Lake Information
Greers Ferry Lake is the reservoir formed by Greers Ferry Dam, a United States Army Corps of Engineers dam in Northern Arkansas. It is located about 60 miles (100 km) north of Little Rock. It is often ranked as one of the top ten clearest, cleanest, and most pristine lakes in all of North America.
The reservoir consists of two lakes connected by a water-filled gorge called the Narrows. The area of the lake and the Narrows totals about 40,500 acres (164 km2) with a combined shoreline of just over 340 miles. In the 1800s there was once a city, Higden, under this lake. The farmers in Higden had constant trouble with flooding. The land was purchased, residents left and the city was abandoned, the cemeteries were moved, and the area was allowed to flood. The town has since been re-established on a nearby hill. Many nearby residents and several eyewitness accounts tell that homes and buildings still stand under the water to this day, a watery ghost town. Several roads in town can be followed to the shore where they disappear under the water, and surface on the opposite side of the lake. Most of these roads are now used as launch ramps for boats. Old West Main Street in Heber Springs is an example. One road in particular near “Sandy Beach” in Heber Springs is a popular fireworks show in the area during July, can be reached by divers without equipment.
Carl Garner, former Greers Ferry Lake Resident Engineer since 1959. In 1969, Carl Garner started and led the first Annual Greers Ferry Lake & Little Red River Association litter cleanup. In 1990 the Great Arkansas Cleanup was developed, based on the Greers Ferry Lake & Little Red River Association model that Mr. Garner started.
The normal pool of Greers Ferry Lake is 461.3 feet above sea level. The lowest safe level of the lake with still being able to generate hydroelectric power is 435.0 feet. The lake has flooded various times. The lake crested at 483.95 feet in 1973. It crested above 485 feet in 1982. In April 2008, the lake topped the previous high from 1982. On April 11, 2008 the lake topped 486 feet, only a few feet away from many local houses.
Current Lake Levels & Conditions
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Recreational Use
Since the formation of Greers Ferry Lake in the early 1960s, tourism has thrived around the lake, and the population has topped 6,000 in Heber Springs. Through the 1970s, many luxurious neighborhoods were built around the lake, and continue to be built. Various activities are available to the public: , swimming, cliff diving, boating, fishing, scuba diving, camping, and other water recreational activities are popular among locals and tourists alike. Recently famous for rainbow trout, the Little Red River, in the cool water coming from under the dam, has become a favorite fishing spot year round. Several camp grounds and boat docks/ramps offer direct access to the river. Also, houses, even small neighborhoods have been built around the Little Red River.
Lake Information
Water Safety Tips
- Water and alcohol do not mix.
- Check weather forecasts before embarking on water activities.
- Be aware of your personal water skill and knowledge.
- Wear Coast Guard approved life jackets when around water, most people do not expect to end up in the water and of those who drown, were not wearing a life jacket.
Boating Safety Tips
- Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket, many types and styles are available.
- Check all safety equipment, replace and repair before launching.
- File a float plan with family and friends.
- Be a courteousness boater, follow the rules of the road.
- Swimming near or under platforms on outboard motorboats, where CO2 (carbon monoxide) fumes accumulate, can kill.
Swimming Tips
- Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket, many types and styles are available.
- Learning to swim is an important skill for all ages.
- Never swim alone, always swim with a buddy.
- Always swim in designated swimming areas.
- Diving or jumping from cliffs and bluffs invites tragedy.
- Always supervise children of all ages when around open bodies of water.
