Plot A Course For Great Blue Herons And Beavers On This Wild Arkansas Paddling Adventure
By Melanie Johnson|Published March 11, 2024
×
Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
Nesting Herons, white-tailed deer, beavers, coyotes, harmless water snakes, wild turkeys…OH MY!!! That’s what you’ll find as you float the Grassy Lake Water Trail in Mayflower Arkansas. If you’re a kayaker or love exploring the Natural State by water, then this oasis is just for you. Personally, I prefer hiking, but this water trail is a wild paddling adventure that I will be adding to my list. And we believe you should too.
Are you a kayaker or nature enthusiast who loves sightseeing by water? If so, the Grassy Lake Water Trail is a wildlife paddling adventure waiting for you.
Fun fact: There are 18 designated water trails in Arkansas, all managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).
Located inside the Bell Slough State Wildlife Management, just 25 miles north of Little Rock, Grassy Lake is a haven for wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and more.
The 3-mile paddle is an easy route, and you'll be surrounded with gorgeous old-growth cypress as you float on the 900-acre lake. It's unlikely that you'll run into other folks as you float along this water trail.
The best time to visit would be in the spring when the water levels are ideal for floating. Quick tip, check the AGFC website (linked below) for updated water levels before you head out on this adventure.
And what a wild adventure it will be! Inside the oasis, keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of wildlife that call the ecosystem home. From frogs to white tailed deer to migrating songbirds, and more, you'll find them all here.
You'll want to bring your binoculars as you'll spot nesting Blue Herons as well as beavers throughout the wetlands. And if you get lucky, you could even capture some cool pics along the way.
Beaver dams are scattered throughout, and you might even spot some of these adorable critters swimming in the lake. Water snakes are also abundant in the area...
So, what do you think about this paddling adventure on the Grassy Lake Water Trail in Mayflower? Is it something that you would add to your list? Tell us below. Before you head out on your float, be sure to visit the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission website, to learn about water levels as well as what wildlife will be present when you visit.
If you want to explore the state in a unique way, check out these tours and excursions in Arkansas that also lead to some grand adventures. Also, if floating is not your thing, here are some of our favorite hiking trails, where you can also witness local wildlife.