Lake Greeson Area Teems With Leisure Opportunities

Jim Taylor, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

MURFREESBORO – Completed in 1951 about six miles north of Murfreesboro, Narrows Dam backed the waters of the Little Missouri River some 12 miles up its relatively narrow valley in the Pike County foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. The creeks that had formerly fed the river had their lower valleys inundated as well, forming coves that became known by the creeks' names, among them Self, Laurel, Cowhide, Bear, Rock, Parker and Little.

Martin White Greeson, a Clinton native and lawyer who moved to Prescott in 1888, was a champion of economic development and a one-term Prescott mayor. By 1900, he had begun working to secure a Little Missouri dam. Congressional approval of the project came 41 years later, though construction didn't begin until 1948. Greeson died the next year, before Narrows Dam was finished, but in 1952 Congress gave the resulting 7,000-acre lake his name.

Now more than 50 years old, Lake Greeson has remained somewhat of a recreational secret compared to other major, man-made lakes in Arkansas. That seems to have resulted in part because better-publicized impoundments lay closer to the state's larger cities. Moreover, the lake's lodging, most easily accessed campgrounds and recreational services are concentrated at its northern and southern ends.

Nonetheless, Lake Greeson's shores host ample facilities for those seeking to enjoy the leisure opportunities provided by the lake as well as nearby activities such as hunting for gems at Crater of Diamonds State Park, trout and smallmouth bass fishing on the Little Missouri, whitewater canoeing, dirt bike and ATV riding on a 37-mile trail, and hiking and sightseeing in the Ouachita National Forest.

Anglers hold the lake in good repute for its largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, bream and catfish. Its forested, pristine shoreline, punctuated with occasional rock outcroppings, makes for scenic pleasure boating, while skiers can almost always find smooth water in one sheltered cove or another. The lake's clear waters draw scuba divers, and wintering bald eagles bring wildlife watchers. In-season public hunting is permitted within the Lake Greeson Wildlife Management Area, some 36,000 acres on the lake's west side managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Located at the lake's southern end, the concrete dam extends 941 feet between two ridges and rises to 183.5 feet above the Little Missouri's streambed. Rainbow trout are stocked into its cold tailwaters from October through June, but some fish remain throughout the year in a catch-and-release area immediately below the dam. The stretch is popular with fly fishers. Riverside Cabins, located a few hundred yards downstream of the dam, rents cabins and has a fly shop and guide service. Lodging is also available at inns in Murfreesboro.

The Swaha Lodge and Marina, a private, lakeside resort located just north of the dam, rents condominiums, modern and rustic cabins, wave-runners, fishing boats, party barges and boat storage slips. Boating and other supplies are available at its marina store.

Two miles south of Murfreesboro on Ark. 301, Crater of Diamonds State Park allows the public to search for diamonds and keep any that are found. Since the site's first diamond was discovered in 1906, more than 75,000 have been unearthed. Access to the 36.5-acre diamond field is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 6 to 12, with children under 6 admitted free. Tools are rented for nominal fees and the park staff provides free identification and certification of gems.

Exhibits detailing the site's history and geology, including a display of diamonds in the rough, are housed in the park's visitors center. Other park features include a new water-play area, a 1.3-mile hiking trail, a picnic area, and a 60-site campground with hook-ups and bathhouses.

The recreational assets on Lake Greeson's north end are located along U.S. 70, which skirts the shore and bridges one cove. Lake-view cottages with hot tubs, fireplaces and decks can be found at Self Creek Resort and Marina, where other rentals include ski and fishing boats, party barges and overnight and long-term boat storage slips. A combination resort headquarters/marina store is under construction and is expected to open around Aug. 1.

Daisy State Park features 117 campsites with recently renovated bathhouses, picnic areas, a new playground, a screened pavilion, hiking trails and free launching at two boat ramps. Also within the park is the northern end of the Bear Creek Cycle Trail, a 37-mile route for off-road motorcycles, ATVs and mountain bikes. The cross-country trail climbs and descends wooded hills and crosses streams as it travels the lake's eastern shore to the Laurel Creek Recreation Area.

Three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fee campgrounds located along U.S. 70 -- Kirby Landing, Self Creek/Jim Wylie and Parker Creek -- have potable water, concrete boat ramps, modern bathrooms with showers, playgrounds and swimming areas. On the lake's east side, the Cowhide Cove campground off Ark. 27 -- about halfway between Murfreesboro and Kirby -- has similar amenities. Additional Corps areas with more primitive facilities are located around the lake.

In Glenwood, some 15 miles northeast of the lake, outfitters are available for those wishing to float the Caddo River, a suitable stream for family outings. Meanwhile, at the Cossatot River State Park/Natural Area, some 30 miles northwest of Lake Greeson, very experienced floaters are challenged by what is arguably the state's most thrilling whitewater. Because of the quick drainage in the Cossatot's upland watershed, it is advisable to phone the park ahead of a visit to check water levels.

Three popular areas within the Ouachita National Forest are located within about 15 miles of Lake Greeson's north end. The Albert Pike Recreation Area located on the Little Missouri provides angling for smallmouth bass and, in cool seasons, for stocked rainbow trout. It also features a large natural pool for swimming. Hiking trails lead downstream to the picturesque Winding Stairs area and upstream to the Little Missouri Falls, a day-use area also accessible by U.S. Forest Service roads.

Listed below are sites and activities mentioned in this article:

• Lake Greeson Wildlife Management Area -- www.agfc.com; toll free 1-877-777-5580.
• Riverside Cabins -- www.riversidecabins.com; (870) 285-2255.
• Swaha Lodge and Marina -- www.swahacabins.com; toll free 1-877-300-9515.
• Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce (lodging and restaurants) -- (870) 285-3131.
• Crater of Diamonds State Park -- www.CraterofDiamondsStatePark.com; (501) 285-3113.
• Self Creek Lodge and Marina -- www.selfcreek.com; (870) 398-5000.
• Daisy State Park -- www.ArkansasStateParks.com; (870) 398-4487.
• Corps Of Engineers' Lake Greeson office -- www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Lakes/lakegreeson/; (870) 285-2151.
• Glenwood Chamber of Commerce (Caddo River information) -- (870) 356-3947.
• Cossatot River State Park/Natural Area -- www.ArkansasStateParks.com; (870) 385-2201.
• Ouachita National Forest -- www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ouachita.htm; (501) 321-5202.