The Sulphur Creek Trail system is the vision and product of The Greers Ferry Lake Trails Council (GFLTC) who operate under the mission statement of:
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.
The community has largely embraced the vision and contributed to the project. The initial focus was on building a multiuse trail system from Sugarloaf Mountain westward along the abandoned M&NA railroad and adjacent to Sulphur Creek for the most part. Other spur trails such as the Bridal Veil Falls Trail, the Sandy Beach Trail, the Colonial Loop and the Southridge Loop will be designed and built as funding becomes available. The masterplan includes over 9 miles of trail which will ultimately connect to the 6-mile trail system at Sugarloaf Mountain at mile zero.
The majority of the trail system will be asphalt. Other sections will utilize low-traffic backroads to connect sections and some trails will be chat surfaced. Easements and engineering were completed in 2023 and much of the funding for the trail itself is in place. A major street crossing at the Highway 25 bypass will be achieved by crossing below the existing traffic bridge when water levels permit. A pedestrian crossing on Sulphur Creek will be achieved by an existing 80 ft metal bridge that will be placed just to the east of the bypass.
An Adopt-a-Trail program is in place for trail advocates to adopt specific sections of the completed trail for constant inspection and minor clearing. This program also allows local citizens, businesses and other advocates to commit to promoting and supporting the trail monetarily.
The Heber Springs Parks & Recreation department also inspects the trail and repairs any major issues. And the Heber Springs Police Department are committed to patrolling and enforcing ordinances along the trail to ensure safety and security.
Grants and donations are being pursued to add other important amenities such as pavilions, signage and kiosks, access points, lighting, parking areas, additional connectors, outdoor classrooms, historical and nature interpretive signage.
The completed trail system will extend the local tourist season and draw businesses and development into the area. This, of course, increases the local tax base, improves quality of life, and perpetuates growth.
Dollar for dollar, the completed trail system will be the single best investment made in the area. - Dr. Micky Barnett
