Dayhike: Shores Lake to White Rock Creek Cascade Return
Day, Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Location: Ozark National Forest near Fern AR
Type of Hike: Day-hike, trail. No wet crossings are required, but the best lunch spot is across the creek from the trail. Reaching it could suggest either waterproof boots, water shoes or potentially wet feet.
Hiking Distance: 5.6 miles.
Maximum Elevation Difference: 120 ft
Rating: Moderate to difficult, due to distance, some steep slopes and rocky portions on trail, plus slick footing in places if forecasted rain wets the trail.
Features: Beginning near Shores Lake Recreation Area seven miles south of White Rock Mtn, we follow the West Shores Lake Trail north to the White Rock Creek Cascade. From there, we return to the trailhead. (See pp. 240-241 in Tim Ernst, 2011. Arkansas Waterfalls, 2d Ed.)
Hike Leader: Miranda Kohout
Telephone & Email: (773) 209-9054 or miranda.kowalczyk@gmail.com
Meeting Place and Time:
- Meet at the northeast corner of the parking lot of Wal-Mart Supercenter West at 2875 MLK Blvd (US Hwy 62) in Fayetteville to carpool for an 8:45 a.m. departure; or,
- Meet at the Post Office at the intersection of US Hwy 71 and Hickory Street in Mountainburg AR at 9:20 a.m.; or,
- Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the sharp bend on Bliss Ridge Road (CR 75) 0.3 mi beyond the (closed) entrance to the parking area for the Shores Lake Campground. The parking lot for the campground/trail is closed for the season. We will rendezvous there and park as near as possible to the trailhead. Due to limited parking, hikers are encouraged to carpool. High clearance vehicles may be able to park nearer the trailhead.
Google Map to Trailhead: Click on “Location” below
Driving Distance: 52 miles from the Fayetteville MLK Walmart via Mountainburg and Fern to the trailhead parking area. The route includes 2 miles of gravel road suitable for 2WD low clearance vehicles but more clearance is an advantage.
Comment: Due to eroded and potentially slippery trail in places, hiking poles are recommended. Bring water, snack, lunch, rain gear, gloves, and wear hiking boots/shoes. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants are required to sign a liability release at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing. Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.
