Here is the point in our relationship when I freely admit that I, J.B. Weisenfels of House Arkansas, am a hardcore nerd. I love just about every nerdy thing you can imagine, and my obsession with the work of J.R.R Tolkien is well into its second decade. I’m not alone. The truth is, a lot of people love J.R.R Tolkien’s masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, and folks of all ages just adore The Hobbit. These extraordinary pieces of literature aren’t just for hardcore nerds, they’re for everyone. As evidenced by the smashing success of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movie franchises, the lands of Middle Earth have captured America’s consciousness.

I’ve got great news if you’re one of the millions of people captivated by that realm—there’s a place you can visit right here in the Natural State that will transport you to those fictional lands. That place is called White Rock Mountain in Winslow Arkansas, and it’s full of all the wonder Middle Earth can hold. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Arkansas, but don’t take my word for it, see for yourself.

Here’s a map for you to find directions to White Rock Mountain.

The roads on White Rock Mountain look like some dark figure may gallop across them any minute.

White Rock Mountain is part of an ancient forest called the Ozark National Forest...

...and exploring those woods will remind you of the glory of the ancient woodlands of Middle Earth.

I'm not saying Tom Bombadil or Goldberry or Thranduil or an Ent might appear, but I don't think we can rule it out.

After all, nothing says epic adventure like taking off into the unknown of the deep woods.

Barrow-downs, anyone?

The autumn views from White Rock will remind you of Lothlorien, the Land of Gold and home of Galadriel, the Lady of Light.

"Instead of a Dark Lord, you would have a queen, not dark but beautiful and terrible as the dawn!"

(But y'all can call me J.B.)

The overlook on White Rock Mountain looks like the perfect place for an intrepid hobbit and his companions to rest for a while.

The view from the mountain will make you want to set out on a quest all your own.

Whether you’re a hobbit with a secret...

...a wizard looking out for everyone...

...an elven companion guiding your friends through the wilderness...

...or an honorable man on a mission...

...you can let your imagination run wild through the lands of Middle Earth, right here in Arkansas, on White Rock Mountain.

If you’re looking for a hobbit hole you can spend the night in, check out this unique treehouse in Eureka Springs. For another mountain that will transport you to another world, try exploring Mount Magazine in Paris Arkansas.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/mount-magazine-ar/