Recreation
This developed recreation area provides a foundation for families to gather and recreate together. The site offers four camp loops for all user types, services ranging from all to no amenities. Hiking access into Caney Creek Wilderness begins in Loop C at Tall Peak Trail spurring off the Shady Lake Trail; Shady Lake Trail continues to traverse along the perimeter of the recreation area. Other features in the site include a swimming beach, lake access for non-motorized boating and fishing, picnic pavilions, accessible amenities such as warm showers and flush toilets. Shady Lake Recreation Area is a gateway to various recreational opportunities on the Ouachita National Forest. Mountainous roads venture deep into the valleys and on top of ridges. Several hiking trailheads are located in close proximity to Shady Lake. Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex is 13 mile drive from the gates of the recreation area. This area is hub for wild game hunters of all kinds for generations. The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stems in Shady Lake and the work completed is preserved so forest guests can enjoy its glory. Several original structures are still standing and operational, places include Loop A Bathhouse and Pavilion, Shady Lake Dam, the overlook pavilion, rock bridges, rock walls, and various land features. Although Shady Lake is not open to horses or Off Highway Vehicles, forest guests can enjoy Shady Lake Day Use amenities through walk in access. Parking is available outside the gate for parties operating OHVs.
Nearby
Ouachita National Forest Mena-Oden Ranger District, 1603 Highway 71 North, Mena, AR 71953 Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex Eagle Mountain CCC-constructed fire towers: Bee Mountain & Tall Peak (walk-in access only) Caney Creek Wilderness, Caney Creek Trail & Buckeye Trail Sugar Gap Vista Talimena Scenic Drive East End Visitor Information Station Caddo-Womble Ranger District, 1523 Hwy 270 East, Mount Ida, AR 71957 Albert Pike Recreation Area Bard Springs Recreation Area Little Missouri Falls Athens Big Fork Trail, Eagle Rock Loop, Winding Stairs Trail Hot Springs National Park https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm Arkansas State Parks Queen Wilhelmina State Park https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/queen-wilhelmina-state-park Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/cossatot-river-state-park-natural-area Brushy Creek Recreation Area https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/trails/brushy-creek-nature-trail US Army Corps of Engineers Gillham Lake Dierks Lake DeQueen Lake Millwood Lake Lake Greeson Nearest Towns - Athens: 7 miles, Wickes: 26 miles, Glenwood: 33 miles Mena: 27 miles, Kirby: 30 miles, Dequeen: 45 miles
