Description: In a section of the country where outdoor recreation centers around no less than a dozen lakes illustrating maps of the 4 States' corners, Beaver Lake leads the way as one of the most inviting thanks to the freshest and cleanest of waters. Years ago, when living in Kansas City and getting certified in scuba, the 4-hour drive to this northwest Arkansas gem was where scuba schools from across the region brought students for making deep-water dives beyond the classroom swimming pool.
Beaver Lake is 10 miles west of Eureka Springs, off Highway 62 on Highway 187. If coming from town, wait for the second turn-off, unless interested in a 9-mile stretch of scenic loop that runs through the Ozarks. Otherwise, the Beaver Lake Dam is 3 miles off the second turn-off. Even if you've no plans for boating, fishing, or camping, a quick detour is recommended for outdoor fiends.
Before crossing over the dam, take a right at the sign and follow the road that trails along northern section of the lake. This passes along several boat launching places, a beach area, and one of the state park's main campgrounds, which has all the basic facilities for RV's/trailers and tent sites. During the off-season, patrons are on the honor system for dropping the listed fees in a deposit box. However, a more convenient recreational area is just off the dam's north side along a man-made land extension that has picnic areas, restrooms, a large sandy beach, and plenty of parking.
Across the dam on the south is an overlook bluff with head-on views to the mammoth structure confining waters of the
White River. After summer droughts, which has this area almost 10 inches behind on normal precipitation levels, I'd never seen the lake with these low-water conditions. With such exposed coastal regions, it was no surprise there didn't appear to be even a trickle of water cascading over the dam.
Across from the parking area is a trailhead worth checking out if one can survive the abrupt climb up the wooden staircase before steep paths take over. This scenic overlook trail, maintained by local Boy Scouts, is a 2 mile trek. The most strenuous conditions, along the packed-dirt trail, are on the initial ascent of the ridge through dense forest. Unfortunately, a lack of rain had affected more than just water levels.
A colorful Ozarks' Autumn had been rather bland this year thanks to little moisture coupled with unusually warm temperatures. Under normal conditions, this hike would definitely provide a kaleidoscope of fall. Once the terrain levels off and trail has passed through the forest, thick knee-high grasses all but hide the path that passes along sheer bluffs hemming an overflow inlet. Even with the floor bone-dry, the canyon-like magnitude was rather impressive and well worth the effort. The trail eventually cuts back through the forest and heads downhill before looping back to the parking area.
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