STATE PARK
Bull Shoals-White River State Park offers fishing, hiking
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Bull ShoalsWhite River State Park.
I became familiar with the White River several years ago when I lived in the quaint town of Mountain View. Although I spent the bulk of my time fishing for smallmouths where the tributaries dumped into the waterway, I did spend some time fishing for rainbows in the cold, clear waters.
Several years elapsed before I had the opportunity to stray further upstream from where the North Sylamore Creek fed into the beautiful waterway. However, I quickly fell in love with the section of river directly below Bull Shoals Dam. In fact, I returned to the destination every spring for a few years, eagerly awaiting an opportunity to fish for brown trout during the hours electricity was generated and water rushed from the dam.
Although fishing was my main objective during every outing, I also anticipated the opportunity to stop in and visit what I consider one of the most impressive state parks in Arkansas.
I could easily spend three or four days fishing the river’s bountiful waters during the early morning and late evening hours and kicking around along the trails at Bull ShoalsWhite River State Park during the times of day when the fish weren’t biting.
The 15,744-square-foot visitor center is perched high on a shelf, lending to incredible scenery. The view to the left lends to a great perspective of the lake. Peering straight ahead, one can get a good view of the dam containing the reservoir’s clear and productive waters. And then, to the right, one can watch as the river cuts its way through a somewhat low-lying area and eventually disappears into mountainous terrain that is typical of the Ozarks.
Although I have spent my fair share of time standing at the visitor center and admiring the surrounding beauty, I have also enjoyed browsing through the interior of the building.
I am always mesmerized by the replicas of native fish that are on display. Although I’ve seen some impressive fish caught in these waters, they don’t even to compare to the mounts on display. And it’s even more exciting to know that fish equally as large, and possibly even bigger, might lurk in the lake and its tailwaters.
There are also several exhibits in the visitor center providing interesting information pertaining to other native wildlife and the rich history of this particular section of the state.
Those with a passion for hiking might also find the park of interest, as six designated paths await the outdoor enthusiast. I am most drawn to the Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail.
The designated path meanders 3 miles through a diversity of habitats. Portions of the path head steeply uphill, while others make steep descents. Portions of the path meander through a hardwood forest. Hikers and riders will also have an opportunity to experience a journey through open meadows and will cross several streams and a few dirt roads along the way.
The difficulty level of this trail varies according to the direction one chooses to travel. Those traveling in a clockwise direction will be faced with uphill climbs. But those choosing to tread in a counterclockwise direction will experience a noticeably easier trek through the forest.
The Lakeside Trail only consists of 1 mile and is touted as easy. The designated ADA loop is preferred by bird-watching enthusiasts. In fact, it is not uncommon for folks to see eagles going about their everyday rituals from the designated path. And more than 90 species of songbirds have been seen throughout the spring and summer months.
The Heritage and Habitat Trail is also an ADA and barrier-free path and consists of only a half mile. Hikers on this particular path will have an opportunity to learn about the construction of the dam and how the forest provides an environment for native plants and animals to thrive.
Those with a passion for showy plant life might consider a walk along Gaston’s Wildflower Garden Trail. The designated path is only three-quarters of a mile and is also a great location where one can see butterflies and songbirds taking advantage of the flowering plants. Feeders and rest areas are dispersed along the trail lending to even better opportunities to watch wildlife.
I, too, have a passion for locating and identifying the state’s native plants. But this route also has a special place in my heart, as it was named after my late friend and fellow nature photographer, Jim Gaston.
Big Bluff Trail is 1.75 miles in length and is considered moderately strenuous. The beaten path makes a level journey along an old railroad tram. However, it eventually makes an ascent to a spot where hikers can enjoy the view of the lake and river nestled in typical Ozark Mountain terrain.
The Bluebird Trail is 2 miles long and lends to an easy stroll through the campground. The path makes its way alongside many bluebird houses that are active with adults rearing their young during the spring and summer months.
There is obviously more awaiting the outdoor enthusiast than they can take in during a single day. Well, measures have been taken to ensure folks have ample places to camp.
The camping area is located on the banks of the river and sports 113 campsites. RV enthusiasts will appreciate 63 Class AAA sites to choose from. However, the park is a popular destination and, in turn, many of the sites are filled, especially during the spring, summer and fall months.
There are 30 Class B sites on the premises and 20 sites are dedicated to tent camping and have no hookups. There are also three rent-an-RV sites within the campgrounds.
The state park marina is a popular destination, and for good reason. Of course, they carry bait, tackle and a few supplies. But the marina is also a perfect location where one can get the most up-todate fishing report, which is of utmost importance when the angler only has a limited time before they bid farewell to the river and head back home. Boat rentals are also offered at the marina.
Although the brunt of summer is still upon us, change is on its way. And I can’t think of a better location where one can enjoy a stint in the Ozarks than Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
To get to Bull Shoals-White River State Park from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east to Interstate 30 and head east toward Little Rock. Travel 18 miles and take Exit 129 onto
I-430 north. Go 13 miles and take Exit 13B to merge onto
I-40 west toward Fort Smith. Go 23 miles and take Exit
125 (at Conway) onto Highway
65 north, toward Greenbrier. Travel 64 miles and take a right onto Highway 27 north. Go 34 miles and turn right onto Highway 62 east. Go
4.9 miles and take a left onto Highway 178.
Go 8 miles and turn right onto Rivercliff Drive. Travel
2.1 miles and turn right onto Bull Shoals Dam Boulevard. Travel three-tenths of a mile and take a right onto Dam Overlook Lane. Travel 40 feet and the destination will be on the left.