Canoeists delight in the nearby crystal-clear streams like the Buffalo, North Fork, Crooked Creek and others, or set out on the bigger White River.
Hikers find an ever-increasing number of trails around the lakes.
Spending time in the protected Ozark National Forest and adjoining areas is a tonic for the stresses of modern life. Experience lush forest scenes and hear the songs of birds and the comings and goings of whitetail deer, raccoon, foxes, squirrel and flying squirrel. With 71,000 acres of water fun, massive Bull Shoals Lake also touches Baxter County and is where many residents park their own watercraft. The White River is a world-class trout stream bolstered by the stocking of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout from the Norfork National Fish Hatchery next to Norfork Dam. The North Fork River downstream from Norfork Dam is where numerous fly fishermen gather to quietly pursue their fishing passion.