Greers Ferry Lake, nestling in the foothills of the Ozarks in North-Central Arkansas, located about 60 miles north of Little Rock, is a favorite 40,000-acre go-to water destination for fishing buffs, nature lovers, thrill junkies or visitors and families who are just up to get a dose of relaxation, fresh air and be free from the stressors of the city with the lake’s marvelous spectacle and entertaining activities.
Besides the scenic views and interactive activities that visitors may partake, Greers Ferry Lake has a rich history to share.
The uncontrolled overflow of rivers which resulted in an almost yearly flooding downstream caused the Congress to pass the Flood Control Act in 1938, which authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build dams on areas of the country with major free-flowing river systems. Engineers started a survey for locations to build the series of high, concrete dams. Among the chosen waterways are North Arkansas’ White River basin and Little Red River, two of the causes of the yearly uncontrollable flow of water flooding downstream.
The construction of the dam required the relocation of the communities and families living on the bottomland. One of these communities is the town named Higden, which used to stand in the lake’s area before the construction. The area is a valley constantly flooded by the then controlled lake. With the continual problem of flood which disrupts the townspeoples chores, especially that of the farmers, the land was sold and the lake was alllowed to flood. The residents abandon the city and moved to a nearby hill. Abandoned homes and buildings still stand under the lake’s water up to this day. Road trails can be seen from one point of the lake’s shore where they disappear under the water and surface on another point of the lake. Old West Main Street and one road near Sandy Beach in Herber Springs are just some of the inundated roads of the flooded town. To this day, most of the roads are now just used as launch ramps for boats.
Greers Ferry Dam is named after a ferry which operated near the dam’s location. The constructed dam has a length of 1,704 feet and stands 243 feet above the steambed of the Little Red River. The construction of this $46.5 million concrete dam for flood control and as a hydroelectric plant between the 1959 and 1962 resulted to the creation of the Greers Ferry Lake. In 1963, the lake and the dam were dedicated to President John F. Kennedy in commemoration of his last public appearance before his assasination in Dallas, Texas. The lake is completed in the year 1964.
Since then, tourism has thrived around the Greers Ferry Lake, including the construction of establishments. The abundance of rock outcropping, trees and wildlfie surrounding the lake makes it a leading tourist destination. With the rise of tourism in the area, cleanup drives are yearly done to maintain the lake’s clean surroundings. The Annual Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River Association started in the year 1969 led by former Greers Ferry Lake Resident Engineer Carl Garner which inspired the development of the Great Arkansas Cleanup in 1990.
Greers Ferry Lake is known for its pristine shoreline and deep crystal clear waters that provides its visitors a wonderful sight to marvel and to take snapshots from. Various water sports and activities such as boating, fishing, water skiing, and scuba diving, may also be enjoyed by the public in the vast stretches of the lake’s water.
Fishing activities on Greers Ferry Lake is excellent throughout the year. A state record for walleye and stripped bass pounders is given to the lake. Species of anglers are also in abundance especially during the winter months and 15 to 18-pounders of the same kind are caught during the spawning time of late February to mid-March. The Largemouth Bass species found in the lake is also record breaking. In 1988, a 15-pounder largemouth bass was caught on the lake’s waters and in the year 1997, the 27 pounder world record by Jeral Shaum made a stir that got the nation’s focus fixed on lake. A number of people even think that this lake is the probable home of another world record catch.
The lake is open to all fishing enthusiasts who want to try their luck in fishing. Fishing guide services are made available to assist novice fishing visitors.
Greers Ferry Lake have eight marinas around the area which provide boat service and sell recreational equipment and other supplies needed by visitors for a great lake experience. These services include rentals of ski boats, pontoon boats, houseboats, fishing rigs, and personal watercraft.
The lake’s visitors may also avail excellent camping and hiking facilities for them to use. A total of 10 campsites are operated by the Corps of Engineers which offer boat launches, restrooms and swimming beaches. Reservable campground areas and campsites such as Heber Springs Campground, Dam Site Campground, Old Highway Campground, Sugar Loaf Campground, Chocktaw Campground, and many others can be found alongside and around the Greers Ferry Lake. Cabin rentals around the area are also accesible to visitors.
Campfires may also be put up by visitors where they can cook their own grub in the fine campgrounds of the area which is guaranteed to bring fireside laughter and deep conversations from the group.
Greers Ferry Lake offers sheltered coves and cliffs and miles worth of forested areas to tickle visitors’ fancy for wildlife watching and photoshoots. The breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding countryside situated 500 feet above the lake’s surface may also be marveled on by visitors through hiking on a developed nature trail winding up Sugar Loaf Mountain, an island within the lake. Other recreational activities, fine dining and shopping may be availed by the visitors in the adacent communities of the lake. Motels, condo and other rental properties and accommodations are accessible for visitors of the lake. Activities on and around the Greers Ferry Lake will keep visitors of all ages busy and have lots of fun.