Sometimes you just need to get away from routine 9-5 and reconnect with nature. One perfect place for a peaceful retreat is within the Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area. Located east of Little Rock, this water trail is a calm paddle through the bayou. Let’s spend the day or even longer as we float along the river.
Arkansas has a unique system of trails that’s unlike any other.
Facebook/Arkansas Game and Fish Commission The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has a water trail program with thirteen (and counting) developed water trails around the state. Today’s trail, the Wattensaw Bayou Water Trail is primarily maintained by volunteers with the Arkansas Watertrails Partnership. You visit their website right here. For directions to the bayou, use this map.
The Wattensaw Bayou Water Trail is a relaxing paddle through calm waters.
Facebook/Arkansas Watertrails Partnership The entire trail is 7.8 miles, though it can be easily broken in two smaller chunks. You can expect to travel 1-2 miles per hour depending on water levels and paddle speed.
Just about everyone can enjoy this easy paddle trip.
Facebook/The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas Take a friend or the whole family for a day trip in the bayou. Do keep in mind that according to Arkansas law, children 12 and under must wear a life jacket. And don’t forget the bug spray!
There’s plenty of sightseeing along the trail.
Facebook/Arkansas Watertrails Partnership You can expect to see beavers and river otters along the trail as well as a plethora of birds overhead. You won’t need to look hard for some sights though, like the massive tupelo and bald cypress trees.
Spend a few hours on the river or pitch a tent for the night.
Facebook/Arkansas Game and Fish Commission The area has multiple campsites that can be accessed by road or an even more secluded option. A river-only access campsite is located between North Road Access and Robinwood Road Access. All of the campsites are primitive and are marked by blue paint.
However long you spend on the bayou trail, you’ll leave feeling like one with nature.
Facebook/Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Not every Arkansas adventure has to be a fast-paced thrill ride. Some of the most memorable trips are those with just a canoe and good friends.
Have you taken one of the water trails in the state? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! You can share your trail photos in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Facebook/Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has a water trail program with thirteen (and counting) developed water trails around the state. Today’s trail, the Wattensaw Bayou Water Trail is primarily maintained by volunteers with the Arkansas Watertrails Partnership. You visit their website right here. For directions to the bayou, use this map.
Facebook/Arkansas Watertrails Partnership
The entire trail is 7.8 miles, though it can be easily broken in two smaller chunks. You can expect to travel 1-2 miles per hour depending on water levels and paddle speed.
Facebook/The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas
Take a friend or the whole family for a day trip in the bayou. Do keep in mind that according to Arkansas law, children 12 and under must wear a life jacket. And don’t forget the bug spray!
You can expect to see beavers and river otters along the trail as well as a plethora of birds overhead. You won’t need to look hard for some sights though, like the massive tupelo and bald cypress trees.
The area has multiple campsites that can be accessed by road or an even more secluded option. A river-only access campsite is located between North Road Access and Robinwood Road Access. All of the campsites are primitive and are marked by blue paint.
Not every Arkansas adventure has to be a fast-paced thrill ride. Some of the most memorable trips are those with just a canoe and good friends.
There’s another water trail nearby that has it’s own floating platform for camping!
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