If you’re looking for a picture-perfect spot in the Ozarks then Mirror Lake should definitely be on your list.
Mirror Lake
This small but stunning lake is near the entrance to Blanchard Springs Caverns. It feels almost magical the way the still waters reflect the trees so perfectly on its surface.
You can definitely see how it got its name!
Location of Mirror Lake
The Lake is located within the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. If you follow your GPS to Blanchard Springs Caverns you will also see signs directing you to Mirror Lake.
There is parking alongside the road near the spillway. You will park there and walk down a set of stairs to an overlook and a boardwalk at the Mirror Lake spillway.
Further downstream there is handicapped parking at the beginning of the boardwalk and the boardwalk is handicap accessible from that parking area if you need to use that.
Fishing at Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is constantly fed by the cold spring that exits the nearby cavern. This means that it is cold enough for trout.
The lake is periodically stocked, which makes it a favorite fishing spot for local anglers.
However, even if you’re not there to fish it is a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy the views. It is a great stop before or after a visit to Blanchard Springs Caverns.
Beauty of Mirror Lake the History of the Dam
The water at Mirror Lake is sometimes green and sometimes almost a Caribbean blue depending on the light and the reflection from the sky. It is always a gorgeous place.
What I especially love about Mirror Lake is that it’s beautiful in every season.
In the spring and summer, the trees are full and green, giving the water its jewel-toned look.
In the fall, the reflections of orange, red, and gold leaves are stunning reflected in the water. Even in winter, with the trees bare, the lake has a quiet charm.
You will also want to follow the board walk downstream for even more beautiful views of the stone dam and the spillway waterfall.
The dam was created back in the 1930s by the CCC or Civilian Conservation Corps.
These men built the beautiful trio-level structure which formed the lake and the stunning spillway/waterfall. It is an excellent example of the exquisite rock work that was done by the CCC during this time.
Although this is officially a spillway it is incredibly lovely and we have included it on our list of easy waterfall hikes in Arkansas.
The Old Gristmill
If you follow the boardwalk all the way from the lake downstream you will encounter another Arkansas gem. The boardwalk sits high above the creek but as you walk along you will see the remains of an old gristmill below you in the trees.
Do NOT try to climb down to the mill at this point. It is very steep with a cliff drop-off.
Instead continue walking down the boardwalk to the handicapped parking area. Once you get there you will see a dirt trail which goes below the boardwalk at creek level. Follow that to the grist mill.
Here you will see one of the most magical views in Arkansas as the windows of the gristmill perfectly frame the waterfall.
History of the Mill
This mill was used to gin cotton and grind corn for decades.
It was originally owned by John Blanchard and then sold to Steve Mitchell. I have heard it called Mitchell’s Mill but I don’t actually know if it has an official name.
It was Blanchard’s mill from the late 1860’s and then Mr. Mitchell operated the mill from 1900 until 1928. After his death his family sold it to the Forest Service.
What I know for sure is that this is a super special Arkansas spot.
If you’re exploring Blanchard Springs in North Central Arkansas you will definitely want to make a stop at Mirror Lake.
It is one of those places that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
