EXPLORING LAKE NORFORK
David's Trail is a very unique hiking/biking trail that meanders along the Corps Of Engineer shoreline and passes right here below Rocking Chair Resort. David's Trail goes from Robinson Point all the way to the 101 Bridge.
Just minutes from Rocking Chair are more well-maintained hiking/mountain biking trails that lead around Lake Norfork to some impressive bluffs. The trails are not difficult. They are a great way to spend a few hours exploring the Ozark terrain. If you wish to go on an extended exploring trip, rent one of our pontoon boats and explore the coves, creek arms, and shorelines from the water. Since the shoreline property is all owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it is public property. You can beach and explore at will without worry of trespassing on private property.
Another popular activity is geocaching. There are many geocached items in the area...add treasure hunt to the list of fun things to do while at Rocking Chair!
Maybe going UNDER the water is how you like to explore? Many people enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and open water diving the lake! Norfork Lake is well known for its water clarity...often up to 60 feet visibility dependent on the season. Divers from all over the United States have come to experience the outstanding dive sites and the crystal clear waters of Norfork Lake. Must call Jordan Marina for daily rental rates.
Diving is especially good around the old Henderson Bridge, located near Robinson Point. There are over 30 different dive sites near the Hand Cove/Jordan Recreation areas, all charted and mapped. Snorkeling and diving for fish and other treasure is popular in the Pigeon Creek and Calamity Beach Recreation areas.
If you’re not a diver but want to take the plunge, there are several local dive shops that offer beginning open water through dive master lessons. Certification can be achieved over a short 3 day period.
Norfork Lake has the usual sites such as sunken boats and vehicles, but is also home to an assortment of unique underwater oddities. Be sure to check out the bulldozer, the school bus, various foundations and structures from the time before the lake, and Dan’s dynamite shack. And if you’re lucky, you might even find the lake’s drain plug. One famous underwater attraction is the old Henderson Bridge. This bridge was built just 10 years before the Norfork Dam was completed and the lake filled. It is now completely under water. A new bridge has taken its place but the old Henderson Bridge is still standing. Divers love to examine the massive concrete span, one of the largest underwater structures in America. It is said that a Harley is still chained to one of the guard rails. See if you can ride it.
