First Rise GuideBook
FIRST RISE
WHITE RIVER • COTTER, ARKANSAS
WELCOME TO FIRST RISE
Welcome to First Rise! We hope you arrived safely and are getting settled in.
First Rise was created as a place to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and experience one of the country’s great trout fisheries from your own riverfront retreat.
Whether your days are spent on the water or simply enjoying the view, we hope First Rise feels like your home on the White River.
Inside this guide you’ll find everything you need for your stay, along with our recommendations for fishing, dining and exploring the area.
Enjoy your stay — and tight lines.
QUICK START
CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT
Check-In: 4:00 PM
Check-Out: 11:00 AM
WI-FI
Network: Starlink
Password: Rainbowtrout
Cell service can be limited at the house, so we recommend enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your phone.
TV & STREAMING
First Rise is streaming only. There is no cable or satellite television service.
Sign in to your favorite streaming services using your own accounts, or screen share/cast directly from your phone or compatible device to the TVs.
Please remember to sign out of your personal accounts before check-out.
FRONT DOOR
The front door is equipped with a Yale smart lock.
Your access code is the last four digits of the cell phone number used for your reservation.
Enter your four-digit code on the keypad to unlock the door. Please make sure the door is locked whenever you leave the property.
YOUR HOME ON THE WHITE RIVER
First Rise offers three levels of living space, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 8 total beds, with plenty of room for groups of up to 12 guests.
MAIN LEVEL
• 1 bedroom — Primary bedroom with king bed
• 1 bathroom — Primary bathroom
• Full kitchen
• Dining area
• Main living room
• Laundry room
• Large riverfront deck with White River views
UPPER LEVEL
• 2 bedrooms
• Brown Trout Room — two Twin XL beds
• Rainbow Trout Room — one king bed
• 1 full bathroom
• Loft living area
• TV and entertainment area
LOWER LEVEL
• 1 bedroom — two queen beds and a trundle bed with two Twin XL beds
• 1 full bathroom
• Second full kitchen
• Dining area
• Living and TV area
• Lower riverfront deck
With four bedrooms, 8 beds, multiple living areas, two full kitchens and two riverfront decks, First Rise gives families and groups plenty of room to enjoy the house together.
ENJOYING FIRST RISE
HEATING & AIR
There is a thermostat on every floor for your convenience.
Please keep exterior doors and windows closed while the heating or air conditioning is running.
TWO FULL KITCHENS
The main kitchen is located on the main level beside the living and dining areas.
The second kitchen is located on the lower level beside the lower living and dining areas.
Both kitchens are stocked with cookware, dishes, glassware and utensils for use during your stay.
INDOOR WOOD-BURNING STOVES
The indoor wood-burning stoves are part of the character of First Rise but are not intended for guest use.
For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that you leave them off during your stay and enjoy the outdoor fire pit instead.
WASHER & DRYER
The washer and dryer are located in the laundry room on the main level and are available for guest use.
TRASH
The outdoor trash bin is located by the street.
Please keep household trash bagged and place it in the bin as needed during your stay.
PARKING
There is plenty of parking available in the driveway.
To help us take care of the property, please keep vehicles on the driveway and avoid parking or driving in the yard.
The garage is reserved for owner use.
DECKS & RIVERFRONT
One of the best ways to experience First Rise is simply to spend time outside overlooking the White River.
MAIN RIVER DECK
The main-level deck is a favorite place for morning coffee, an evening drink or simply watching the river go by.
Morning and evening fog is common on the White River, often settling low over the water and creating some of the most beautiful views of the day.
Keep an eye on the water below for rising trout and watch the riverbanks and surrounding trees for wildlife. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, wood ducks and bald eagles are frequent visitors along this stretch of river.
SEE IF YOU CAN FIND IT
The Eagle Nest
Look across the river toward the cliff for the bald eagle nest. Keep an eye out for eagles flying the river or coming and going from the nest.
The Wood Duck Nesting Hole
Closer to the house, see if you can spot the wood duck nesting hole tucked into the side of one of the trees. You may see wood ducks nearby, too.
LOWER RIVER DECK
The lower-level deck provides another outdoor gathering space closer to the river and is a great place to relax while taking in the sights and sounds of the White River.
From the house, follow the stone walkway down toward the river, where you’ll find the fire pit and access to the riverfront.
Please use care on the walkway and decks when surfaces are wet.
FISHING AT FIRST RISE
The trout fishing directly in front of First Rise is excellent. When river conditions are right, there is a large wadeable area in front of the house that gives you plenty of water to explore and fish.
River levels on the White River can change quickly with upstream generation, so always check current river levels and the generation schedule before wading.
WILDCAT SHOALS BOAT LAUNCH
Wildcat Shoals Boat Launch is approximately 1 mile — about a 5-minute drive — from First Rise.
It’s a convenient place to launch your own boat or arrange to meet a guide.
FISHING GUIDES & BOAT RENTALS
RAINBOW DRIVE RESORT — OUR FIRST RECOMMENDATION
Located just down the street from First Rise. They offer experienced White River trout fishing guides and also have boat rentals available if you’d rather fish on your own.
CRANOR’S WHITE RIVER LODGE
If Rainbow Drive Resort isn’t able to accommodate your dates, Cranor’s White River Lodge is another great option, located about a 10-minute drive from the house. They offer experienced guides and are a great resource for fishing the White River.
BEFORE YOU WADE
River levels can change quickly. Check the Bull Shoals generation schedule before entering the river.
https://www.swl-wc.usace.army....
FIRE PIT, GRILL & FISH CLEANING
FIRE PIT
Firewood for the outdoor fire pit is provided and can be found in the wood rack on the lower deck.
Please enjoy the fire pit, and when you’re finished, make sure the area is cleaned up and any trash is removed.
Keep fires to a reasonable size, never leave a fire unattended, and completely extinguish the fire when you’re finished.
Please do not use the fire pit during a burn ban or unsafe fire conditions.
GRILL
A grill is provided on the lower deck for your use.
Please clean the grill and grates after each use and leave it clean and ready for the next guest.
A $100 additional cleaning fee may be charged if the grill is left excessively dirty or requires additional cleaning after checkout.
FISH CLEANING
Please clean all fish outside on the lower level of the home.
A fish-cleaning board, fillet knife and water hose are provided near the grill for your use. Please do not clean fish inside the house or in either kitchen.
After cleaning your catch, thoroughly rinse and clean the board, fillet knife and surrounding area.
Do not dispose of fish guts or remains in the river. All fish remains must be placed in a trash bag, securely tied closed, and disposed of in the outdoor trash bin by the street.
PLACES TO EAT
These are some of our favorite places nearby. We recommend checking current restaurant hours before heading out, as some local restaurants have limited or seasonal hours.
NIMA’S PIZZA
About 10 Minutes • Our First Recommendation
A longtime local favorite in Gassville known for excellent pizza.
GASTON’S RESTAURANT
About 35 Minutes
Located right on the White River at Gaston’s Resort. A great choice for a sit-down meal with beautiful river views.
THE SANDS
About 10 Minutes
A classic Cotter diner and local favorite, especially for breakfast before a day on the river.
COOYON’S RESTAURANT
About 25 Minutes
A highly rated Mountain Home favorite serving Cajun and Creole food.
RAPP’S BARREN BREWING COMPANY
About 20 Minutes
A popular downtown Mountain Home spot with great food, local craft beer and a fun atmosphere.
KT’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ
About 10 Minutes
A highly rated local BBQ spot in Gassville.
GROCERIES & SUPPLIES
WALMART — FLIPPIN
Walmart delivery is available directly to First Rise from the Flippin location, making it an easy option if you’d rather have groceries and supplies brought to the house.
CASH SAVER — GASSVILLE
About 10 Minutes
Convenient for groceries, drinks and everyday essentials.
THINGS TO DO
BIG SPRING PARK & HISTORIC COTTER BRIDGE
About 10 Minutes
A beautiful riverfront park with fishing access, a swimming hole, walking areas, picnic spots and views of the historic Cotter Bridge.
BIG CREEK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
About 20 Minutes
An excellent 18-hole golf course in Mountain Home.
GASTON’S WHITE RIVER RESORT
About 35 Minutes
Worth visiting even if you aren’t eating there. Gaston’s is a White River landmark with beautiful river views and plenty to explore.
BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER
About 40 Minutes
A great day trip for hiking, floating, swimming and enjoying some of the best scenery in the Ozarks.
TOP OF THE ROCK
About 1 Hour 30 Minutes
A fantastic day trip near Branson, Missouri, featuring incredible Ozark views, golf, the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail, restaurants and views over Table Rock Lake.
WILDLIFE AT FIRST RISE
Keep your eyes open around the property and along the river. You may see:
• Bald eagles
• Great blue herons
• Belted kingfishers
• Wood ducks
• Whitetail deer
• Wild turkey
• River otters
• Other native Ozark wildlife
A FEW HOUSE RULES
We want First Rise to feel relaxed and comfortable. We simply ask that you treat the house and property with the same care you would your own.
• Maximum occupancy: 12 guests
• No smoking inside the home.
• No pets. First Rise is a pet-free property.
• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM–7:00 AM
• Please keep vehicles on the driveway and out of the yard.
• The garage is reserved for owner use.
• The kayaks are reserved for owner use and are not part of the guest amenities.
• For everyone’s safety, please do not use the indoor wood-burning stoves.
• Children should always be supervised around the river.
All guests must be included on the reservation. Additional guests over the 12-guest maximum may result in a $200 per guest, per night fee.
BEFORE YOU HEAD HOME
CHECK-OUT: 11:00 AM
We don’t want you spending the last hour of your vacation cleaning.
We simply ask that you:
• Load and start the dishwasher.
• Place bagged trash in the outdoor trash bin by the street.
• Remove personal food from the refrigerator.
• Check bedrooms, bathrooms and outlets for personal belongings.
• Turn off lights.
• Close and lock exterior doors.
That’s it. We’ll take care of the rest.
Thank you for taking care of First Rise.
COME BACK TO FIRST RISE
We hope your time at First Rise leaves you looking forward to your next trip to the White River.
BOOK YOUR NEXT STAY DIRECT
Save on your next stay by booking directly with us and avoiding the additional fees charged by the major booking platforms.
Until next time — tight lines.
FIRST RISE
WHITE RIVER • COTTER, ARKANSAS
HOST CONTACT
Rob McCulley
479-270-3303
If you have any questions during your stay, please feel free to reach out.