Arkansas has countless trails for adventurers looking for every type of thrill imaginable. That said, you certainly don’t have to dive into an adrenaline-pumping escapade any time you want a memorable trip. For a more family-friendly adventure, consider David’s Trail off of Panther Bay Loop. Let’s take this family friendly hike for a quick lakeside retreat.
David’s Trail is a whole system of trails connecting around Lake Norfork.
AllTrails/Carla Blanton The trail system is named in honor of David Floyd, an Arkansas businessman and community activist. The system has over 50 miles of connected trails but today we’re just looking at the short loop at Panther Bay.
Address: 151 Panther Bay Loop, Mountain Home, AR 72653
This particular portion of David’s Trail is an easy and breezy hike for families.
AllTrails/Jenny Fitzmaurice The loop is three miles long and is well marked. The hike has minor elevation gains (under 300-ft.) which makes it perfect for everyone from trail runners to baby-wearers.
The trail has plenty of small features to keep small hikers engaged.
Google/Melissa Fourcault Take turns spotting wildlife or identifying the native flora along the trail. All sorts of critters, including beavers and bald eagles, have been observed from the trail. The climbable boulders will make anyone feel like a kid again.
This lakeside trail can be a wonderful starting point for your Lake Norfork excursion.
Google/Jon Carmack The lake is known for its sandy beaches and prime swimming waters. Rent a water toy from the nearby Panther Bay Marina to extend your hike into a weekend getaway.
David’s Trail is the perfect first step into nature for any Arkansas explorer.
Google/Melissa Adamson No one is ever too young or old to enjoy a sunset over the lake after a trail well hiked. For more information about the David trail system, visit this website or follow their Facebook Page.
Have you taken your tiny hikers to this short and sweet trail? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
AllTrails/Carla Blanton
The trail system is named in honor of David Floyd, an Arkansas businessman and community activist. The system has over 50 miles of connected trails but today we’re just looking at the short loop at Panther Bay.
Address: 151 Panther Bay Loop, Mountain Home, AR 72653
AllTrails/Jenny Fitzmaurice
The loop is three miles long and is well marked. The hike has minor elevation gains (under 300-ft.) which makes it perfect for everyone from trail runners to baby-wearers.
Google/Melissa Fourcault
Take turns spotting wildlife or identifying the native flora along the trail. All sorts of critters, including beavers and bald eagles, have been observed from the trail. The climbable boulders will make anyone feel like a kid again.
Google/Jon Carmack
The lake is known for its sandy beaches and prime swimming waters. Rent a water toy from the nearby Panther Bay Marina to extend your hike into a weekend getaway.
Google/Melissa Adamson
No one is ever too young or old to enjoy a sunset over the lake after a trail well hiked. For more information about the David trail system, visit this website or follow their Facebook Page.
Here’s another Norfork Lake adventure to take while you’re in the area.
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