At Blackburn’s, we understand the importance of finding fun and exciting activities during your stay. Visit our front office to browse through our Area Activity Guide, choose your favorite activities, and we’ll assist with directions and tips to help you make the most of your experience.
Horseback Riding
Explore the Ozarks the easy and fun way—on horseback! Ride through lush forests, fields, and rivers, and witness limestone bluffs, waterfalls, wildflowers, birds, animals, and stunning karst rock formations. With numerous trails to explore, you’ll have plenty of adventures to enjoy, from beginner-friendly rides to those requiring more advanced skills. Commercial horseback riding services are available in Mountain View.
Canoeing and Kayaking
The upper North Fork, White, and Buffalo rivers offer beautiful, scenic routes for canoeing and kayaking. While none of these rivers are overly challenging, the White River is best suited for experienced boaters during higher water levels due to its strong current. The Buffalo and North Fork Rivers provide a more leisurely experience, allowing for a closer look at the wildlife and scenery. The White River is perfect for those seeking a faster-paced ride.
Mountain Biking & Hiking Trails
The Pigeon Creek National Trail System on Norfork Lake offers 18 miles of well-maintained, clearly marked trails that wind through several unique ecosystems. Enjoy mountain biking or hiking through pine forests, oak-hickory hardwoods, and shoreline transition zones. Trails are suitable for beginner and intermediate levels, and birdwatchers can enjoy spotting songbirds and waterfowl, especially during fall and spring migrations. You may also spot wildflowers and the rare dwarf chinkapin oak along the way. David’s Trail is nearby for additional exploration.
Wilderness Day Hikes
If you’re looking for a relaxing hike without the weight of a backpack, Norfork has a variety of day hikes ranging from half a mile to 13 miles. In addition, countless rarely-used back roads and old jeep trails make for excellent hiking or mountain biking routes. The Sylamore District of the Ozark National Forest is known for its unique karst rock formations and plant life in the canyon bottoms. For those seeking a truly primitive experience, the Leatherwood Wilderness Area offers day hikes where only humans and horses are allowed, providing a truly serene and untouched wilderness.