Nearby
Nearby Cities and Attractions
The Woodlands is located in a great spot for an Ozarks getaway. In every direction, you’re close to water and outdoor recreation, so your plans can change with the weather and your mood. And when you’re ready to swap lake time for a town afternoon, Heber Springs is right here for shops, dining, and a change of scenery. Explore some of our local favorites.
Greers Ferry Lake
Greers Ferry Lake is the clear-water centerpiece of the area, with 300+ miles of shoreline and plenty of room for boating, swimming, and exploring coves and open water. Around the lake, you’ll find marinas for slips, fuel, and rentals, so lake days work for boat owners and renters alike. In Heber Springs, Sandy Beach is a local favorite with a dedicated swim beach plus a volleyball court, disc golf, and a reservable pavilion. Day passes are $5 at the on-site kiosk. And if fishing is on your list, the lake is full of species like bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye.
Little Red River
The Little Red River is Heber Springs’ claim to fishing fame, a cold-water tailwater that runs below Greers Ferry Dam and holds 29 miles of trout habitat. This is the river that produced the 40 lb 4 oz world-record brown trout, and it still draws anglers from all over who come looking for big browns and steady rainbow action. One helpful planning note: the river’s flow changes with dam generation, so the feel of the water can shift day to day. Checking the official generation schedule before you head out helps you pick the kind of day you want on the river.
Local Hiking Trails
For an easy way to get outside, head just downstream from Greers Ferry Dam to the Buckeye National Nature Trail and the Mossy Bluff National Nature Trail. These two trails were developed together to make bluffside river views more accessible, with mostly level walking, interpretive displays along the route, and a few stair sections near the ends.
For more options close by, Josh Park Trail is a quick, local loop. The Sugarloaf Trail is the big one, with direct access from the park via the paved Sulphur Creek Trail, plus the option to hike up to the summit for wide-open views. Collins Creek Trail is a peaceful, wooded trail that’s nice when you want shade and a quieter stroll. And if your goal is to chase some waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls and Cornelius Falls are both relaxed nature paths to some incredible views.
Downtown Heber Springs and Spring Park
Downtown Heber Springs is perfect for a change of pace between lake and river time. It’s the spot for browsing local vintage shops, grabbing a good meal, and stretching your legs for a bit. Spring Park sits right in the middle of it all, and it’s famous for its seven natural springs, plus shady picnic areas and a big pavilion that hosts community events. If you’re visiting in season, the Spring Park Pavilion is also home to the local farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 AM to noon.
The Jitterbug Coffee House
If your Heber Springs day needs a good start, make a quick stop at The Jitterbug Coffeehouse on Main Street. They’re serving up espresso drinks and coffee-shop classics, plus a wide variety of baked goods and small eats. It’s a great place to fuel up before a lake day, or to grab something sweet after wandering downtown. As one reviewer put it, it’s a “nice caffeine oasis,” and another swore the blueberry muffin was the best they’d ever had.
Stream Coffee Company
Stream Coffee Company is another fun little coffee stop in Heber Springs, serving coffee and food out of a retro Airstream trailer. The menu goes beyond the basics with a creative lineup of specialty drinks, and the outdoor seating makes it an easy place to hang out on a nice day. Grab a breakfast bite or something savory with your drink, then claim a table outside and take your time. One reviewer called it their “Heber Springs Starbucks, but way better.”