Arkansas Road Trip: 6 Perfect Day Trips Within 50 Miles of Yellville

Explore Cotter, Bull Shoals, Buffalo River and more.

setembro 14, 2025
9:06 pm

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.