July 4th spontaneous trip to Arkansas ozarks

I am planning a trip to check out the Northeast/central area of Arkansas from St. Louis. I will be staying in Russellville as it appears to be fairly central to all that I wanted to see. I have several questions,

Is the Best Western in Russellville ok? It had good reviews on travelocity.

What are the best things to see within a 100 mile radius of Russellvile? I read about Eureka springs, the winery in atlas, mountain home and mountain view. I am interested in the outdoor parks, lakes and rivers, any better than others?

Leaving July 1 coming back July 4th, thanks for any inputs you may have.

Laura

July 4th spontaneous trip to Arkansas ozarks

I would go see eureka springs, It%26#39;s really quite pretty in tht area and the town is a unique one. The town of Branson is 120 miles from Russellville , but being from st. louis , I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ve been there. The buffalo river is always a good choice. It is America%26#39;s first national river. Here is a good link to check it out.

http://www.buffalonationalriver.com/

July 4th spontaneous trip to Arkansas ozarks

If you%26#39;re looking for a lake vacation, Bull Shoals and Norfork Lake is the place to be. Huge, clean and uncrowded. If you%26#39;re looking for parks and nature areas, hiking trails, etc...the area around Jasper, south of Harrison is prime territory. I%26#39;d recommend Ozark Mountain Cabins...4 rustic log cabins perched on the side of a ';mountain';...incredible views and serenity. I%26#39;ve traveled and stayed in this region extensively, and I like it so much that I bought some land there, saving it for later. Absolutely gorgeous country.

If you love the outdoors, the Ozarks of Arkansas offer more than you can want for a day, week or month.

Here is some info. and visit us at www.edsrock.com - the text below is from our ';What to Do'; page. All of this is within an hour or two of Calico Rock, AR (in the Heart of the Ozarks).

WHAT TO DO:

The list is literally endless because you basically have every outdoor activity known to mankind available within an hour%26#39;s drive. Here is a description and helpful links to some of the places and other items that guest have enjoyed. Let us know if you discover something else so it can be include.

FISHING (RIVERS %26amp; LAKES):

A Fly Fishers Paradise Awaits - including World Record Trout

Without a doubt, trout fishing on the White and Norfork Rivers is what the vast majority of visitors to the area partake of. World record Brown trout have been caught on the Norfork River and the Brown and Rainbow trout in the White River are plentiful. From the Lodge you are a five minute walk to the docks of the White River, the Norfork River is 20 minutes north on Hwy. 5. There are numerous places to rent boats and hire guides; here are some that are nearby:

To launch or rent a boat, engage a guide at Calico for White River fishing consider Jenkins or Bill Terry Boat Dock under the Hwy 5 bridge in Calico Rock or Lindsey Trout Dock, 3 miles up stream - 870-297-4543 or write HC61, Box 17, Calico Rock, AR 72519

Further down the river near Mountain View is Jacks (also a great place to eat catfish):

You can even hook up with “Orvis 1998 Guide of the Year” John B. Gulley.

Trout fishing not your cup of tea, want to catch that prize bass? Then you are in luck as well, as Bull Shoals and Lake Norfork, two of the best fishing lakes in the Ozarks are less than one hour away.

If you want any interesting twist on fishing and an educational opportunity for the kids, don%26#39;t miss the US Fish and Wildlife National Fish Hatchery at the base of the Lake Norfork dam. It is truly amazing to see literally 1000s of Rainbow, Brown and

Cutthroat trout used to stock area rivers.

BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS (NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE)

Without question Blanchard Springs Caverns are the best underground cave system in the United States. People who have visited Carlsbad in NM or Luray in VA say there is no comparison – Blanchard Springs Caverns are the best – namely because they are living caverns with all the color and water still present. Two trails, Dripstone and Discovery, are fully handicap/wheelchair accessible with Dripstone open year round. The third option is the “Wild Cave Tour” and is a new addition. It takes 3 to 4 hours

and you are guided on a walk and crawl through undeveloped portions of the cavern system. It is truly a remarkable experience. For the ';Wild Cave Tour'; advanced reservations (3 or 4 days before is usually sufficient) are required and no one under 10 is permitted on that particular trip.

SYLLAMO BIKE TRAIL (NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE)

Internationally Acclaimed Mountain Biking

The International Mountain Bicycling Association in 2005 rated the Syllamo Bike trail as one of five Epic Rides. One of the trail heads is less than a 15 minute drive from Edsrock Lodge. This challenging trail will bring hours of exercise and visions of great beauty in the forest. A great description of the 50+ miles of trails is provided here by local experts. The trail is home to the annual Syllamo%26#39;s Revenge Race, plus several other events throughout the year. If you are a rider you don%26#39;t want to miss this.

HIKING

There are several hiking opportunities through out the region and there are several trail books. The nearest developed trail is at the Visitor Center for Blanchard Springs Caverns, a 20 minute drive from the Lodge. The Rangers at the Center have plenty of maps and will update you on what the best trail is at that time. The closest and one of the best in the Ozarks is the North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail - This 14-mile trail follows North Sylamore Creek from Allison, Arkansas to Barkshed Recreation Area. It is located 15 miles southeast of Edsrock Lodge at Blanchard Springs Caverns visitor center.

The National Forest Service has host of information and maps available at its web sites for activities within the Ozark/St Francis area.

CANOEING

There is often nothing better than heading down the river on a canoe and enjoying all nature has to offer. This includes getting a canoe or kayak from one of the local outfitters, then floating down the White River by its scenic bluffs. Also Esdrock Lodge is an hour from the famous Buffalo National River. This is one of a few

unpolluted and free flowing river in the lower 48 states and provides a paradise for all levels of experience. You can reach several put in points within one to two hour drive from the lodge:

SCUBA DIVING

Some of the clearest inland water in the nation is found at both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes. Many of the boat docks provide rentals for divers.

VISITING HISTORIC CALICO ROCK

One of the simple pleasures of staying at Edsrock Lodge is a stroll down the hill to historic downtown Calico Rock. Make sure you stop at the visitor’s center to pick up the latest brochures. One of the favorite things for the young grandsons of the owners is an afternoon treat at the old fashion soda fountain at Clinkingbeard Family Store on Main Street.

WORLD RENOWNED FOLK MUSIC

If nature is not enough, then let music fill the air. The Ozark Folk Center is world famous for keeping the art of folk music and folk life alive. There are shows several times a week that you will find very enjoyable, plus classes and seminars on many aspects of ';Folk Life';.

And if you really want to ';step back in time'; you should head to Mountain View on Friday and Saturday night and make your way to the Court House Square. There you will find several small groups of musicians who meet simply for the pure joy of playing together. Pull up a chair, or better yet bring your own instrument and join in.

Make your way around the groups to get a wonderful cross reference of all types of genuine folk music.

GOLF

For many no vacation is complete without a round (or several) of golf. At Edsrock Lodge you are just 30 minutes from Big Creek Golf in Mountain Home. Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest in May 2004, this course will present a challenge and a nice day of golf for any handicap and level of experience.

PLACES TO EAT

In Calico Rock on Main street is Don Quixote%26#39;s Cafe and the Clinkingbeard Lunch, while just out the highway one finds the White River Cafe, Leatherwood Restaurant, with Roscoe%26#39;s 7 miles from Pineville. You can find most anything between Mountain Home, Calico Rock and Mountain View. Here are a few of our guests favorites:

JoJo’s Catfish Wharf (Our favorite place for Catfish)

Tommy’s Famous Pizza (Voted best pizza in Arkansas – if you like cheese, go here):

GOT TO SHOP

So you need a little break from nature, and want to hit the shops, there are several excellent shops in downtown Calico Rock and on the Square in Mountain View, there you%26#39;ll find some of the best local crafts at the Arkansas Crafts Guild, as well as at the nearby Arkansas Folk Center. In Mountain Home and nearby Hardy, you can find great crafts and antiques. Mountain Home has several fine Shopping facilities.

If you are in need of more modern finds, visit Branson, MO, some 2 hours from Calico Rock. Besides the great musical shows, there are numerous outlets and other shopping venues.

So, these are just a few of the things to do. You will find many more along the way and also discover your own. Please let us know what we can do to make your stay enjoyable.

Mount Nebo State Park is very near Russelville, outside Dardanelle, and is an old favorite for rustic but well run State Park cabins, hiking and great views. Petit Jean State Park is a little further away but still just a short drive. It is less isolated than Nebo and more populated but also has dynamite views and wonderful hikes and rock formations. Petit Jean offers boating in a small lake, waterfalls, kids%26#39; activities, restaurant, museum yet is within a natural setting. They also offer rustic cabins and a lodge in a well run State Park complex. The new State Park is of course Mount Magazine, the highest spot in the State. It offers an amazing new lodge and cabins but reportedly they have not yet worked out the dining problems. Cabin #10 has been mentioned to me by a Parks rep as the best cabin.

My parents live on the White River in Cotter, AR... about 10 minutes from Mountain Home. If you are looking for a relaxing, scenic time... then you will be happy wtih the ozarks. If you like more of an upbeat, social event... not for you. I too am taking a last minute trip up there, fortunately for me, I have river access, lodging, personal guide, etc...(It pays to have relatives). The information provided to you on this site is good and accurate. If you are serious or not so serious about trout fishing the white river.. I can hook you up with a personal guide for a day at a very reasonable rate. I think that the local guide services there are respectable, but still it is all about business. I know many locals/ retired folks who can show you a much better time with the absolute best fishing on the white. The White fishing is dependent on water release usually and can be tricky at times, but if there are fish to be had the locals know where to find them (as do many of the guides). You can email me at dma1107@aol if you have any specific questions about the Mountain Home, Cotter, Flippin area... I have been going there at least 5 times a years for the past 10 years. It is beautiful! I personally have elementary aged children and know a lot about this age group and what to do in the area... but can advise otherwise also.

Have a great trip. The folks here on TA are good sources...

Thanks to all who responded to my post. The trip was a success. The highlights were going to Eureka Springs, the Cliff Inn south of Jasper, Petit Jean State Park and Mountain View.

Dissappointments were, Long Pool, the wineries and the nuclear plant on Lake Dardenelle.(unbelievable). I think I could have stayed north and not missed too much without going down as far as Russellville.

The trip was good though.

Laura

Glad you liked Arkansas, yall come back ya hear??

Thanks for telling us your Arkansas highlights. What were the rooms like at Cliff House near Jasper? I couldn%26#39;t find photos of the rooms on their web site and I have never been there. It%26#39;s great to hear reports of good places and to be able to pass them on. Thanks!