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For Land Lubbers
So
much to do, so hard to choose.
Lacking the crowds
and swarming tourists of other lake destinations, the Norfork Lake
area offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the tranquility
of a giant Ozark Mountain lake habitat and community.
The Norfork Lake
area is loaded with action-packed entertainment, spectacular scenery,
natural beauty, and lots of old-fashioned Ozark Mountain charm and
hospitality.
If you are looking
for the perfect vacation retreat, Norfork Lake is the place... It's
the Mid-South’s favorite choice for year round recreation and
relaxation.
For a day “Off of the
Lake” the Norfork Lake Chamber of Commerce has several suggestions.
For the Nature Lover
 Pick your own or buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a local farm,
or visit the Mountain Home Farmers Market on the square Wednesday and
Saturday mornings.
Wildlife Viewing - Take a leisurely drive to look for the
abundant wildlife that calls the Ozarks home. Deer are plentiful and
frequently seen in groups of 8 to 12. Look for them in quiet areas
and back roads. Many are accustomed to people and will return the
watching! The Norfork Lake area is a bird watchers paradise. Water
birds, eagles, owls, several types of woodpeckers, hummingbirds, road
runners and songbirds grace the area.
Visit the Clysta Willet Interpretive Trail in Twin Lakes Park.
This easy stroll through the woods lets you see native plants in all
their glory.
Tour local garden centers. Our local centers can help you find
out the name of the beautiful plants you’ve seen blooming in the
Norfork Lake area. They can help you decide what is right for your
area. Maybe you would like to take a little bit of the Ozarks home
with you!
Scenic Drives
Spring comes quickly to the Norfork Lake area. Wild flowers and
flowering
 trees are spectacular and continue to please during the
summer months.
Fall foliage typically peaks in late October. Leaf color is
enjoyable for several weeks before and after peak color. You owe it
to yourself to make the trip at least once. Your Norfork Lake chamber
member can help you plan a drive that will emphasize the colors that
are peaking at the time of your visit.
Hiking Norfork
Lake
 Take a Hike - Quarry Park, Panther Bay, Robinson Point, or Pigeon
Creek Trail System. For a more un-structured hike, how about a walk
along some of Norfork Lake’s 500 miles of pristine shoreline. No need
to worry about private property. The shoreline is owned by the US
Army Corps of Engineers and is open for you to enjoy.
Mountain Biking
 Pigeon Creek Trail
System - After your ride, enjoy a cool refreshing dip in Norfork
Lake. Just ride right in if you like.
Day Trips for the Nature Lover
 Buffalo National River- hiking, quiet floating, scenic bluffs.
The Buffalo River is America’s first National River. It flows 150
miles and is divided into 3 operational sections. The lower Buffalo
River is closest to Norfork Lake.
Sylamore District of the Ozark & St. Francis National Forests -
You will find extensive hiking and mountain biking opportunities just
south of Norfork Lake.
Canoe or kayak on one of our area rivers. Choose your river based
on whether you want a calm ride or a ride with some white water. All
of our rivers offer breathtaking scenery.
Family Activities
The area parks offer an assortment of playgrounds, ball fields,
skate/bike areas, hiking trails, ponds, nature areas and other
activities. Mountain Home and the US Army Corps of Engineers have an
abundance of parks to choose from.
Bowling - Need a break from the sun? How about a little family
competition. You could be starting a tradition that can easily carry
on for generations! There are 2 bowling alleys just minutes from
Norfork Lake.
Cinemas - Mountain Home has 2 cinemas to choose from. Both are
open 7 days and feature current release movies.
Batting cages, driving ranges, miniature golf, go carts, and
arcade games are available throughout the Norfork Lake area and in
Mountain Home.
 Stock Car Racing on the action packed dirt oval. Late model and
super late model racing from March into October, Ozark style. The
perfect family Friday night outing.
Norfork Trout Hatchery - The federal hatchery at the Norfork Lake
Dam raises rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout for release into the
North Fork and White Rivers, both world class trout fisheries.
Dry Run Creek – One of the most unique fisheries in the nation,
 Dry Run Creek offers catch and release trout fishing opportunities
for disabled anglers and youths 16 and under. This special facility
is handicap accessible and is located at the Norfork Lake Dam.
Big Spring Park in
Cotter - Home of the famous “Swing at the Spring”. Take the cold
water plunge from a rope swing into an old time swimming hole.
Horseback Riding - Families enjoy the guided trail rides through
the Arkansas Ozark Mountains offered by area operators.
For the History Buff
Rapps Barren Settlement at Cooper Park in Mountain Home is an
easy nearby way to view life in the 1800s. The buildings are
landscaped with native plants that are typical of the time.
Rainbow Arch Bridge in
Cotter was dedicated in 1930 and beautifully refurbished and
rededicated in 2004. The bridge is on the National list of historic
places. Under the bridge is Big Spring Park with scenic walking
trails beside the White River.
Wolf House - the Jacob Wolf home was built in the early 1800’s
and is believed to be the oldest log structure in Arkansas. It
overlooks the White River in Norfork.
Antique shops are throughout the Norfork Lake area. Take a stroll
and you may find an old time treasure. 
You may enjoy exploring
the small towns that are near Norfork Lake. Mountain Home, Calico
Rock, Gassville, Yellville, Mountain View, Salem, and Hardy are all
just a short scenic drive away from the lake. You will find town
squares, small independent businesses for shopping and mom and pop
diners. Arts and crafts shops, quilt shops, antique stores, old time
hardware stores and much more are waiting for your visit. Several
towns plan festivals throughout the year. You may be lucky enough to
be around for an outhouse race, fireworks display, or a turkey
calling contest.
Within an Hour
Want to combine history with amusements? One hour from Norfork
Lake but well worth your travel time if you thinking about a day
trip.
Ozark Folk Center State
Park, Mountain View, Arkansas
Ozark music, crafts, pottery making and other pioneer skills.
Blanchard Springs Caverns - The park is operated by the U.S.
Forest Service. Tours for all ages and abilities are available.
Located southeast of Norfork Lake.
Silver Dollar City - A
theme park based on life in the 1880’s. Thrill rides, shows, foods
and crafts in an Ozark Mountain setting.
Live Entertainment
Friday Night on the Square in Mountain Home. Each Friday during
the summer Mountain Home visitors and residents are entertained by a
variety of musical groups.
Theater – Twin Lakes Playhouse provides an entertaining schedule
of theatrical performances.
Mountain View - several
musical venues available plus impromptu gatherings of musicians each
evening at the courthouse square.
Mountain Home- live
entertainment is available at several different locations each week.
Golf
 There are 2 golf courses in the Norfork Lake area. Big Creek Golf
and Country Club was recently awarded 5 stars by Golf Digest Magazine
for the second time! Twin Lakes Golf Course is a beautiful 18 hole-
par 70 course with rolling tree-lined fairways and bent grass greens.
Shopping
 Antiquing - A
popular pastime for her while he is fishing. The Norfork Lake area
features a unique variety of Ozark antique, art, souvenir, craft and
specialty shops.
Junking – A form of
shopping similar to antiquing but for the more value minded.
Locations change frequently so grab a sack lunch, hit the road, and
enjoy the scenery while exploring.
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