Explore the Natural State: Hiking Trails in North Central Arkansas

Northern Arkansas is known for its unsurpassable natural beauty and abundant wildlife, waterfalls, lush green forests, and breathtaking views from atop the Ozark Mountains. The Lakeview and Bull Shoals area is certainly not lacking in its presentation of the Natural State's reputation. Let's explore a few hiking trails easily accessible from Copper John's Resort.

James & Sally Moore Recreational Trail

The James and Sally Moore Recreational Trail twists and turns through Arkansas State University's gorgeous wooded campus in Mountain Home Arkansas and connects with the Mountain Home Greenway. This smooth, paved trail stretches for 3 miles and is perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles and more. The trail features a public frisbee golf course, an art walk with intriguing sculptures, beautiful brick buildings, and botanical gardens.

At Christmas time, the University hosts an elaborate display of lights along the trail with opportunities for storybook time in a sleigh, photos with nostalgic backdrops, and seasonal treats.

Need some refreshments after a long walk? Head across the street from the Art Walk trail to the remarkable Donald W. Reynolds Library. The library is complete with it's very own, appropriately named coffee shop, Bookworms. The library serves up plenty of fun for the whole family holding several events throughout the year to engage the community including an indoor putt-putt golf tournament sponsored by local businesses, Mother's Day events, Poker tournaments, bake sales, and more.

Directions: The trail head is located on campus at Arkansas State University in Mountain Home, AR.

Lakeside Trail

Lakeside Trail can be accessed from Bull Shoals-White River State Park. This park overlooks the lake and has a nice playground and picnic areas with restrooms and a pavilion visitors can reserve for gatherings. Lakeside Trail travels down rolling hills through the forest along the banks of Bulls Shoals Lake on the east side of the Bull Shoals Dam toward Lakeview. The entire trail boasts open views of the lake where hikers can take photos of the sunset and the dam from a exciting angles. The Lakeside Trail is considered an easy hike at only 1 mile in length and provides a place to sit and rest near the end.

Directions: From Copper John's Resort, turn left on River Road. Turn right at the stop sign onto Bull Shoals Park. Take another right at the yield sign onto Powerhouse Road and another right onto AR 178. To access the pavilion, picnic areas and playground, immediately turn left into the Bull-Shoals-White River State Park. To park closer to the trailhead, take the 2nd entrance to the park also on the left. The trailhead will be on the right as you turn onto the park's paved drive.

Dogwood Trail

Dogwood Trail in Lakeview is a hidden treasure, offering a rewarding surprise at its end for those willing to take on its rugged, three‑mile out‑and‑back journey. Winding over hills and weaving through the woods, the trail challenges hikers just enough to make the payoff feel truly earned.

Every step along Dogwood Trail rekindles the sense of wonder you felt as a child setting out on your first adventure. The path reveals sweeping views of Bull Shoals Lake, framed by dense treetops that filter the sunlight into a soft, dappled glow. At night, only the moonlight pierces the canopy, and the forest comes alive with active wildlife. For safety and the fullest enjoyment, plan your hike so you return to the campground before sunset.

Directions: To reach the trailhead, visitors first pass through the Army Corps of Engineers’ Recreation Area at Lakeview Park Campground—a convenient spot to pause and use the facilities before setting off. Upon entering the first campground which hosts the Marina, take the first right toward the swimming beach and boat launch area. When you reach the entrance to the second campground, turn right and drive up the hill away from the lake and around the edge of the campground. The trailhead is marked with a sign at the top of the hill on the right.

Gaston's Ozark Nature Trail & Wildlife Refuge

Guests of Copper John's Resort enjoy venturing down the road a little ways to Gaston's Ozark Nature Trail and Wildlife Refuge to visit the peacocks, turkeys, quail and pheasants before they hike a mildly rugged trail through the forest. Hikers should expect to come across a few unexpected sights in the woods that give them a glimpse of what farm life would have been like for earlier settlers. Though there is no climbing required, closed-toe shoes with a decent grip are best for this trail as sometimes the rocks move a bit under the feet on the steeper hills.

For a more leisurely stroll and photo opportunities, Gaston's Wildflower Garden Trail meanders through acres of seasonal wildflowers growing in meadows and along the banks of White River. The Wildflower Garden Trail offers walk-up access to the River and benches to rest upon.

Aviation enthusiasts appreciate being able to watch the Cessnas take off or land on Gaston's private landing strip as they stroll by from one trail to the other.

Helpful Hints: Neither of the trails at Gaston's are appropriate for strollers or wheelchairs and such due to uneven, gravel or grassy terrain. Bicycles are not permitted beyond the trailhead entrances. There are restrooms located adjacent to the gift shop and restaurant.

Directions: From Copper John's Resort, turn right onto River Road and follow it about 1.5 miles to Gaston's. The Nature Trail and Wildlife Refuge are located on the left side just before the paved road turns into a service road. You will see the peacocks, turkeys, and other birds.

To get to the Wildflower Garden Trail, turn right into Gaston's Resort and follow the drive all the way to the end. The trailhead is located just beyond the last set of cabins.