Part of our Arkansas guide.
Three places from our Arkansas coverage—Grinder's Ferry, Greer's Ferry Lake, and the Grinders Ferry Ghost Camps—each offer a distinct way to explore the state's natural and mysterious side.
Related travel guides: Hidden Caves Of Arkansas's Buffalo River, Hidden Springs Of Caddo Gap Arkansas, and Secrets Of Arkansas's Hot Springs Caves.
Grinder's Ferry
Grinder's Ferry is a launch and picnic area on the Buffalo National River. It is a starting point for floating crystal-clear waters past towering bluffs and lush forests, suitable for families, solo travelers, and nature lovers. The site also ties into the region's deeper lore; visitors can explore the mysteries inside Arkansas' Devil's Den and other local legends that surround the river. To reach Grinder's Ferry, take Arkansas Highway 21 about 12 miles south of Jasper and follow the signs to the river access.
Greer's Ferry
Greer's Ferry Lake, created by the damming of the Little Red River, is known for boating and fishing. Beneath its surface lies a network of cave systems with rock formations and underground streams. Some of these caves are accessible through guided tours that explain the geology and the lost histories and folklore in Arkansas. The lake itself covers 40,000 acres with 340 miles of shoreline. For cave access, check with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Greer's Ferry Lake office for current tour schedules and seasonal closures.
Grinders Ferry Ghost Camps
The Grinders Ferry Ghost Camps are abandoned campsites along the Buffalo National River, complete with old tents, rusty cookware, and forgotten belongings. Some say these camps were left by travelers who vanished; others believe secretive groups used them. The sites remain in place, preserved by the river's remote nature. They are located roughly two miles upstream from the main Grinder's Ferry access point, reachable via a footpath that follows the riverbank. For those interested in the area's broader natural context, the region is also part of hidden natural wonders in Arkansas, including the nearby bluffs and seasonal waterfalls that appear after heavy rains.
