24 September: We arrived at the remote Shores Lake campground in the Ozarks of Arkansas only to unexpectedly find it closed and padlocked, with no reason or alternative posted. A friendly and knowledgeable man in a pickup happened by and led us to a convenient alternative camping spot for the night. He also recommended a hike for the next day. As we fell asleep peacefully to the familiar sound of katydids, we knew were getting closer to New England. In the morning drove a few miles farther into the National Forest up to White Rock Mountain Recreation Area at the end of a high and narrow ridge. We hiked the three-mile Rim Trail, which loops around the top edge of a nearly vertical and continuous cliff, providing several great outlooks. The excellent stone masonry of the CCC was evident in three cabins, at least three pavilions along the trail, and stone steps on the trail itself.
After this short but rewarding hike, we decided to head farther east in the afternoon, so we could have more time at our next destination.