White Rock–Shores Lake Loop

Ozark National Forest, Boston Mountain Ranger District (north of Mulberry)

The White Rock–Shores Lake Loop links two Forest Service recreation areas in the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks: Shores Lake, an 82-acre lake, and White Rock Mountain, where Recreation.gov lists a campground, rental cabins, and a lodge. AllTrails describes it as an exceptional weekend hike, climbing one scenic creek drainage to the top of White Rock and returning down another. Part of the loop follows the Ozark Highlands Trail.

It’s about 13 miles, with campgrounds at both ends and campsites along the creeks in between.

The hike

Many hikers start at Shores Lake, which Explore the Ozarks Online says has a fishing pier, boat launch, and swimming beach, and calls the loop a trip of tough climbs, hidden grottos, and numerous waterfalls. Explore the Ozarks Online says the lake’s dam was started in the 1930s by a nearby Civilian Conservation Corps camp but not finished until 1958, through a joint effort of the Forest Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Ozark Mountain Hiker gives directions from I-40 at exit 24: north on AR 215, then onto Bliss Ridge Road to the campground, with the trailhead on its north side.

Trailforks describes the clockwise route along White Rock Creek, past a small waterfall and several established campsites, before the climb to White Rock. OuachitaMaps, describing the loop in the other direction, notes a grotto with a high but small waterfall before the first creek crossing, which is probably dry in summer. It says the trail crosses White Rock Creek twice in 0.2 mile and that those crossings can be wet when the water is up. Stav is Lost describes a beautiful waterfall along this side that called for a dip.

At the top, White Rock Mountain is the reward. Recreation.gov calls it the hub of several trail systems, including an easy 2-mile trail around the mountaintop rim and the 170-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Trailforks recommends the rim loop as an extension. OuachitaMaps says the trail heads east from the White Rock campground with blue blazes, joins the Ozark Highlands Trail (white blazes) in 0.3 mile, and descends from there.

The return follows Salt Fork Creek. OuachitaMaps says the east loop trail stays fairly level for 5.2 miles along boulder-strewn benches above the creek. It notes a small creek at mile 8.4, counting from White Rock, with a scenic crossing and a primitive campsite downstream. Stav is Lost says the trail parallels Salt Fork Creek but stays far enough away that you often can’t hear it. Ozark Mountain Hiker describes reaching Ozark Highlands Trail mile marker 19 within earshot of Salt Fork Creek before turning south on the east side of the loop.

Weather has left its mark. One AllTrails reviewer described heavy tornado damage on the west side of the loop, calling it their favorite part but noting some campsites were covered in downed trees.

OuachitaMaps warns that Arkansas summers are extremely hot. It says water should be available year-round from White Rock Creek and at both recreation areas, and that Salt Fork Creek always has water but isn’t very accessible from the trail.

For another Arkansas loop, see the Eagle Rock Loop in the Ouachita Mountains.

Tips

Start at Shores Lake. The trailhead is on the north side of the campground. OuachitaMaps describes White Rock as an alternate start.
Fill up at White Rock Creek. OuachitaMaps says Salt Fork Creek is hard to reach from the trail.
Walk the rim. Trailforks recommends the White Rock rim loop as an extension.
Expect wet crossings after rain. OuachitaMaps says the White Rock Creek crossings can be wet when the water is up.
Avoid the summer heat. OuachitaMaps calls Arkansas summers extremely hot.

Camping

Camping is dispersed along the trail in the Ozark National Forest, with established sites along both creeks. Recreation.gov lists nine family campsites at White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, plus rentable cabins and a lodge, and overnight parking for Ozark Highlands Trail hikers. Explore the Ozarks Online says Shores Lake Campground has 19 individual and 4 double primitive sites, with drinking water in season. Contact the Boston Mountain Ranger District at (479) 667-2191.

Inside Intel: Trailforks points to several established campsites along White Rock Creek on the west side, and an AllTrails reviewer noted more campsites every so often for those who don’t want to go all the way to the top. Ozark Mountain Hiker camped close to mile 3 after crossing Salt Fork Creek. For an easy first night, one reviewer camped at Shores Lake Campground and still found open sites on a busy Friday.

Trail facts

Distance: About 12.2 to 13.5 miles
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. About 2,700 feet of gain (Stav is Lost).
Campsites: Dispersed along White Rock Creek and Salt Fork Creek; campgrounds at Shores Lake and White Rock Mountain
Water: White Rock Creek and the recreation areas (in season). Treat all water.
Permits: None found
Trailheads: Shores Lake Campground (north side) or White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
Last verified: September 30, 2026

The Lowdown

Wet crossings on White Rock Creek:

OuachitaMaps says the trail crosses White Rock Creek twice in 0.2 mile, and the crossings can be wet when the water is up. We compared three rain shells, led by the Arc'teryx Beta SL.

Compare the shells →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.