animal life, makes this trail an ecosystem in itself. Any season of the year, even in the deepest winter, a surprise awaits you around each corner. Eagle Point and Titmouse Alley provide excellent habitat for bird watching. Bald eagles, waterfowl, and gulls are often seen from Eagle Point in winter. During spring, summer, and fall over 90 species of migrating and summer resident songbirds populate the area.
Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail (A-5)
Park/Rec Area: Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Region: Ozarks
Length: 3 miles
Time: 1-2 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: From Mountain Home, travel six miles north on Ark. 5, then go eight miles west on Ark. 178. Or, from U.S. 62 at Flippin, travel 10 miles on State Highway 178E to the park. Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, AR 72619
Description: Constructed by the Bull Shoals-Lakeview Rotary Club, this multi-use trail offers both hikers and mountain bikers access to remote areas of the park. The trail traverses the oak-hickory upland forest for a unique walking or riding experience. Along the trail are creek crossings, dirt roads, open meadows, long downhills and taxing uphills. Depending on the direction of travel, the loop trail allows users to choose from two levels of difficulty: Clockwise (marked with blue blazes) – moderately difficult with strenuous uphill slopes. Counter-clockwise (marked with green blazes) – moderately easy. Note: Rental bikes are available at the Camper Registration Center in the park. Bicycle helmets are strongly recommended.
