- Archey Fork Park & RiverWalk
- South Fork Nature Center
- Sugar Loaf Mountain Island
- Indian Rock Trail
- Natural Bridge of Arkansas
- Cottrell Wilson Historic Trail
1. Archey Fork Park & River Walk (Clinton)
Archey Fork Park is centrally located on Highway 65 in Clinton. The Main Street Park on the opposite side of the highway features a historic center & playground, while the RiverWalk follows the Archey Fork of the Little Red River with beautifully-maintained paved trails near a music amphitheater, sports complex, disc golf course, seasonal kayak launch, pond, nature gardens, and more. Pet friendly and wheelchair accessible. Bike or walk through the historic downtown district, and much of Clinton, from this central location.
2. South Fork Nature Center (Choctaw)
The Gates Rogers Foundation maintains 2 miles of walking trails & educational facilities in the conservation area on Greers Ferry Lake (just south of Clinton). The tranquil preserve features many rare woodland species, beautiful views of the lake, a large pavilion, and a reconstructed pioneer cabin. Free admission, pets welcome. Located on Bachelor Road in Choctaw.
3. Sugar Loaf Mountain Island (Fairfield Bay)
Getting to Sugar Loaf Mountain is half the fun since it’s an island on the western end of Greers Ferry Lake. A shuttle runs from Fairfield Bay Marina all year long. More adventurous folks rent kayaks and paddle about 1.5 miles across open water to a courtesy dock on the island.
From the courtesy dock, take the foot trail built by employees of the Greers Ferry Project Office of the Corps of Engineers’ Little Rock District. A large informational sign provides a map and description of the island trails.
Take the short trek (1.6 miles roundtrip) to the high point for panoramic views. Another trail circles the base of the mountain top. Along Arkansas’s first designated National Scenic Trail, you’ll see bluff formations and native flora and fauna. A series of wooden stairs at the southern end lead to the top for amazing vistas from 500 feet above the surface of the lake.
Sugar Loaf Mountain is the result of a long erosional and weathering process. The rocks forming it are more than 300 million years old. The flat-topped surface serves as a protective cap for underlying softer shale and sandstone.
You’ll see plenty of wildlife. The island is also a game refuge, and deer have been observed making their way to the island from the mainland.
4. Indian Rock Trail (Fairfield Bay)
Indian Rock Trail and Cave. This must-see landmark, officially registered on the National Historical Registry as the Edgemont Shelter, is located at the Indian Hills Golf Resort on Snead Drive. The cave served as a tribal meeting place as far back as 1000 BC. The 3/4 mile trail begins beside the historic Log Cabin, and meanders among incredible rock formations with a bluff on one side and Indian Hills Golf Course on the other, with lots of nooks and crannies for youngsters and young at heart to create their own adventures.
5. Natural Bridge of Arkansas (Clinton)
This iconic stone archway, formed millions of years ago, was once an infamous hideout during pioneer days. Today it’s a favorite stop for visitors! Don’t miss the short scenic hike & the souvenir shop at the cabin. Open seasonally (March – November), off Highway 65 just north of Clinton.
6. Cottrell Wilson Historic Trail (Shirley)
Enjoy the beautiful Historic Trail with trailhead located in downtown Shirley at the original railroad yard depot site. The trailhead is on land formerly owned by the late Sid Burgess who was the last depot agent. The trail is available to the public thanks to the generosity of private landowners.
The trail meanders one mile along the river, east of downtown, and ends at the Cottrell Wilson cemetery. Your two-mile round trip takes you along bluffs, across a small stream, and up the hill where there is a turnstile entry into the cemetery. The cemetery contains about 40 graves (mostly unmarked), including 10 Indians, several members of the Wilson and Cottrell families, and a Bulgarian worker who died while making the cut for the railroad.
Clinton, AR Chamber of Commerce 