Our List of Favorite Area Hiking Adventures

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Most directions in the Descriptions start from the Corner of N Bayou and Sylamore Ave.  (AR-14 W / AR-5 N / AR-9 N )

Some of the hiking areas require a small day use fee, normally $3 per car, or overnight campsite $5 per night.  So make sure that you have some cash with you and be sure to fill out the required info on the envelope provided at the trail head.    User Fees and Regulations are posted at the self-service pay station.  

Area Maps are included at bottom of page.  Each trail is circled in Orange to aid in location.  

There are many more trails we have not conquered yet.  Come stay with weekend with us and we will be happy to go on an adventure together.  

About 21.4 miles north of our park, City Rock Bluff offers one of the most breathtaking scenic overlooks in the area, with sweeping views high above the White River.

Getting There:
Take AR Hwy 5 North for 18.9 miles.
Turn left onto Culp Road and continue for 2.4 miles—the overlook will be on your right. 

Map reference:   Page 34, A, 3  

Park in front of the line of small boulders and walk the short distance to the overlook.  

It’s a quick and easy drive to one of the best panoramic views in the Ozarks—perfect for photos, a quiet moment, or catching a sunset over the river.

Note:  Remote with no bathroom facilities

Located near Mountain View, Hell Creek Natural Area features a peaceful 1.7-mile out-and-back trail that’s perfect for an easy Ozark hike.

This lightly traveled trail is ideal for those looking to enjoy some quiet time in nature, with scenic surroundings that are beautiful in every season. It’s a great spot for hiking without the crowds.

Getting There:  

Head north on Hwy 5 (Sylamore Ave), for 1.7 miles, turn right onto Mountain Crest Rd.  Continue for 1.2 Miles to Sarah's Way.  Turn Right and go for another 0.2 miles and road ends at the parking area.    

Map Reference:   Page 35, B, 4  

The trail is open year-round, and dogs are welcome—with some areas allowing off-leash exploration.

Note:  Remote with no bathroom facilities

Stretching from the City Park Stone Amphitheater to the Ozark Folk Center, the Whitewater Creek Trail is a scenic 1.4-mile out-and-back path that’s perfect for an easy outdoor outing.

This relaxing trail takes about 30 minutes to complete and is popular for birdwatching, hiking, and running. While it’s a local favorite, you can still find peaceful moments—especially during the quieter times of day.

Getting There:  

Head south on Hwy 5 (Sylamore Ave), for 0.2 Miles, Turn right onto E Webb St.  Continue for 0.7 Miles and turn right onto Park St.  Go 0.2 miles and park will be on the left side.  The trail head is on the far side of the foot bridge.  You will want to follow the path to the right after you cross over bridge.  

Dogs are welcome, with some areas allowing off-leash time.

A convenient and beautiful way to enjoy nature right in town!

Just 14.5 miles northeast of our park, Devil’s Knob Loop is a hidden gem near Melbourne. This 1.3-mile loop trail is lightly traveled and perfect for all skill levels. You’ll find beautiful wildflowers, peaceful Ozark scenery, and a relaxing hike that’s great year-round. It’s ideal for hiking, walking, and nature trips—and yes, dogs are welcome too!

Getting There:
Head out on AR-14 W / AR-5 N / AR-9 N for 4.6 miles.
At Angler’s Restaurant, turn right onto AR-9 and continue for 8.6 miles.
Turn left onto Mt. Olive Road and go 1.3 miles—the trailhead parking will be on your left.

Map Reference:   Page 35, B, 4  

Trail Tips:
The hike starts with a short but steep climb, but once you reach the top, the loop around the mountain is much easier and incredibly scenic.

A quick, rewarding adventure with some of the best quiet views in the area!

Note:  Remote with no bathroom facilities or other services.  

Located just 16.1 miles northwest of our park, Gunner Pool is one of the most scenic and peaceful spots in the Ozarks near Mountain View.

Tucked along the west side of the road, this small half-acre pool is fed by spring water flowing down from Gunner Hollow via Gunner Creek. The water stays cool year-round and has that beautiful turquoise blue-green color the Ozarks are known for—thanks to natural limestone and minerals from underground caverns.

At the lower end of the pool, water gently spills over a charming step-stone dam, creating a small, picturesque waterfall. For the best view, walk out to the middle of the old bridge and look back toward the falls—it’s a perfect photo spot.

The historic bridge over North Sylamore Creek dates back to 1931, adding a touch of history to an already stunning natural setting.

Facilities:

27 Campsites; Chemical toilets & 

Drinking Water

Getting There:
Head out on AR-14 W / AR-5 N / AR-9 N for 4.6 miles.
At Angler’s Restaurant, turn left onto AR-14 and continue for 8.7 miles, turn right onto Gunner Pool Road and continue for 2.8 miles and you will enter the Rec Area.

Map Reference:  Page 34, B, 3  

A must-see stop for anyone looking to experience the quiet beauty of the Ozarks!

Near Leslie, the Stem Rock Trail is a peaceful 1.4-mile out-and-back hike that’s perfect for a quick outdoor escape. This easy route takes about 30 minutes to complete and is great for hiking or a relaxed walk through the Ozarks.

You won’t typically see much traffic on this trail, making it ideal if you’re looking for a little quiet time in nature. Dogs are welcome—just be sure to keep them on a leash.

The highlight of the hike? Unique and beautiful rock formations waiting for you at the end—well worth the short trek!

Getting There from Mountain View:
Take AR-66 West toward Leslie for approximately 23 miles. Turn left onto Clearpoint Rd, then left onto Oxley Rd. Follow Oxley Rd for 0.9 miles and destination will be on the right. 

Map Reference:   Page 34, D, 1  

A short drive and an easy hike lead to one of the Ozarks’ more hidden natural features

Note:  Remote with no bathroom facilities!

Just 14.1 miles northwest of our park, the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers one of the most beautiful outdoor experiences in the Ozarks.

Take a peaceful stroll along the paved path to watch Blanchard Springs flow right out of the mountainside as a stunning natural waterfall. Cool off in the crystal-clear waters of North Sylamore Creek, or spend a few hours—or even a full weekend—exploring the surrounding Ozark forest.

Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line for rainbow trout at Mirror Lake, a scenic and easily accessible spot known for its calm waters and postcard-worthy views.

Mirror Lake Trail
Located within the recreation area, this easy 0.9-mile out-and-back trail takes about 15–20 minutes to complete. It’s a favorite for hiking, walking, and fishing, but you can still find quiet moments, especially early or late in the day. The trail is open year-round and offers beautiful scenery in every season. 

Facilities:

Campsites (No Power), RV Dump Station, Chemical toilets, Restrooms with Hot Showers & Drinking Water

Services may still be affected by severe 2025 storm damage.  

Getting There:
Head out on AR-14 W / AR-5 N / AR-9 N for 4.6 miles.
At Angler’s Restaurant, turn left onto AR-14 and continue for 6.6 miles, turn right and you will enter the Rec Area.

Map Reference:   Page 34, B, 3  

Dogs are welcome—just be sure to keep them on a leash.

A perfect mix of relaxation, scenery, and adventure—all just a short drive from the park!

Just 5 miles northwest of our park, the Allison Trailhead offers quick access to the beautiful North Sylamore Creek and one of the area’s favorite swimming holes near Mountain View.

Getting There:
Head north on Hwy 5 for 4.6 miles and turn left onto Hwy 14 at Angler’s Restaurant.
In about half a mile, you’ll cross a bridge over South Sylamore Creek—watch for guardrails as the road widens to three lanes on the uphill side. At the end of the guardrails, look for a brown and white “Hiking Trail” sign and turn right. Follow the steep, narrow road about ¾ mile down into the river bottom. At the end, you’ll see a long silver guardrail—an opening in the center marks the trailhead.

Map Reference:   Page 34, B, 4  

What to Expect:
This trail is for foot traffic only—no horses, bikes, or ATVs—making it a quiet and peaceful place to explore. It’s also a great access point to North Sylamore Creek, with a refreshing swimming hole (known as Rosa Hole) perfect on warm days.  You will most likely get wet on this adventure, so wear appropriate footwear and clothes.  

Waterfall Access:
To find a nearby waterfall, walk back out of the parking area the way you came in. On your right, you’ll see two small pull-off spots followed by a footpath. Follow that trail a short distance to a creek, then head upstream—you’ll come to the waterfall. If it’s flowing, you’ll likely hear it before you see it.

A short drive, a little adventure, and a

 whole lot of natural beauty!

Note:  Remote with no bathroom facilities

Looking for a hike that delivers BIG Ozark views without taking all day? The White River Bluff Loop is one of our favorite local adventures—and it’s right here in Stone County!

This beautiful loop trail winds through peaceful forest before opening up to stunning bluff-top views overlooking the White River. It’s the kind of spot that makes you stop, take a deep breath, and just soak in the Ozarks.

🥾 Trail Highlights:
• ~4 mile loop – perfect half-day hike
• Moderate difficulty (just enough to feel like an adventure!)
• Incredible scenic overlooks
• Quiet, uncrowded, and peaceful
• Great for hiking, trail running, and even mountain biking

Facilities:  Chemical toilets 

📍 Getting There:
Just head north on Hwy 5, continue for 6.2 miles and turn left onto Green Mountain Road, continue for 1.2 miles.  Trailhead will be on the left.  

Map Reference:   Page 34, B, 4  

💡 Local Tip:
Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best light on the bluffs… and pair your hike with dinner at Angler’s Restaurant for a perfect Ozarks day!