Lake Days and River Adventures in Heber Springs

Summer is a perpetual state of mind in the gorgeous lakeside town of Heber Springs. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Greers Ferry Lake, the famous Little Red River and the rolling peaks of the Ozark Mountains, this charming town is the perfect place to slow down, get outside and make some memories by the water.

Day One: Hit the Water at Greers Ferry Lake

Start your weekend surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the country at Greers Ferry Lake. Among the state’s five largest lakes at more than 30,000 acres, this beautiful stretch of water is made for summer days spent swimming, paddling, boating and soaking up the sun.

Rent a boat from Eden Isle Marina or Dam Site Marina and spend the day exploring the lake, or bring your own kayak, paddle board or boat and find your favorite cove. For a more relaxing afternoon, spread out a blanket at Sandy Beach, where you can swim, picnic, play sand volleyball or simply enjoy a beach day in the sun.

Just up the road from Dam Site Marina, stop by Greers Ferry Dam and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Overlook for an incredible view of the lake and the Little Red River.

For a day filled with outdoor adventure, paddle to Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you can park your kayak or canoe at the courtesy dock and hike the Sugar Loaf Mountain Nature Trail for panoramic views of Greers Ferry Lake.To reach it, drive from Heber Springs to put in at Peters Sugar Loaf Marina, about 40 minutes away in Higden, or Fairfield Bay Marina, about an hour away in Fairfield Bay, both of which rent watercraft on-site.

Evening: Explore Downtown Heber Springs

After a day on the water, slow down and explore the charm of downtown Heber Springs. Start your walk at the historic Cleburne County Courthouse, built in 1914, and stroll along Main Street to discover local shops, murals and entertainment.

Catch an evening show at the nostalgic Gem Theater, or a matinee if you’re back early on a Saturday or Sunday. Stop by Spring Park for a peaceful break in the heart of downtown, or shop for something to remember your trip by at the local antique shops and boutiques. You can also explore the delightful toy train collection at Ruland Junction Toy Train Museum (admission is cash only), just a few blocks away from where the original Missouri and North Arkansas Train Depot once stood.

When you get hungry, you’ll find plenty of local favorites to choose from, including Mack’s Fish House, Verona Italian Restaurant and Cafe Klaser.

Day Two: Fish the Little Red River and Chase Waterfalls

Spend the morning on the Little Red River, where anglers from across the country come to cast for cutthroat, brown and rainbow trout. The river is famous for the legendary catch in 1992 of a 40-pound, four-ounce brown trout that held the world record for 17 years.

It runs 102 miles across north-central Arkansas, but its most famous stretch is the 29 miles of cold-water trout habitat just below Greers Ferry Dam. Anglers can wade into the current at one of the river's public access points, or rent a jon boat from an outfitter like Red River Trout Dock Resort. Whether you're an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time, for the best chance at a big catch, book a trip with a local guide who knows exactly where the trout are biting. If you'd rather skip the rod altogether, rent a kayak to take in the river's wildlife and quiet scenery instead.

After your time on the water, explore some of Heber Springs’ nearby outdoor treasures. Bridal Veil Falls Bridal Veil Falls is a local favorite. Walk out to the observation deck for a scenic view, or make your way down to the falls, where you can stand behind the cascading waterfall. A second waterfall is just a short walk away.

Near Greers Ferry Dam, you can hike Collins Creek Trail to a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall or take the Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail for forest views and an overlook of the dam and the Little Red River. And for those who want to explore the area on two wheels, Trailhead Wheels, located along Sulphur Creek Trail in town, offers bike and e-bike rentals to help you see more at your own pace.

Make Time for More Adventures Nearby

Book an extra night in Heber Springs and use the extra day to explore more of the area. Woolly Hollow State Park, about a 40 minute drive from Heber Springs, offers family-friendly hiking trails with lake views. Make a trip to Clinton an hour away from Heber Springs to see the Natural Bridge of Arkansas, a 120-foot arched sandstone formation surrounded by beautiful scenery.

• Summer lodging tends to book up fast, so be sure to plan your stay well in advance.
• Peggy Sue’s Place is a popular lunch spot, so be sure to arrive early to beat the rush.
• Heber Springs sits in Cleburne County, which is dry, so packaged alcohol isn't sold locally. A few restaurants hold private club permits and can serve alcoholic beverages with your meal. If you'd like to have drinks on hand at your lodging, stock up before you arrive: Damascus Liquor in Damascus and Beaver Liquors in Shirley are just across the county line.
• Heber Springs goes big for the 4th of July with Freedom Fest, a day filled with live music, waterside festivities, a 5k and, of course, fireworks. It’s well worth a visit, but you’ll want to make your plans far in advance.

For more information, go to visithebersprings.com.