Bridge Rock

The Bridge Rock Trail is a scenic one-mile trail located in the Shoal Bay Recreation Area and Campground in New Blaine, Arkansas. This pup-friendly spot is a great place to stop for a quick hour-long hike, or spend a day relaxing in nature. The amenity-laden campground welcomes dogs for overnight stays at any of its dozens of RV and tent camping sites, many of which have electric hookups. Showers, bathrooms, a playground, and a boat launch are all available. The covered picnic areas make this a favorite spot for family functions and the bay's bass, catfish, and crappie fishing make it popular with local anglers.

Shoal Bay is an inlet from the Lake Dardanelle reservoir on the Arkansas River. The Bridge Rock Trail was built by the Army Corps of Engineers to allow hikers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area and learn about its flora and fauna. Despite the significant amount of human traffic, the dozens of acres of forest and wetlands in the Shoal Bay Recreation Area provide a haven for local wildlife. In addition to the whitetail deer and black bears that make their homes in these woods, rarer species also live here. The Arkansas River Valley is one of the only places in the world where you can see the Diana fritillary, the Arkansas state butterfly. 

This rugged trail climbs uphill through the forest along the bay's eastern shore, passing by moss-laden boulders and benches made of flat stones. Wooden steps installed on the slope lead up to several rock formations, including the namesake rock bridge, which is just big enough for you and your pup to wiggle through. There are benches nearby which provide a great place to rest and give your good dog some pets as you take in the elevated view of the river winding through the mountains beyond the trees. You and your pup will have plenty to contemplate after taking in all the sights and smells in this scenic place.