Arkansas Road Trip: 6 Perfect Day Trips Within 50 Miles of Yellville
Arkansas Road Trip: 6 Perfect Day Trips Within 50 Miles of Yellville Explore Cotter, Bull Shoals, Buffalo River and more. Basing your Ozarks getaway at Carlton Marion Inn puts you in the middle of rivers, bluffs, and postcard towns—plus our newly renovated rooms and brand-new cabins on Crooked Creek bring excitement for your trip each morning. 1) Cotter & the White River Heritage Loop (10–20 miles round-trip) Cross the iconic Cotter “Rainbow” Bridge and wander Big Spring Park for river views, a riverside trail, playgrounds, and an easy spot to watch anglers on the White River. Consider a guided float with a local outfitter to experience the trout capital of Arkansas. Don’t miss: Sunset photos of the bridge from the park. 2) Buffalo National River: Buffalo Point & Rush “Ghost Town” (30–40 miles round-trip) Head south on AR-14 to Buffalo Point for towering bluffs and riverside hikes, then learn about local mining lore at the Rush Historic District, a preserved zinc-boom town inside the national park. Visitors, please contact the stations at Buffalo Point and Tyler Bend share current river and trail conditions. Why go: America’s first national river flows free for 135 miles—bring a camera! 3) Bull Shoals Dam Overlook & State Park (35–45 miles round-trip) Drive to James A. Gaston Visitor Center for sweeping views of Bull Shoals Dam, short trails, and ranger programs in Bull Shoals–White River State Park. It’s a great intro to the region’s hydropower history and trout fishing culture. Tip: Check seasonal hours at the visitor center before you go. 4) Peel Ferry Scenic Drive (40–50 miles round-trip) Cruise AR-125 to ride the Peel Ferry—Arkansas’s last remaining free public ferry—across Bull Shoals Lake. The crossing links scenic roads on both shores and makes a unique photo-op day trip. Good to know: The ferry runs daily in season and saves a long drive around the lake. Check current hours at the landing. 5) Norfork Dam & National Fish Hatchery At the base of Norfork Dam, the Norfork National Fish Hatchery shows how millions of trout are raised for the White and Norfork Rivers; kids love peeking into raceways and visiting nearby Dry Run Creek. Pair it with lunch in Mountain Home or a lakeside stop. 6) Crooked Creek Water Trail & Fred Berry Center Right in Yellville, Crooked Creek is an AGFC-designated Blue Ribbon Smallmouth Bass stream with six public access points on the 22-mile Crooked Creek Water Trail—great for an easy paddle or wade-in fishing. Trails and wildlife viewing at the Fred Berry Conservation Education Center round out a close-to-home nature day. How to Schedule a 2–3 Day Mini-Itinerary Day 1: Cotter Bridge + Big Spring Park → sunset at Gaston Visitor Center overlook. Day 2: Buffalo Point hikes → Rush Historic District walking tour. Day 3: Morning paddle on Crooked Creek → Norfork Hatchery stop → dinner in Mountain Home. Where to Stay Carlton Marion Inn puts you minutes away from what matters. Settle into renovated rooms, an outdoor pool, BBQ grill, fire pit, and pet-friendly options—or choose our new creekside cabins for extra privacy and Crooked Creek views. Ready to road-trip? Book your room or cabin at Carlton Marion Inn and wake up close to every stop—all within 50 miles of Yellville. Travel note: River levels, ferry operations, and facility hours change with weather and season. Confirm details with the park, hatchery, or ferry before you go. Recent Posts All Post Cabin Stays Fishing Local Food & Culture Nearby Attractions Outdoor Activities Arkansas Road Trip: 6 Perfect Day Trips Within 50 Miles… setembro 14, 2025 Yellville Turkey Trot: A Small-Town Tradition Worth Traveling For setembro 11, 2025 Yellville’s Year of Festivals: Local Traditions & Can’t-Miss Events Near… setembro 9, 2025 Enjoy Comfortable Accommodations and Natural Beauty in Yellville Book Now Categories Cabin Stays (1) Fishing (2) Local Food & Culture (2) Nearby Attractions (4) Outdoor Activities (5)
Your Destination for Best Fishing in Arkansas
WELCOME TO CARLTON MARION INN Best Place for fishing in Arkansas With Crooked Creek running right by our hotel, the Carlton Marion Inn is the perfect setting for those looking for the best fishing in Arkansas. Make your Reservation Now Why Choose Us? Stay at the Premier Arkansas Fishing Lodges Carlton Marion Inn offers lodging near Buffalo River, a crystal-clear river perfect for kayaking and smallmouth bass fishing. Our prime location allows you to easily access the best fishing spots this beautiful river has to offer. Comfort Leisure Hospitality Anterior Próximo Jim C. Guest ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Sweet old timey motel in Yellsville AR with an amazing view of Crooked Creek from a cliff overlook of the back of the property. Managers were as friendly and helpful as could be. Very clean. Had a king size bed, a couple of recliners, overhead light, two lamps, a long low table with two drawers, a fridge, coffee pot, pool, fire pit, small bathroom, refrigerator. Never heard a neighbor all night, nice and quiet. A Mexican and a BBQ restaurants just a block away. Sean H. Guest ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ A nice local establishment. They are making some exciting updates to the rooms so if you haven’t stayed here recently, you haven’t been to the Carlton Marion Inn! April E. Guest ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Very nice and affordable rms.clean pool and very nice fire pit area by pool. 18m8les from Buffalo River and .0.4miles from crooked creak .reasonable prices on rms David M. Guest ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Nice, clean room with the usual amenities. Fire pit out back, with enough room for a dozen people. Picturesque area out back, over looking a stream. Staff was very friendly and helpful when ever asked White River Trout Fishing White River is renowned for its trout fishing, making it a must-visit for any fishing enthusiast. Just a short drive from Carlton Marion Inn, you can enjoy bountiful trout fishing at White River Reserve Your Room Tips for Successful Trout Fishing at White River For successful Trout Fishing at White River, use a light rod, thin line, and fish during times when trout are most active, like early morning. Focus on the best spots, such as below dams and in deep pools, for the best Trout Fishing at White River experience. Book Now Lodging Near Buffalo River Carlton Marion Inn offers lodging near Buffalo River, a crystal-clear river perfect for kayaking and smallmouth bass fishing. Our prime location allows you to easily access the best fishing spots this beautiful river has to offer. Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass Spotted Bass Sunfish Channel Catfish Rock Bass Reserve Your Room Fishing Experiences at Buffalo River After a day of adventure on the Buffalo River, return to the comfort and leisure of Carlton Marion Inn. As the top choice for lodging near Buffalo River, we provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after your fishing excursions. Book Your Stay Prime Fishing at Crooked Creek Crooked Creek flows directly by our hotel, offering stunning views and the unique opportunity to fish just steps from your room. Experience the convenience of fishing Crooked Creek with prime access right at your doorstep. Bass Fishing Just Steps Away Crooked Creek is home to abundant smallmouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. Reserve your room now to enjoy some of the best fishing Crooked Creek has to offer, all within walking distance from your stay. Book Your Stay Explore the Perfect Fisherman’s Retreat Relax, Fish, and Enjoy All That Carlton Marion Inn Has to Offer Renovated Comfort Enjoy our newly renovated rooms, providing the perfect rest after a productive day of fishing. Book Now View to Adventure With stunning views of the green area and Crooked Creek, continue your fishing adventure right from the hotel. Reserve Here Stories by the Fire Gather with friends around the fire pit and share the day’s fishing stories under the starry sky. Book Today BBQ and Fresh Catch Grill your freshly caught fish at our BBQ area and enjoy it with a cold beer. Reserve Now KINGS RIVER LODGES Your Best Choice for Bass Fishing If you’re looking for lodges near Kings River, Carlton Marion Inn is your top choice. Stay with us and enjoy the proximity to Kings River, known for its excellent bass fishing, making it a must-visit for fishing enthusiasts. QUICK ACESS TO KINGS RIVER Your Fishing Adventure is Just a Drive Away We’re just a short 1 hour and 21 minutes’ drive from Kings River, offering an easy and quick trip by car. Kings River is popular for: Abundant smallmouth bass Catch trophy-sized bass in the river’s clear, cool waters. Scenic river views Enjoy breathtaking landscapes as you fish along the serene riverbanks. FISHING LITTLE RED RIVER Your Guide to a Successful Fishing Trip CATCH TROUPHY TROUT Best Practices for Fishing Little Red River Fishing Little Red River offers the chance to catch trophy trout, especially early in the morning. Use a light rod with a 4-6 pound line, and enjoy a peaceful kayak fishing experience. If you’re planning to fish Little Red River, Carlton Marion Inn is the ideal place to stay. Many anglers choose our inn for comfort and convenience after a day on the river. Book Now SPRING RIVER FISHING A Prime Destination for Anglers Spring River Fishing offers an exciting mix of trout and bass fishing, perfect for both fly fishing and traditional angling. With its crystal-clear waters, anglers can expect a thrilling adventure, catching large trout and bass in one of Arkansas’s most scenic rivers. Incredible Fishing At Spring River, expect crystal-clear waters and abundant trout and bass fishing. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Stunning Nature Spring River offers breathtaking landscapes as you enjoy peaceful fishing in a serene environment. Guaranteed Adventure Whether it’s fly fishing or traditional angling, Spring River is the perfect destination for anglers of all levels. NORTH FORK RIVER FISHING Prime Destination for Trout Lovers North Fork River
