Take a scenic drive and enjoy these free lake and river views all year long. If the weather is nice it doesn’t matter what time of year you head out. Just keep in mind that some places are closed during the late fall to winter months so call ahead.

First on our list is Dam Site in Heber Springs Arkansas where the vision of Greers Ferry Lake all started. You can view Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River as you cross the bridge or view from the JFK Overlook. Tour the Fish Hatchery also free, and hike one of the nearby trails. Pick up the Mossy Bluff or Buckeye Trail from just behind the William Carl Garner visitors center nearby. (Note: check the visitor center operning days and hours during the off- peak season.) You can also pick up a trail map inside and hear a little history about the building of the Dam and the river area culture before and after. Just around the corner from the Visitors Center you’ll find Collins Creek a where you’ll find waterfalls throughout the trail. There’s another great hiking opportunity nearby, Sugarloaf Mountain which can be assessible by car off Trailhead Rd. There are two mountains called Sugarloaf in our area and each are spelled differently. This one is accessbile by land. The other one, Sugar Loaf Mountain Island is accessible by boat only. We refer to them as land side and lake side. For the land side Sugarloaf Mountain go to sugarloafmountain For the Lake side Sugar Loaf Mountain Island keep reading. For more information on the above contact the Fish Hatchery and William Carl Garner Visitors Center.

Next, head to the small town of Greers Ferry along Hwy 16 and get a great lake view of Greers Ferry Lake as you approach the hill crest at Taylor Rd. Drive slow or your miss the small half circle gravel turn in on the right where you can get a birds eye view similar to the popular pictures you see. Continue on to Greers Ferry and get another great view of the lake as you cross the Narrows bridge, aptly named for where the lake narrows and separates the big water on the Heber side or South Shore from the narrows and the North Shore.

Third on our list is the Irish Hills Prayer Sanctuary off Irish Hills Rd in Edgemont. From Greers Ferry continue on Hwy 16 and you’ll get a great view of the lake as you cross the Edgemont bridge. As you continue on Hwy 16 turn left on to Irish Hills Rd about a mile past Janssen’s Restaurant. (A well known popular local place enjoyed by many which also boast a great view of the lake from almost any seat in the restaurant or enjoy outside seating.) Note: Jansens is closed from early November until late February/early March.

Next, if you have a little more time take a shuttle from Fairfield Bay Marina to Sugar Loaf Mountain Island. There is a small fee for the shuttle round trip but the panoramic view that you see in all the photos after you hike to the crest is so worth it. This is definately a hike and the incline of the steps that lead to the top are difficult for some. However, you can take the alternate route that takes just a little longer that weaves around versus climbing straight up those last fifty or so steps. For more details call the marina ahead of time especially during off-peak season or go to visitfairfieldbay.com

For more day trip or weekend ideas plus resources puruse this site. Whether your looking for lake side, land side, outside, or inside there’s plenty of low budget excursions to experience in our area. And if you have a little pocket change you can treat yourself to a nice lunch at one of our area restaurants as well. Then plan to come back when you can stay the weekend. We’re still here. Come see us!