How time flies! In 2009, the Greers Ferry Lake Trails Council was formed with the mission: “To plan, build, operate and maintain multi-use trails in the Greers Ferry Lake area which promote fitness and enhance transportation, the local economy and community relations”. There were several previous failed attempts to establish a trail system along Sulphur Creek using the M&NA abandoned railroad right of way but this new grassroots effort soon gained traction as locals realized the benefits and importance of this amenity. The council became a 501(c) 3, non-profit and subsequently formed a masterplan (which is evolving), acquired some easements (at no cost) and landed a few grants to construct trail in key places. Although these existing trails appear to have no connection, they will soon become part of a meandering, beautiful trail for walking, running and cycling. The system will connect many landmarks, industrial areas, schools, recreational areas, downtown, historic, natural and wildlife areas. There will be a spur trail to Bridal Veil Falls as well as Sandy Beach. A pavilion with restrooms, tables and a kiosk will be located about midway on the main trail just to the east of South 7th St near the Forestry Commission office. Some surface streets associated with the system will have “Share the Road” signage and striping to create awareness for motorist and improve safety for cyclist.

Thanks to local voters, funding to complete the trail system was approved in March of 2021. CWB Engineering is now heading up the project and construction has already begun on the section between South 4th and South 7th. In addition, the 80-foot long pedestrian bridge at Sulphur Creek (about .8 miles east of Bittle Road) is under construction thanks to an 80/20 matching grant from ArDOT (Arkansas Department of Transportation). Surveying and final trail alignment is now the next milestone and should be completed very soon. The asphalt trail section from South 11th (just south of Scott St) to the new bridge will be completed this Summer which will, with the use of Scott Street (So 11th to So 7th) connect the trail from South Broadway to just beyond Bittle road near the County Fairgrounds.

The next milestone will be to cross under South 7th and the bypass using existing bridges. As you can imagine, permits are required from ArDOT to make this happen.

In 2021, the GFLTC board took the local NICA competitive mountain bike team, the Sugarloaf Shredders, under their wing and has helped, in part, construct the new single track MTB Vanguard Trail around the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. Thanks to ASU – Heber Springs and the Sugarloaf Heritage Council, this is a great practice trail for the 6-12th grade team to practice and may possibly host a ArkansasMTB chapter MTB race event.

The annual Ride Like a Mountain Man road bike ride, sponsored by GFLTC will continue to be an annual tradition with the hopes of raising funds for ongoing trail maintenance.

I wish to thank the board members, the many volunteers, the mayor and city departments, a lot of local businesses, Cleburne County and most of all, the local citizens for catching the vision and making this showcase trail system investment (which has a finite return on investment) a soon reality.

Frank Wimberley – GFLTC President

AREA TRAILS

Jeff Anderson Memorial Trail- .60 mi (currently), A City trail at Sandy Beach accessible at the end of Main Street West (Parking)

or Front Street dead ends at Sandy Beach location of the trail (Parking). This newly renovated 10' wide packed solid base trail skirts the lake shoreline with some beautiful view of the lakee. This trail is multi-use but no motorized vehicles are allowed. The plan is to make the trail a loop. Map Link

Bridal Veil Falls Trail -(.6 mil round trip,) located on the south side of Heber Springs, 49 Bridal Veil Falls Rd (off of Hwy 25 south). Parking at trailhead and picnic tables with a very nice easy to navigate overlook. The trail features the notorious Bridal Veil Falls and accessibility to the bottom requires some sure footed skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year round. During the rainy season another falls appears northwest of the creek named Cornelius (sure footedness required) Map Link

Sugarloaf Heritage Council Trails- The Summit Trail (.66 mi. round trip) which leads you to the base of the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain east of Heber Springs on the ASU-Heber Springs Campus is moderate to steep. There are, however, rest areas along the way. Tonawanda Base Trail (1.30 mi. long) meanders around the base of the mountain. It is of easy to moderate difficulty with some small hills and occasional uneven footing. Benches have been installed along the way. The Hidden Pond Trail (.25 mi. to pond) is easy, being relatively flat and paved, with good footing and a picnic table near the pond. There is also a 90 foot wooden bridge with seating along the way. Map Link

Josh Park Memorial Trail- 1.23 mi. Located at Dam Site Park (US Corps of Engineers, Greers Ferry Lake). A multi-purpose trail, located within the boundary of features a fault toilet, drinking water, picnic area and fitness station at the trailhead. It is home to a large, multi-school cross-country meet held every fall. The trailhead is located just off of Hwy 25 B North, on the northside of Heber Springs. Map Link

Collins Creek Trail- .6 mi. located on the east side of Hatchery Rd. Located at the John F. Kennedy Park, near the Greers Ferry Fish Hatchery, includes a catch-and-release trout fishing area for youngsters (under age 16), a hiking trail and nature-watching opportunities. Constructed by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. About one hundred yards from the trail head is the beautiful Collins Creek Falls. Map Link

Sugarloaf Mountain in the Lake Nature Trail- 2 mi. moderate to steep loop. This trail is located on an island in Greers Ferry Lake. It is accessible by boat from Hwy 337 at Sugarloaf Recreation Area on the south and Hwy 330 at Fairfield Bay Park on the north. The trail is primarily used for hiking and canoeing and is accessible year-round. This trail affords spectacular view of Greers Ferry Lake and the surrounding countryside. The summit, 540 feet above the lake, overlooks the pines and hardwoods growing on the island where this trail is located. Map Link

Mossy Bluff Trail/Buckeye Trail - Buckeye: .125 mi. and Mossy Bluff: 1.6 miles (round trip) Start from the Garner Visitor Center (north side of Heber Springs) near the Greers Ferry Dam. Mossy Bluff Trail follows the canyon rim overlooking the Little Red River. A 96 step stairway is provided at the craggy bluffs near end of hike. This is an excellent place to rest and enjoy the view before your walk back to the Visitor Center. Spectacular overlook of Greers Ferry Lake, the Dam and Fish Hatchery at the top and a great nature trail. Map Link

The Big Creek Natural Area - 0.75 mi. roundtrip for Creek Trail; 1.75 mi. roundtrip for Overlook Trail. There are two different loop trails at this natural area, both begin and end at the parking lot. A number on interpretive panels share information about the flora, fauna, and management of the property. There are many great wildlife observation opportunities. The overlook trail takes visitors to a high bluff line which overlooks a long pool and a series of rapids on Big Creek. there are several waterfalls that can be seen and often times heard along this trail. Easy to moderate; not ADA accessible - Trail Blazes - Blue Map Link

Fairfield Bay Trails: The newly developed Fairfield Bay four-trail system varies in difficulty and length, including two five-mile trails, a 20 mile trail and a seperate 8 mile horseback riding trail- all of which are FREE to the public. Trail maps will be available at the trail heads entry signs. For further information on the new trail system, visit: www.thebaytrails.com

To plan, build, operate and maintain multi-use trails in the Greers Ferry Lake area which promote fitness and enhhance transportation, the local economy and community relations

"A partnership between YOU, Greers Ferry Lake Trail Council (501c3 Non Profit) and the City of Heber Springs"