Recreational Activities
Camping & Fishing
The Middle Fork of the Little Red at John E Clark Memorial City Park: Known for its bass, bream, walleye, catfish and perch, The Middle Fork of the Little Red River provides beautiful camping and fishing opportunities right in the heart of downtown Shirley. Primitive camping is provided for free, courtesy of the City, at the John E Clark Memorial City Park along the north river bank. Set up camp and fish right off the banks, or launch your boat at the easily accessible launch area at the north side of the Highway 9 bridge. The city playground, made possible through a FUN Park Grant by the Arkansas Dept. of Parks & Tourism, is available for the little ones just north of the campgrounds. It proffers a playground, basketball court, and pavilion with picnic tables. Restrooms are available next to the playground and the Red River Flash Market nearby provides visitors any last minute commodities.
Hiking
Cottrell-Wilson Historic Trail: Enjoy the beautiful Cottrell Wilson Historic Trail located in downtown Shirley at the original railroad yard depot site. The trail head is on land formerly owned by the last depot agent, the late Sid Burgess, and is available to the public thanks to the generosity of private landowners. The two-mile round trip meanders along the river, east of downtown. Taking visitors along bluffs, across a small stream, and up the hill, the trail ends at the Cottrell Wilson Cemetery. The Cemetery contains about 40 graves (mostly unmarked), including 10 Native Americans, several members of the Wilson and Cottrell families, and a Bulgarian worker who died while excavating "the cut" for the old M&NA Railroad.
Walking Trail: If you simply want to go for a short walk, the City offers a half-mile paved walking trail which loops around the baseball/softball complex and near the river. The entry point begins at the archway near City Hall where parking is available.
Floating
Middle Fork of the Little Red River: For water enthusiasts, the City offers free access to the Middle Fork of the Little Red River year round, weather and water levels permitting. Visitors can put in upstream along the old railroad bridge right of way and enjoy the calm waters around the river bend. Easy take out access is conveniently located downstream at the northern side of the Highway 9 bridge. Bring along your boat, canoe, kayak or inflatables and float till your heart is content.
Greers Ferry Lake: Just 12 miles from downtown Shirley, Greers Ferry Lake provides locals and tourists a fun place to tube, knee-board, and ski. Several marinas in the area have rental boats and equipment. Just 38 miles away, the Greers Ferry Dam near Heber Springs was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy in October 1963; his last major public appearance before his assassination in Dallas.