Welcome to the
Greers Ferry Lake Northshore Spring
Self-Guided Adventure Tour & Challenge

Overview   |   Southshore Tour   | Northshore Tour   |    T.R.A.I.L.S.

Sample Start Time and Tour Duration: 9AM to 2PM, an Estimated 5 hours with a 40 minute stop for lunch and travel times included. (Note: This is a printer friendly version without the photos. You can view details of each of these attractions with photo if available by clicking on the attraction name or resources at the end of each attraction.)
Suggested Schedule: This can be an all day experience depending on how much time you spend at each location. Estimated time durations for each have been provided based on a typical visit to the area. It’s best to get in the Sugar Loaf Mountain Island hike early in the day if the weather is hot. Remember these tours are self-guided. You choose the difficulty level low, moderate, or difficult where appropriate. Also, you can reverse the tour if your coming from the west, or if you wanted to hike SLMI another day. If you plan to hike SLMI later in the afternoon call ahead of time to check the shuttle schedule.
Review & Choose your Challenges: See the Challenges & Overview section for a review.
Safety Suggestions: Bring plenty of water and wear comfortable appropriate clothing based on the weather conditions and your own needs. Review and practice the HAPPY T.R.A.I.L.S. safety suggestions before venturing out. Be sure to let someone know where you plan to be especially if your planning a solo excursion.

Sugar Loaf Mountin Island
Greers Ferry Lake (Yes, in the middle of the lake!)
Accessible by boat only. Take the shuttle from
Fairfield Bay Marina, 4350 Hwy 2205, Fairfield Bay
Phone: (501)884-6030 Closed Sun & Mon
Estimated Time Duration: 2 hours
About: Located in Greers Ferry Lake the island is accessible by boat shuttle from Fairfield Bay Marina. Call ahead to make your reservation at (501)884-6030 for the shuttle ahead of time. There is a fee for the shuttle, and it runs approximately every two hours for a few times a day. If you don’t feel like the hike but just want to take the shuttle for the scenic views just let them know. This hike is one of the nation’s first historic scenic trails. The Terrace trail to the left of the boat dock path is about .7 mi one way and leads to the Mule Trail, about .5 miles one way, which leads you up the 50 or so very steep steps before you get to the top. Not recommended for the elderly or inexperienced hiker. However, there have been some who have reported when the weather was nice, and somewhat cool they just took their time and made it without any problems. Very different than when it’s hot outside or when you have the sun directly over you. You know your skill and ability better than anyone. You can view the map in the resource(s) section below of the trail to give you an idea ahead of time. When you do get to the top you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular 360 degree lake and area view.

Alternatively, the Terrace trail, 1.6 miles around the base is to the right at the end of the boat dock path and takes you around the base of the mountain, then climbs up the bluff line around the island then returns you where you started. This is a moderate hike with no lake views but plenty of nature.

The boat driver will give you some tips. Don’t take too much time enjoying the view at the top or you might miss the return boat. Confirm with the driver if there will be another boat just in case and keep the Marinas phone number. CPs don’t work that well on the Island but from the dock you should be able to get a call out. Again, check with the boat driver and don’t miss the boat!

Additional Resources:
SLMI Trail Map: https://www.swl.usace.army.mil/Portals/50/docs/greersferrylake/Sugarloaf%20Mountain%20Nature%20Trail%20(300dpi).jpg

Suggestion: If you find yourself at the boat dock because you completed the hike earlier than expected you could have a picnic lunch at SLMI while your waiting, or at FFB Marina after the boat drops you off, or continue on another 15 min to Indian Rock Cabin and picnic there. Or enjoy one of the Local Eateries along the way from the Marina to IRC.

Estimated Travel Time from SLMI to FFB Marina: 15 min
Estimated Travel Time from FFB Marina to IRC: 15 min.

Optional Waterfall Viewing of Indian Falls: Depending on how tired you are from hiking SLMI on your way from the FFB Marina back towards FFB you can view Indian Falls Trail, .8 mile round trip trail that runs along the rim of Wild Horse Canyon. There is a pull off to the side of the road at the intersection of West Cliff Spur Dr. and Lynn Creek Dr. near the trailhead. Be very observant of the private property signs and DO NOT go beyond those. (Really important.) You should be able to get a view of the Falls without a long hike.
Estimated Time Duration: 12 to 17 minutes.

Lunch: 30 to 40 min depending on your schedule. About now, after lunch including the estimated travel times your about 3 hours into the Adventure Tour.

Indian Rock Cabin, Cave, and Museum
337 Snead Drive, Fairfield Bay
(501)884-6010
Estimated Time Duration: 30 to 40 min

Start your history tour at the 1850’s Log Cabin and Museum and learn about the Cabin, Cave and way of life way back then. Then continue a short hike down to the Cave. You can follow the golf cart sidwalk path, or the museum director can provide golf cart transportation if they are open. (Hours are usually 10AM to 2PM during season). It’s best to call and let them know ahead of time regarding transportation request and also check hours.

Resources:
https://goseedoar.org/business/indian-rock-museum/

Estimated Travel Time from IRC to WLF: 15 min

Wade Lucas Farms
8246 Ar 16E, Shirley, AR
(501)723-7272
Estimated Time Duration: 20 to 30 min

A family owned farm that has fresh fruits and vegetables plus offers delightful lunches and deserts. A great place to pick up fresh farm and locally made goods. They don’t give tours anymore but you can get a peek at the farm from the parking lot. The stop for their fresh deserts and a peek at the farm is highly rated by vacationers.

Resource(s):
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g31922-d15092799-Reviews-Wade_Lucas_Farms-Shirley_Arkansas.html

Estimated Travel Time from WLF to PS: 7 to 10 min

Pottery Shop
850 Hwy 65 N
Clinton, Arkansas 72031
(501)745-2060
Estimated Time Duration: 15 to 20 min or longer depending on your schedule

The Pottery Shop is definately a shop with very interesting and also HUGE yard art. This is where the big “OZARKS” sign is. A great place for one of a kind finds. Start or end your day here depending on what direction you’ve traveled from.

A Full Day of Adventure! If your up for more try the Southshore Adventure, or the Budget Day Trip Scenic Tour.

Are you planning to stay the weekend or week?
Campers, you can make reservations at recreation.gov.
Cottage Cozy, Resorts, and Lodging view here.
Local Eateries, view here.
Thank you for your interest in our area.

Greers Ferry Lake & Little Red River Association, March 2025.