BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER

With its towering limestone bluffs and cerulean blue water, America’s first national river is perhaps one of the most mesmerizing places in the country to watch the eclipse.

The best locations for viewing the eclipse

• Watch from campgrounds like Tyler Bend or Baker Ford to experience totality for over 3 minutes.
• Hike to an overlook. On the lower Buffalo, try the Buffalo River Scenic Lookout or Red Bluff Overlook. In the middle section, hike The Narrows or portions of the Buffalo River Trail. And on the upper Buffalo, head to the Steel Creek Overlook.

Outdoor adventures that will make your trip memorable

• Kayak or canoe sections of the river like Steel Creek to Kyle’s Landing or Tyler Bend to Gilbert. You can rent your gear and book a cozy cabin from outfitters like Buffalo Outdoor Center, Buffalo River Outfitters, Wild Bill’s Outfitter and Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging.
• Hike to iconic destinations: Hawksbill Craig (the most photographed location in Arkansas), the 209-foot-tall waterfall at Hemmed-In Hollow or the numerous caves of Lost Valley.
• Go horseback riding and stay at Horseshoe Canyon Dude Ranch where you can ascend over 400 rock climbing routes and go zip lining.

Nearby towns to explore

• Gilbert – Visit one of the smallest towns in Arkansas where you can experience totality for 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
• Ponca – Visit the Ponca Elk Education Center and watch elk graze in Boxley Valley.
• Jasper – Admire the historic stone buildings and savor homestyle food at Ozark Cafe.
• Marshall – Experience totality for 3 minutes and 49 seconds and then head to the Kenda Drive-In Theatre, one of the last drive-in movie sites in the state.

BULL SHOALS LAKE

This magnificent body of clear, blue water has earned it the title, "The Caribbean of the Midwest.” Dive into the impeccable waters or explore 1,000 miles of scenic mountain shoreline.

The best locations for viewing the eclipse

• For unobstructed views, rent a boat from one of the many marinas and head out on the lake for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.
• Try one of 19 parks that line the shore like Bull Shoals-White River State Park where you can fish for world-record trout, hike, mountain bike and camp.

Outdoor adventures that will make your trip memorable

• Enjoy sailing, skiing, wakeboarding and boating across miles of glassy, blue water.
• Elevate your fishing game and go spearfishing for walleye, crappie and catfish!
• Take a guided cave tour at one of the world’s oldest limestone caverns, Bull Shoals Caverns.
• Sign up for scuba diving lessons at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock.

Nearby towns to explore

• Bull Shoals and Lakeview – These two neighboring lake towns are lined with family fun resorts, romantic B&Bs and local restaurants. Eclipse viewing here will last approximately 2 minutes, 30 seconds.

NORFORK LAKE

Norfork Lake is Arkansas’s hidden treasure. It’s the only Ozark lake with white, sandy beaches that make you feel like you’re walking along a tropical island. Enjoy tall white bluffs, forested hills and crystal-clear waters that give up to 60-foot visibility.

The best locations for viewing the eclipse

• On the lake! Rent a boat from one of the many marinas like Jordan, Tracy Ferry, Cranfield and 101 Marina.
• Try a campground like the Quarry Use Area where you can swim, hike, fish and have a cookout next to the Norfork Dam.
• The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is a serene and whimsical area for fishing and eclipse viewing.

Outdoor adventures that will make your trip memorable

• Scuba dive and snorkel at dozens of sites across the lake where you can discover underwater caves, a sunken playground, a school bus and more.
• Go skiing, wakeboarding, swimming and fishing for huge striped and hybrid bass, slab-size crappie, walleye, bluegill and catfish.
• Hike 14 miles on the Norfork Trail and bike 10 miles on the Pigeon Creek Trail System.

Nearby towns to explore

• Norfork – This charming town features the historic Jacob Wolf House, Norfork Brewing Company and many highly-rated cafes. Viewing time here is 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
• Mountain Home – You can find everything you need here from shopping to dining, breweries and an entertainment district. Viewing time here is 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

WHITE RIVER

The White River is one of the most renowned rivers in the world for trout fishing! Here, you can disconnect and unwind where unspoiled natural beauty and adventure will continue to take your breath away long after the eclipse has ended.

The best locations for viewing the eclipse

• What better way is there to view the eclipse than while reeling in some fish?
• The Norfork Lookout Point is an epic overlook at the confluence of the North Fork River and White River with a totality time of 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
• The overlook at City Rock Bluff will provide unobstructed views of the eclipse for 4 minutes.

Outdoor adventures that will make your trip memorable

• Book a guided flyfishing trip. For guided trips and lodging along the river, try Gaston’s White River Resort, Stetson’s Resort, His Place Resort, Cotter Trout Dock, Copper John’s Resort, Gene’s Trout Fishing Resort and so many more.
• Mountain bike over 50 miles of singletrack terrain on the IMBA Epic Syllamo Trails.
• Tour Blanchard Springs Caverns, a three-level cave system that’s still growing today.

Nearby towns to explore

• Calico Rock – This small town is packed with historic museums, vintage shops, cafes and riverside cabins.
• Cotter – A fishing town lined with docks, fishing resorts and scenic overlooks where you can catch the eclipse for just over 3 minutes.
• Mountain View – Home to the Ozark Folk Center State Park where you can listen to folk jam sessions all year long. Enjoy 4 minutes and 13 seconds of totality here.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE ECLIPSE?

Start planning your trip today and see how you can experience an array of destinations throughout the Ozark Mountain Region that are just as unique as the eclipse.