BULL SHOALS STATE PARK
In north central Arkansas amidst the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, Bull Shoals-White River State Park stretches along the riverside and lakeshore where the White River and Bull Shoals Lake join at the Bull Shoals dam. Together these waters form one of the nation?s finest fishing and boating combinations. The White River is renowned as mid-America?s premier trout stream, famous for its record rainbow and brown trout. Bull Shoals dam forms Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas?s largest lake with 45,440 acres of waters stretching along Arkansas's northern border and into southern Missouri. Anglers are drawn to the lake's catches of lunker bass, catfish, crappie and bream. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy boating and swimming in these clear open waters.
The park is a popular camping destination that features 103 campsites along or near the river (two Class AAA, one Class AA, four Class A, 76 Class B, 20 Tent sites with no hookups, two Rent-A-Camp sites and two Rent-An-RV units). Interpretive programs are offered in the park throughout the year. Park facilities include picnic areas, standard pavilions, playgrounds, hiking trails, and a multi-use trail. The park's marina/store offers boat, motor, kayak and canoe rentals; and supplies, equipment, and gifts for sale.
The park's 15,744-square foot visitor center opened in fall 2006. The $4.8 million center is situated on a highpoint across the dam from the rest of the park's facilities. The center affords a spectacular view of the White River, Bull Shoals Dam and Bull Shoals Lake. This visitor/education center is named in honor of Jim Gaston of Lakeview, owner of Arkansas?s renowned Gaston?s White River Resort. The James A. Gaston Visitor Center serves as the primary visitor contact point at Bull Shoals-White River State Park and is the focal point for the interpretation of the White River, Bull Shoals Dam, Bull Shoals Lake. Interpretive exhibits are featured throughout the lobby, gift shop, Johnboat Theater, and Exhibit Hall, a 1,720-square-foot area filled with images of the river, lake and dam. These state-of-the art exhibits and the video presentation in the theater tell about the histories and fisheries these renowned waters hold. The center also includes an observation tower, gift shop, two classrooms and park offices.
Bull Shoals State Park is located near Mountain Home
Big Bluff Trail
Length: 1 3/4 miles Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate Brochure: Available at visitor center
Description: The trail traverses the wooded hills below Bull Shoals Dam. Overlooking the White River, the trail offers examples of plant succession and wildlife native to the area. A portion of the trail is located near a bluff, so be careful to stay on the trail at all times.
Location: 6 miles north of Mountain Home on Hwy. 5 North, then 8 miles west on Hwy. 178
Bluebird Trail
Length: 2 miles Time: 2 Hours Difficulty: Easy Brochure: At Visitor Center
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.
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
Gaston Wildflower Garden Trail
Length: .75 Time: 1 Hour Difficulty: Easy
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.
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
Hidden Hollow Wildflower Trail
Length: .02 miles Time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy Brochure: At Visitor Center
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.
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
Lakeside Trail
Length: 1 mile Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy Brochure: Available at visitor center
Description: This scenic trail has an abundance of wildlife and is located along a cove on Bull Shoals Lake. It affords good viewing of spring and fall colors.
Location: 6 miles north of Mountain Home on Hwy. 5 North, then 7 miles west on Hwy. 178
Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail
Length: 3 miles Time: 1-2 Hours Difficulty: Moderate
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.
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
To reach Bull Shoals-White River State Park 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.
I love your park . A few years ago I purchased an awesome kids Jr Park Ranger outfit and didnt see it this time to buy another one. 
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