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| EDSROCK LODGE - CALICO ROCK, ARKANSAS |
| WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR STAY |
| THERE IS MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE |
ENJOY THE VIEW::
One of the best things about Edsrock Lodge, is grabbing a book or bottle of wine and
enjoying the view from the top of the bluff looking across the White River and the
Ozark National Forest. Edsrock Lodge is on property that extends all the way to the
top of the Calico Rock Bluff. The owners' (Ed & Pat Matthews) home is the white
two story home (the Original Edsrock) across the narrow street from the Lodge. As
guest of Edsrock Lodge you are more than welcome to go there and sit on the swing,
bench and chairs along the bluff and just enjoy the peaceful, relaxing views of the
Ozarks. Watching the sunset over the river is a great way to end the day. The
Edsrock property includes over 500 feet of the bluff line (including the areas in front
of some of the other homes on the bluff) so there are plenty of places to sit and
enjoy. And if Ed & Pat are not at Edsrock (they live in Little Rock), feel free to use
the Edsrock main home porch and deck. They of course ask you to respect the
privacy of the neighbors and please remove any items you bring with you.
WHAT TO DO:
The list is literally endless because you basically have every outdoor activity known to
mankind available within an hour's drive. Here is a description and helpful links to
some of the places and other items that guest have enjoyed. Let us know if you
discover something else so it can be include.
FISHING (RIVERS & LAKES):
A Fly Fishers Paradise Awaits - including World Record Trout
Without a doubt, trout fishing on the White and Norfork Rivers is what the vast
majority of visitors to the area partake of. World record Brown trout have been
caught on the Norfork River and the Brown and Rainbow trout in the White River are
plentiful. From the Lodge you are a five minute walk to the docks of the White River,
the Norfork River is 20 minutes north on Hwy. 5. There are numerous places to rent
boats and hire guides; here are some that are nearby:
To launch or rent a boat, engage a guide at Calico for White River fishing consider
Jenkins or Bill Terry Boat Dock under the Hwy 5 bridge in Calico Rock or Lindsey
Trout Dock, 3 miles up stream - 870-297-4543 or write HC61, Box 17, Calico Rock,
AR 72519
Further down the river near Mountain View is Jacks (also a great place to eat catfish):
You can even hook up with “Orvis 1998 Guide of the Year” John B. Gulley.
For current fishings & river reports try these sites:
Davy Wotton Fly Fishing Report
White River Information
Gabe Cross at Arkansas Trophy Trout
White & Norfork River Water Levels and Flows
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Information
Trout fishing not your cup of tea, want to catch that prize bass? Then you are in luck
as well, as Bull Shoals and Lake Norfork, two of the best fishing lakes in the Ozarks
are less than one hour away.
If you want any interesting twist on fishing and an educational opportunity for the
kids, don't miss the US Fish and Wildlife National Fish Hatchery at the base of the
Lake Norfork dam. It is truly amazing to see literally 1000s of Rainbow, Brown and
Cutthroat trout used to stock area rivers.
BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS (NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE)
Without question Blanchard Springs Caverns are the best underground cave system in
the United States. People who have visited Carlsbad in NM or Luray in VA say there
is no comparison – Blanchard Springs Caverns are the best – namely because they are
living caverns with all the color and water still present. Two trails, Dripstone and
Discovery, are fully handicap/wheelchair accessible with Dripstone open year round.
The third option is the “Wild Cave Tour” and is a new addition. It takes 3 to 4 hours
and you are guided on a walk and crawl through undeveloped portions of the cavern
system. It is truly a remarkable experience. For the "Wild Cave Tour" advanced
reservations (3 or 4 days before is usually sufficient) are required and no one under
10 is permitted on that particular trip.
MOUNTAIN BIKING - TRAILS FOR ALL AGES
SYLLAMO BIKE TRAIL (NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE)
Internationally Acclaimed Mountain Biking
The International Mountain Bicycling Association in 2005 rated the Syllamo Bike trail
as one of five Epic Rides. One of the trail heads is less than a 15 minute drive from
Edsrock Lodge. This challenging trail will bring hours of exercise and visions of great
beauty in the forest. A great description of the 50+ miles of trails is provided here by
local experts and a review of the trail here. The trail is home to the annual Syllamo's
Revenge Race, plus several other events throughout the year. If you are a rider you
don't want to miss this.
PIGEON CREEK TAIL SYSTEM
If you need more mountain bike adventures (or a warm-up for Syllamo) head north to
Mountain Home to the Pigeon Creek Mountain Bike Trail System. Here you will find a
system that is a bit shorter, but suited for all levels of Mountain Bikers.
HIKING
There are several hiking opportunities through out the region and there are several trail
books. The nearest developed trail is at the Visitor Center for Blanchard Springs
Caverns, a 20 minute drive from the Lodge. The Rangers at the Center have plenty of
maps and will update you on what the best trail is at that time. The closest and one of
the best in the Ozarks is the North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail - This 14-mile trail
follows North Sylamore Creek from Allison, Arkansas to Barkshed Recreation Area. It
is located 15 miles southeast of Edsrock Lodge at Blanchard Springs Caverns visitor
center. You can also hike the Syllamo Bike Trail. The "White River Loop" has several
scenic spots along the way.
The National Forest Service has host of information and maps available at its web
sites for activities within the Ozark/St Francis area.
CANOEING
There is often nothing better than heading down the river on a canoe and enjoying all
nature has to offer. This includes getting a canoe or kayak from one of the local
outfitters, then floating down the White River by its scenic bluffs. Also Esdrock
Lodge is an hour from the famous Buffalo National River. This is one of a few
unpolluted and free flowing river in the lower 48 states and provides a paradise for all
levels of experience. You can reach several put in points within one to two hour drive
from the lodge:
SCUBA DIVING
Some of the clearest inland water in the nation is found at both Bull Shoals and
Norfork Lakes. Many of the boat docks provide rentals for divers.
VISITING HISTORIC CALICO ROCK
One of the simple pleasures of staying at Edsrock Lodge is a stroll down the hill to
historic downtown Calico Rock. Make sure you stop at the visitor’s center to pick up
the latest brochures. One of the favorite things for the young grandsons of the
owners is an afternoon treat at the old fashion soda fountain at Clinkingbeard Family
Store on Main Street. Also you can visit the oldest public structure in Arkansas - the
Wolf House just north of Calico Rock near Norfork.
WORLD RENOWNED FOLK MUSIC
If nature is not enough, then let music fill the air. The Ozark Folk Center is world
famous for keeping the art of folk music and folk life alive. There are shows several
times a week that you will find very enjoyable, plus classes and seminars on many
aspects of "Folk Life".
And if you really want to "step back in time" you should head to Mountain View on
Friday and Saturday night and make your way to the Court House Square. There you
will find several small groups of musicians who meet simply for the pure joy of
playing together. Pull up a chair, or better yet bring your own instrument and join in.
Make your way around the groups to get a wonderful cross reference of all types of
genuine folk music.
GOLF
For many no vacation is complete without a round (or several) of golf. At Edsrock
Lodge you are just 30 minutes from Big Creek Golf in Mountain Home. Rated 5 out
of 5 stars by Golf Digest in May 2004 and 2006, this course will present a challenge
and a nice day of golf for any handicap and level of experience.
PLACES TO EAT
In Calico Rock on Main street is Don Quixote's Cafe and the Clinkingbeard Lunch,
while just out the highway one finds the White River Cafe, Leatherwood Restaurant,
with Roscoe's 7 miles from Pineville. You can find most anything between Mountain
Home, Calico Rock and Mountain View. Here are a few of our guests favorites:
JoJo’s Catfish Wharf (Our favorite place for Catfish)
Tommy’s Famous Pizza (Voted best pizza in Arkansas – if you like cheese, go here):
GOT TO SHOP
So you need a little break from nature, and want to hit the shops, there are several
excellent shops in downtown Calico Rock and on the Square in Mountain View, there
you'll find some of the best local crafts at the Arkansas Crafts Guild, as well as at the
nearby Arkansas Folk Center. In Mountain Home and nearby Hardy, you can find
great crafts and antiques. Mountain Home has several fine Shopping facilities.
If you are in need of more modern finds, visit Branson, MO, some 2 hours from
Calico Rock. Besides the great musical shows, there are numerous outlets and other
shopping venues.
So, these are just a few of the things to do. You will find many more along the way
and also discover your own. Please let us know what we can do to make your stay
enjoyable.
One of the best things about Edsrock Lodge, is grabbing a book or bottle of wine and
enjoying the view from the top of the bluff looking across the White River and the
Ozark National Forest. Edsrock Lodge is on property that extends all the way to the
top of the Calico Rock Bluff. The owners' (Ed & Pat Matthews) home is the white
two story home (the Original Edsrock) across the narrow street from the Lodge. As
guest of Edsrock Lodge you are more than welcome to go there and sit on the swing,
bench and chairs along the bluff and just enjoy the peaceful, relaxing views of the
Ozarks. Watching the sunset over the river is a great way to end the day. The
Edsrock property includes over 500 feet of the bluff line (including the areas in front
of some of the other homes on the bluff) so there are plenty of places to sit and
enjoy. And if Ed & Pat are not at Edsrock (they live in Little Rock), feel free to use
the Edsrock main home porch and deck. They of course ask you to respect the
privacy of the neighbors and please remove any items you bring with you.
WHAT TO DO:
The list is literally endless because you basically have every outdoor activity known to
mankind available within an hour's drive. Here is a description and helpful links to
some of the places and other items that guest have enjoyed. Let us know if you
discover something else so it can be include.
FISHING (RIVERS & LAKES):
A Fly Fishers Paradise Awaits - including World Record Trout
Without a doubt, trout fishing on the White and Norfork Rivers is what the vast
majority of visitors to the area partake of. World record Brown trout have been
caught on the Norfork River and the Brown and Rainbow trout in the White River are
plentiful. From the Lodge you are a five minute walk to the docks of the White River,
the Norfork River is 20 minutes north on Hwy. 5. There are numerous places to rent
boats and hire guides; here are some that are nearby:
To launch or rent a boat, engage a guide at Calico for White River fishing consider
Jenkins or Bill Terry Boat Dock under the Hwy 5 bridge in Calico Rock or Lindsey
Trout Dock, 3 miles up stream - 870-297-4543 or write HC61, Box 17, Calico Rock,
AR 72519
Further down the river near Mountain View is Jacks (also a great place to eat catfish):
You can even hook up with “Orvis 1998 Guide of the Year” John B. Gulley.
For current fishings & river reports try these sites:
Davy Wotton Fly Fishing Report
White River Information
Gabe Cross at Arkansas Trophy Trout
White & Norfork River Water Levels and Flows
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Information
Trout fishing not your cup of tea, want to catch that prize bass? Then you are in luck
as well, as Bull Shoals and Lake Norfork, two of the best fishing lakes in the Ozarks
are less than one hour away.
If you want any interesting twist on fishing and an educational opportunity for the
kids, don't miss the US Fish and Wildlife National Fish Hatchery at the base of the
Lake Norfork dam. It is truly amazing to see literally 1000s of Rainbow, Brown and
Cutthroat trout used to stock area rivers.
BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS (NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE)
Without question Blanchard Springs Caverns are the best underground cave system in
the United States. People who have visited Carlsbad in NM or Luray in VA say there
is no comparison – Blanchard Springs Caverns are the best – namely because they are
living caverns with all the color and water still present. Two trails, Dripstone and
Discovery, are fully handicap/wheelchair accessible with Dripstone open year round.
The third option is the “Wild Cave Tour” and is a new addition. It takes 3 to 4 hours
and you are guided on a walk and crawl through undeveloped portions of the cavern
system. It is truly a remarkable experience. For the "Wild Cave Tour" advanced
reservations (3 or 4 days before is usually sufficient) are required and no one under
10 is permitted on that particular trip.
MOUNTAIN BIKING - TRAILS FOR ALL AGES
SYLLAMO BIKE TRAIL (NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE)
Internationally Acclaimed Mountain Biking
The International Mountain Bicycling Association in 2005 rated the Syllamo Bike trail
as one of five Epic Rides. One of the trail heads is less than a 15 minute drive from
Edsrock Lodge. This challenging trail will bring hours of exercise and visions of great
beauty in the forest. A great description of the 50+ miles of trails is provided here by
local experts and a review of the trail here. The trail is home to the annual Syllamo's
Revenge Race, plus several other events throughout the year. If you are a rider you
don't want to miss this.
PIGEON CREEK TAIL SYSTEM
If you need more mountain bike adventures (or a warm-up for Syllamo) head north to
Mountain Home to the Pigeon Creek Mountain Bike Trail System. Here you will find a
system that is a bit shorter, but suited for all levels of Mountain Bikers.
HIKING
There are several hiking opportunities through out the region and there are several trail
books. The nearest developed trail is at the Visitor Center for Blanchard Springs
Caverns, a 20 minute drive from the Lodge. The Rangers at the Center have plenty of
maps and will update you on what the best trail is at that time. The closest and one of
the best in the Ozarks is the North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail - This 14-mile trail
follows North Sylamore Creek from Allison, Arkansas to Barkshed Recreation Area. It
is located 15 miles southeast of Edsrock Lodge at Blanchard Springs Caverns visitor
center. You can also hike the Syllamo Bike Trail. The "White River Loop" has several
scenic spots along the way.
The National Forest Service has host of information and maps available at its web
sites for activities within the Ozark/St Francis area.
CANOEING
There is often nothing better than heading down the river on a canoe and enjoying all
nature has to offer. This includes getting a canoe or kayak from one of the local
outfitters, then floating down the White River by its scenic bluffs. Also Esdrock
Lodge is an hour from the famous Buffalo National River. This is one of a few
unpolluted and free flowing river in the lower 48 states and provides a paradise for all
levels of experience. You can reach several put in points within one to two hour drive
from the lodge:
SCUBA DIVING
Some of the clearest inland water in the nation is found at both Bull Shoals and
Norfork Lakes. Many of the boat docks provide rentals for divers.
VISITING HISTORIC CALICO ROCK
One of the simple pleasures of staying at Edsrock Lodge is a stroll down the hill to
historic downtown Calico Rock. Make sure you stop at the visitor’s center to pick up
the latest brochures. One of the favorite things for the young grandsons of the
owners is an afternoon treat at the old fashion soda fountain at Clinkingbeard Family
Store on Main Street. Also you can visit the oldest public structure in Arkansas - the
Wolf House just north of Calico Rock near Norfork.
WORLD RENOWNED FOLK MUSIC
If nature is not enough, then let music fill the air. The Ozark Folk Center is world
famous for keeping the art of folk music and folk life alive. There are shows several
times a week that you will find very enjoyable, plus classes and seminars on many
aspects of "Folk Life".
And if you really want to "step back in time" you should head to Mountain View on
Friday and Saturday night and make your way to the Court House Square. There you
will find several small groups of musicians who meet simply for the pure joy of
playing together. Pull up a chair, or better yet bring your own instrument and join in.
Make your way around the groups to get a wonderful cross reference of all types of
genuine folk music.
GOLF
For many no vacation is complete without a round (or several) of golf. At Edsrock
Lodge you are just 30 minutes from Big Creek Golf in Mountain Home. Rated 5 out
of 5 stars by Golf Digest in May 2004 and 2006, this course will present a challenge
and a nice day of golf for any handicap and level of experience.
PLACES TO EAT
In Calico Rock on Main street is Don Quixote's Cafe and the Clinkingbeard Lunch,
while just out the highway one finds the White River Cafe, Leatherwood Restaurant,
with Roscoe's 7 miles from Pineville. You can find most anything between Mountain
Home, Calico Rock and Mountain View. Here are a few of our guests favorites:
JoJo’s Catfish Wharf (Our favorite place for Catfish)
Tommy’s Famous Pizza (Voted best pizza in Arkansas – if you like cheese, go here):
GOT TO SHOP
So you need a little break from nature, and want to hit the shops, there are several
excellent shops in downtown Calico Rock and on the Square in Mountain View, there
you'll find some of the best local crafts at the Arkansas Crafts Guild, as well as at the
nearby Arkansas Folk Center. In Mountain Home and nearby Hardy, you can find
great crafts and antiques. Mountain Home has several fine Shopping facilities.
If you are in need of more modern finds, visit Branson, MO, some 2 hours from
Calico Rock. Besides the great musical shows, there are numerous outlets and other
shopping venues.
So, these are just a few of the things to do. You will find many more along the way
and also discover your own. Please let us know what we can do to make your stay
enjoyable.
