Outdoor Fun

Lakes, Rivers, and Refuges

Lake Barnett, formerly known as White County Lake, is one of the AGFC's most picturesque fishing spots. This serpentine lake winds nearly 3 miles through forested hills, with rock bluffs and ledges that tower over much of the shoreline. The lake is a perfect place for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

Greers Ferry Lake, with its 40,000 acres of water fun, has lots of room to ski and make waves. Sail boating, water skiing and scuba diving are all enjoyed at Greers Ferry. Fishermen will be interested to learn that Greers Ferry holds the world record for walleye and hybrid striped bass. RV and tent camping is available.

The Bald Knob Wildlife Refuge and Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Refuge are located a short 17 miles away. Combined they offer over 32,000 acres for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy fishing, bird watching, hunting, and camping. The area is the largest staging area in Arkansas for Northern Pintail Birds with over 200,000 recorded in a single day.

The Little Red River runs along the edge of Searcy. Make a trip downtown to Sulphur Creek Outfitters or Sunrise Outfitters. Both locally owned outdoor stores can help you get all your fishing gear to land a feisty rainbow trout. There are several access points, the nearest being Riverside Park Road, but you will need to go to Ramsey Access or Dripping Springs to catch trout.

The Searcy City Lake is a great place for fishing, but make sure to bring your license. This family and community fishing pond receives regular stocking of Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and Bream. 

Embracing nature is easy to do in Searcy with over 240 acres of public recreational areas that are carefully maintained by Searcy Parks and Recreation. There are numerous options for outdoor activities. Our beautiful city parks are perfect for enjoying an hour or a day outside playing, hiking, biking, or fishing.

Searcy Sports Complex

If team sports are more your style, our Parks and Recreation team will keep you and the kids moving at the Searcy Sports Complex with soccer, football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, baseball, and softball. This location, on Queensway, is also the site of the Searcy Events Center, featuring a large stage with power, restrooms, and a skatepark. An 18-hold Disk golf course is nearby but bring your disk. Our Dog park is in the complex and features two fenced in areas for your happy pooch to enjoy.

The Carmichael Community Center offers free basketball play on weekdays from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM, walking is available each Monday through Friday 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM, and pickleball is on Monday/Wednesday/ Friday 11:00 AM until 1 PM. The center also hosts events throughout the year.

The Searcy Swim Center contains three swim pools for public use. The two indoor pools are open year-round. The pool offers lap swimming, water aerobics, water walking, leisure activities, swimming lessons and swim teams for both youth and adults. The outdoor pool is open during the summer season and is the perfect activity for kids of all ages! Indoor Pool Hours: Monday-Friday: 5:30 A.M. to 7 P.M.; Saturday: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; Sunday: Closed. Outdoor Pool Hours (Seasonal): Monday-Friday: 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.; Saturday: 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; Sunday: Closed.

City Parks

Go outside to one of our four parks- Berryhill, Riverside, Yancey, and Spring Park.

Berryhill Park has a sensory Play Trail and accessible swings to allow everyone the joy of playing outdoors. This 7.2-acre location features two pavilions, five lighted tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, a large children's playground, a lighted walking train, and restrooms nestled along the tall pines. 

Go for fall colors, fragrant trees, and a cool breeze at Riverside Park where you can enjoy scenic overlooks above the Little Red River, hike the mountainside, or put your boat in at a great fishing spot. Riverside features 99 acres of land for your hiking pleasure, including a handicap accessible trail. A playground, two pavilions, a picnic area, boat launch and river outlook make Riverside one of our more nature focused parks.

Go west to Yancey Park and enjoy two pavilions, two lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground, picnic areas with grills, and restrooms. It runs along Deener Creek.

Spring Park is the city’s historic park. The well waters are responsible for the city’s initial growth. The public library and the old capped off Sulphur Springs well sit in the middle of the park. A playground, a pavilion, picnic area, restrooms, and walking trails make it a great lunch spot. It also is home to the seasonal Ice Rink.

Go for a walk, run, or morning bike ride in our city maintained 4.8-mile city Bike Trail.