Anglers at Rim Shoals can now safely access the White River, and walkers can stroll a walk-in access path downstream for nearly a mile. The access is available courtesy of several individuals, Trout Unlimited, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and a grant from the Frank Graham Memorial Endowment.
According to the Twin Lakes Community Foundation, anglers have casually used unoccupied land to access the river for years. Rim Shoals Resort owner Gary Flippin has seen individuals attempting to work their way downriver by walking the railroad tracks, and he has also had to rescue wade fishermen, if they were too far from a safe river exit when the water quickly rose.
Flippin received permission from nearby property owner Marshall Berg to clear a path starting at the creek and stretching downriver parallel to the first island in the stream. He also posted signs on trees for waders to see the shallow and easy bank accesses. Flippin refers to it as Menoka’s Trail, named after one of Berg’s daughters.
Flippin later learned Hugh McClain owned the river bank beyond his rudimentary trail, and McClain agreed to donate the land to Game and Fish over a year ago. Flippin and fellow Trout Unlimited Chapter 698 board member T.L. Lauerman spearheaded efforts to get a trail developed. Berg also donated his section of the riverbank to Game and Fish.
Affordable Trail Solutions successfully submitted a plan for a low-maintenance, accessible trail. The cost of the proposed project was $31,000. A $14,000 donation from the Frank Graham Memorial Endowment, $13,000 of Trout Unlimited chapter funds and in-kind work from Game and Fish made it possible.
Future plans include a kiosk with fishing regulations and signs acknowledging those making the access possible. Trout Unlimited is also seeking to add benches, picnic tables and spur trails to give anglers easier river access.
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