White Rock Mountain
Summer Fun
My friend Adventure Bill had the week off and wanted to go on a new hike. We decided on White Rock Mountain Loop Trail. We rang up our good buddy Alf Carter, and he also wanted to go. So, at about 8:30 a.m. we headed down the highway. It promised to be a great day, the temperature was projected to be 75-80 and there was only blue skies and white clouds above us. It was quite a distance to the dirt road turn off that lead to the trailhead, and once on the dirt road, we went about seven miles before deciding maybe we were on the wrong road, but after stopping to consult the maps we decided that we were on the right road. It turned out to be 15 miles of dirt road. After two hours of driving we arrived at our destination.
We shouldered our backpacks and decided to walk out to the main point first, then around the loop trail. White Rock Rim Loop Trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. There are three rustic cabins and a bunkhouse-type lodge available for rent. There are also two small rooms in the bottom of the lodge which are available for hikers. There are also a number of beautiful stone shelters along the trail which offer outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. Extreme caution is required! Children using this trail should have constant adult supervision because the bluffs are extremely high.
After checking out the point we decided to head left down the loop trail. It was a very pleasant walk. There were no guard rails along the bluffs once you left the main point, so we walked pretty carefully, looking out to the lush, green forests that surrounded us. One of the first things we came across was one of the stone cabins that you can rent. It is pretty amazing that these stone structures have survived so well for almost 70 years. The CCC sure did an excellent job of constructing this place.
The well kept trail led us around the rim of the mountain, very near the edge the whole time. As we meandered our way around we were impressed with the views. They are breathtaking. After a bit, we came to one of several shelters that the CCC constructed along the trail.
White Rock Mountain certainly has panoramic views. We were continually astounded at how far one could see from the various vantage points along the trail. Far in the distant, through the haze, and across the valley we could see distant mountains. We managed to walk slowly along the trail, taking lots of short breaks for pictures and sheer enjoyment.
White Rock Mountain certainly has panoramic views. We were continually astounded at how far one could see from the various vantage points along the trail. Far in the distant, through the haze, and across the valley we could see distant mountains. We managed to walk slowly along the trail, taking lots of short breaks for pictures and sheer enjoyment.
Working our way along the trail with the valley below to our right, we discovered what looked like a cistern. It became apparent that at some point early on, this trail atop a high mountain actually had running water to its stone rental cabins, and along the trail. We found several water fountains, now long since unused. We speculated about the engineering required to bring water to this point, and the inqenuity used in doing so. Later on, we discovered a modern, black hose that provides water to the rental cabins today.
After several hours we rounded a knob and there, in front of us, was the point at which we had started our hike. The White Rock Rim Loop Trail had brought us full circle. We stopped for quite awhile, not wanting to have to end the hike. We sat and let the sun shine down at us, and the very nice spring breeze cool us. Reluctantly, we got up and made our way back to the trailhead and headed back to civilization.
The Point At White Rock Mountain
This was one of the most enjoyable hikes I have been on in a while. One reason was that it was someplace new to visit, and the other was the outstanding views you can get on the White Rock Rim Loop Trail. Of course the weather was just perfect and we didn't see another soul while we were hiking. If you would like further information about White Rock Mountain and the recreational opportunities there, contact:
Boston Mountain Ranger District
1803 North 18th Street
Ozark, AR 72949
(501) 667-2191
I hope that you can take advantage of the wonderful parks, trails, and views offered by our area, and that you can spend some quality time here in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.
Boston Mountain Ranger District
1803 North 18th Street
Ozark, AR 72949
(501) 667-2191
I hope that you can take advantage of the wonderful parks, trails, and views offered by our area, and that you can spend some quality time here in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.