How Big Is Greers Ferry Lake in Arkansas?
Greers Ferry Lake, nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, is one of Arkansas ’s most beloved reservoirs, attracting anglers, boaters, and nature lovers from across the region. And understanding the lake’s size—its surface area, shoreline length, depth, and water volume—helps visitors appreciate its scale and the recreational opportunities it offers. In this article we explore exact measurements, compare Greers Ferry Lake to other Arkansas lakes, and explain how its dimensions influence water sports, wildlife habitats, and local economies That's the whole idea..
Introduction: Why Size Matters
When you hear the name “Greers Ferry Lake,” you might picture a tranquil, glass‑like expanse surrounded by forested hills. While the scenery is undeniably beautiful, the lake’s physical dimensions are equally impressive. Size determines:
- Recreational capacity – larger surface areas accommodate more boats, jet skis, and paddle‑boards without crowding.
- Fish habitat – depth and volume affect temperature stratification, which influences trout, bass, and catfish populations.
- Economic impact – shoreline length correlates with the number of marinas, campgrounds, and waterfront properties that generate tourism revenue.
By breaking down the lake’s statistics, you’ll see why Greers Ferry Lake consistently ranks among Arkansas’s top destinations.
Surface Area: A 40,000‑Acre Panorama
The most frequently cited figure for Greers Ferry Lake is its surface area of approximately 40,000 acres (about 62.Day to day, 5 square miles or 162 km²). This measurement reflects the lake’s full‑pool level, also known as the “conservation pool,” when the water is held at its normal operating elevation of 461 feet above sea level.
How the 40,000‑Acre Figure Is Calculated
- Topographic surveys conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) map the basin’s contours.
- Hydraulic modeling predicts how water spreads across the terrain at various elevations.
- GIS (Geographic Information System) tools convert the modeled shape into an acreage count.
Because the lake is fed by the Little Red River and its tributaries, seasonal rainfall can cause minor fluctuations—typically a few hundred acres—above or below the 40,000‑acre baseline. On the flip side, the figure remains a reliable benchmark for planners, anglers, and tourists.
Comparison with Other Arkansas Lakes
| Lake | Surface Area (acres) | Rank in Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Ouachita | 44,000 | 1 |
| Lake Dardanelle | 34,000 | 2 |
| Greers Ferry Lake | ≈ 40,000 | 3 |
| Lake Hamilton | 12,000 | 7 |
Greers Ferry Lake sits comfortably in the top three largest reservoirs in the state, surpassing popular spots like Lake Dardanelle while trailing only the massive Lake Ouachita And that's really what it comes down to..
Shoreline Length: Over 300 Miles of Waterfront
While surface area tells you how much water the lake holds, shoreline length reveals how much access the public has to its edges. Greers Ferry Lake boasts more than 300 miles (≈ 480 km) of shoreline, a figure that includes every inlet, cove, and peninsula Small thing, real impact..
Why Shoreline Matters
- Recreational spots – Each mile of shore can host a boat ramp, picnic area, or fishing pier.
- Habitat diversity – Varied shoreline creates niches for waterfowl, turtles, and shoreline vegetation.
- Property development – Lakeside real estate values often rise with shoreline availability, driving local tax revenue.
The lake’s complex shoreline is a product of the Ozark Plateau’s rugged topography, which forces the water into winding valleys and narrow coves. This complexity makes Greers Ferry Lake especially attractive for kayakers seeking secluded spots and for anglers hunting in shallow, weed‑laden bays.
Depth and Volume: From Shallow Bays to 200‑Foot Trenches
Understanding depth is crucial for both safety and ecological reasons. Greers Ferry Lake’s maximum depth reaches about 200 feet (61 m) near the original river channel, while the average depth hovers around 50 feet (15 m).
Water Volume
At full pool, the lake contains approximately 1,200,000 acre‑feet of water (about 1.48 billion cubic meters). An acre‑foot equals the volume needed to cover one acre of surface area to a depth of one foot, illustrating the massive storage capacity of the reservoir.
Depth Distribution
- Deep channel – The former Little Red River bed retains the deepest sections, ideal for largemouth bass and trophy trout.
- Mid‑level zones – Sloping banks at 30‑70 feet support crappie and bluegill schools.
- Shallow coves – Areas less than 15 feet deep provide perfect habitats for catfish and for families with young children.
Seasonal temperature stratification typically creates a thermocline around 30‑40 feet during summer, separating warm surface water from cooler, oxygen‑rich depths. This layering influences fish behavior and guides anglers to the most productive fishing spots.
Hydrology: Inflows, Outflows, and Water Management
Greers Ferry Lake is a run‑of‑river reservoir primarily fed by the Little Red River, with supplemental inflow from tributaries such as Hood Creek and Miller Creek. The USACE operates the Greers Ferry Dam, which regulates outflow to maintain downstream water levels for hydroelectric power, flood control, and ecological flow Worth knowing..
Some disagree here. Fair enough Small thing, real impact..
- Annual inflow averages 1.2 billion cubic feet, varying with spring snowmelt and summer thunderstorms.
- Outflow is released through the dam’s turbines, generating about 12 MW of hydroelectric power—enough for roughly 10,000 homes.
The lake’s water level typically fluctuates ± 5 feet throughout the year, a range that rarely impacts recreational use but can affect shoreline dock heights and fish spawning grounds Which is the point..
Recreational Implications of Size
Boating and Water Sports
With 40,000 acres of open water and 300+ miles of shoreline, the lake supports:
- Motorized boating – Over 30 public boat ramps accommodate everything from small fishing skiffs to 40‑foot sport yachts.
- Sailing – Consistent breezes off the Ozark ridges make the lake a favored spot for regattas.
- Jet skiing and wakeboarding – The expansive surface area provides ample room for high‑speed activities without endangering swimmers.
Fishing
The lake’s depth profile and volume create multiple thermal layers, supporting diverse fish populations:
- Rainbow and brown trout – Stocked annually, thriving in cooler, deeper waters.
- Largemouth bass – Abundant in the 30‑70‑foot zones near submerged structures.
- Crappie and bluegill – Found in shallow coves and around vegetation.
Anglers often use the lake’s shoreline length to their advantage, moving from one cove to another in search of “humps” where fish congregate That alone is useful..
Camping and Hiking
The Greers Ferry Lake State Park and surrounding national forest lands offer over 200 campsites and 30 miles of hiking trails that wind along the water’s edge. The sheer size of the lake means you can spend a full day paddling in one part of the reservoir and still be far from the nearest campground.
Economic Impact: Size Translates to Revenue
The lake’s dimensions directly influence the local economy:
- Tourism – An estimated 2.5 million visitors per year spend roughly $150 million on lodging, food, and recreation.
- Real estate – Lakeside properties command premiums up to 30 % higher than comparable inland homes.
- Hydropower – The dam’s 12 MW output contributes to the regional power grid, offsetting fossil‑fuel generation.
These figures underscore how Greers Ferry Lake’s size is a catalyst for sustained economic growth across Van Buren, Cleburne, and Faulkner counties That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Greers Ferry Lake larger than Lake Ouachita?
No. Lake Ouachita holds the title for the largest surface area in Arkansas at about 44,000 acres, while Greers Ferry Lake is around 40,000 acres.
2. Can I swim safely in the deepest parts of the lake?
While swimming is allowed in designated beach areas, the 200‑foot deep channels are not suitable for swimmers due to cold temperatures, strong currents, and lack of lifeguard supervision No workaround needed..
3. How does the lake’s size affect fish stocking?
A larger volume allows the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to stock more trout each spring, dispersing them throughout deeper, cooler zones where they can survive the summer heat And that's really what it comes down to..
4. What is the longest continuous shoreline stretch?
The North Shore near the town of Greers Ferry offers a continuous stretch of roughly 12 miles of accessible shoreline, popular for camping and fishing.
5. Does the lake’s size help with flood control?
Yes. The reservoir’s 1.2 million acre‑feet capacity allows it to absorb peak runoff during heavy rains, reducing downstream flooding risk.
Conclusion: The Significance of Greers Ferry Lake’s Scale
Greers Ferry Lake’s ≈ 40,000‑acre surface area, 300+ miles of shoreline, 200‑foot maximum depth, and 1.Consider this: 2 million acre‑feet of water volume combine to create a versatile, thriving ecosystem and a premier recreational hub. Its size not only defines the physical landscape but also shapes the economic vitality, wildlife diversity, and quality of life for the surrounding communities.
Whether you’re planning a weekend paddle, a fishing tournament, or simply admiring the view from a mountaintop overlook, recognizing the lake’s dimensions enhances your appreciation of this Arkansas gem. The next time you stand on the shore and watch the sun glint off the water, remember that you’re looking out over a reservoir whose sheer scale is a testament to both natural beauty and thoughtful engineering.
Most guides skip this. Don't Small thing, real impact..
