The Ozark Mountains: Top 5 Places for Nature Lovers

Spanning four states, the Ozark Mountains offer hiking trails, hot springs, rivers, and caves spread across various parks and rugged wilderness areas in the central U.S. If you're looking for an outdoora family getaway in Arkansas, consider these five top spots for getting back to nature in the Ozarks with the entire family.

Bull Shoals Lake

Situated alongside Northern Arkansas' Ozark Mountain range, this man-made lake has a well-earned a reputation as an ideal spot for lunker bass fishing. As the site of the country's fifth largest concrete dam and the final impound of the White River before the water reaches the Mississippi, Bull Shoals Lake is replete with coves and lake arms that provide plenty of options for boating, fishing, water sports, swimming, and scuba diving.
 

If you need a place to rest after a busy day of water activities, Bull Shoals-White River State Park provides visitors with picnic sites, campgrounds, and wooden cabins that are ideal for unwinding with family and friends.

Norfork Lake

Hang on to those fishing poles and head east to Norfork Lake for bass, crappie, stripers, and walleye fishing. The dam on the lake is located along North Fork River, and the shoreline extends an impressive 550 miles.

Along a backdrop of rising bluffs, the lake area is a prime location for hiking, camping, and bird watching, while commercial docks provide boating, diving, and water sports opportunities. Spring wildflowers and colorful fall foliage in the surrounding valley add to the area's rich beauty, making it a great place to visit across the seasonsin any season.

Blanchard Springs

Beat the summer heat by exploring Blanchard Springs' underground limestone caves. This "living cavern" is an Ozarks treasure, with water-carved passages, an underground river, and fascinating rock formations to explore. Choose from one of three guided tours, each with varying levels of difficulty and giving providing access to different parts of the cave system.

In the surrounding Ozark National Forest, enjoy swimming, biking, hiking, and camping at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area . Also, in close proximity tonear the caves, lies Mirror Lake, a haven for trout fishing enthusiasts. Between mid-April and October visitors toof the Ozark Folk Center Craft Village can enjoy traditional trades and crafts demonstrations — from blacksmithing andto candle making and to quilting.

Devil’s Den

Venture deep into the Ozark valley to Devil’s Den State Park, a paradise for hiker’s paradise. The many well-maintained, multi-use trails offer gorgeous spectacular views throughout the park. Embark on a wet-water day hike up Lee Creek, or head underground into Devil’s Den Cave. One of the most beloved routes is Yellow Rock Trail, a moderately difficult three-mile hike that rewards sightseers with stunning views of Lee Creek Valley from the magnificent Yellow Rock. Devil’s Den State park is also considered the home of Arkansas’ home of mountain biking in Arkansas, and has been provideding dedicated mountain biking trails since the 1980s.
 

Campsites and cabins are located throughout the park, including hike-in spots for more adventurous traveler

Eureka Springs

Take the kids on a special outing to Eureka Springs , a small Victorian-style town and well-known tourist destination. The entire downtown area of Eureka Springs is listed on the Register of Historic Places and offersing an unique array of boutiques, art galleries, museums, and restaurants, and aas well as several great variety of festivals held throughout the year. Take advantage of the gorgeous stunning natural surroundings during the day and then relax in one of the town's historiccal hotels in the eveningwhen the sun goes down.

Outdoor exploits activities include cave tours, paddle boarding, hiking, and zip-lining –  one of the area's prime attractions. From 300 feet in the air, take in the pristine beauty of the surrounding Ozarks as you whoosh down 2,000 feet of zip line. If you want a more cultural outdoor experience, attend The Great Passion Play in an outdoor amphitheater under the stars. The 67-foot Christ of the Ozarks statue will beis visible on the horizon as you watch the players at work.

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