Wildlife-viewing Area Details 

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Name:Bayou DeView Water Trail
Type:Water Trail
County Coverage:Monroe
Access:

Because of construction delays, travelers on Interstate 40 are advised to use exit 193 at Hazen rather than exit 216 at Brinkley.

Benson Creek Access

GPS Coordinates:
UTM – 15S 0660654, 3867324
Latitude/Longitude – N 34.93569, W 091.24092

Driving Directions:

  • From I-40, take exit 193 in Prairie County and go south on U.S. Highway 63 for 2.5 miles.
  • Turn east on U.S. Highway 70 and travel 23.4 miles; continue 4.1 miles north on U.S. Highway 49.
  • Turn left on Arkansas Highway 17 and travel 3.0 miles.
  • Cross Bayou DeView and make an immediate left into the Benson Creek Access area.

Hickson Lake Access

GPS Coordinates:
UTM – 15S 0655501, 3862210
Latitude/Longitude – N 34.89039, W 091.29826

Driving Directions:

  • From I-40, take exit 193 in Prairie County and go south on U.S. Highway 63 for 2.5 miles.
  • Turn east on U.S. Highway 70 and travel 20 miles.
  • Turn north on Dagmar Road at the Sheffield Nelson Dagmar Wildlife Management Area sign.
  • Bear left at 1.2 and 1.6 miles.
  • Travel 7.0 miles; the road ends at Hickson Lake Access.

Rock Island Road Access

GPS Coordinates:
UTM – 15S 0656292, 3858752
Latitude/Longitude – N 34.85911, W 091.29025

Driving Directions:

  • From I-40, take exit 193 in Prairie County and go south on U.S. Highway 63 for 2.5 miles.
  • Turn east on U.S. Highway 70 and travel 20 miles.
  • Turn north on Dagmar Road at the Sheffield Nelson Dagmar Wildlife Management Area sign and go 1.2 miles.
  • Turn right at Rock Island Road; the boat launch is 0.6 miles.

Apple Lake Access

GPS Coordinates:
UTM – 15S 0657081, 3856822
Latitude/Longitude – N 34.84159, W 091.28200

Driving Directions:

  • From I-40, take exit 193 in Prairie County and go south on U.S. Highway 63 for 2.5 miles.
  • Turn east on U.S. Highway 70 and travel 20.5 miles.
  • Turn north at the Apple Lake Waterfowl Rest Area sign.
  • The boat launch is 0.1 miles.

Bank of Brinkley Access

GPS Coordinates:
UTM – 15S 0655467, 3852207
Latitude/Longitude – N 34.80024, W 091.30049

Driving Directions:

  • From I-40, take exit 193 in Prairie County and go south on U.S. Highway 63 for 2.5 miles.
  • Turn east on U.S. Highway 70 and travel 22.1 miles
  • Go west on Arkansas Highway 302 for 0.2 miles.
  • Turn right on Cane Ridge Road at the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge Bank of Brinkley Tract Access sign.
  • Bear left at mile 1.0; the boat launch is at mile 1.7.
Description:
River Conditions
Expect to travel 1-2 miles per hour. Bayou DeView is free of rapids, although high water is dangerous. Always keep a trail marker in sight. The main channel is not always distinct so a GPS unit, map and compass are needed. This map is a representation of the trail; water levels may affect the route. Respect private property marked by fences, signs or purple paint.

Safety
Check weather forecasts and file a float plan; tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Plan your trip so your paddling skills are equal to the water conditions.

Don’t Get a Ticket!
According to Arkansas law, children 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and anyone on a boat must have one ready to use. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have a throwable life preserver (type IV) aboard. Glass containers are illegal in boats such as canoes and kayaks that can be easily swamped. Paddlers must securely fasten cooler lids, and use attached mesh litter bags and floating holders for beverages.

Wildlife and Habitat
Birds include barred owls, prothonotary warblers, red-headed and pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, wintering bald eagles and a variety of waterfowl. Watch for beavers, muskrats, deer and raccoons as they travel and feed along the bayou. Cypress-tupelo brakes are scattered throughout low-lying areas; some cypress trees are more than 850 years old. Overcup, water and Nuttall oaks, and sweetgum dominate the forest, although bottomland hardwood forests have become fragmented. The Cache-Lower White Rivers Wetland of International Importance includes Sheffield Nelson Dagmar Wildlife Management Area and Cache River National Wildlife Refuge.

Camping
Free campsites (marked by blue paint) are available on Dagmar WMA. The sites, occupied on a first-come, first-served basis, offer no amenities. Camping is not allowed on Cache River NWR.

Fishing
The bayou offers fishing for crappie and bream. Minnows, jigs, spinners and light line are recommended. Fish for catfish on the bottom of the bayou with worms, minnows and stink baits. Check AGFC regulations.

Hunting
Be aware of hunting seasons; wear hunter orange when appropriate. Licenses and permits are required on Dagmar WMA and Cache River NWR. Check current regulations for season dates and details.

Emergency Contacts
Monroe County EMS 911
Monroe County Sheriff (870) 747-3811
Wildlife Hotline (800) 440-1477
AGFC Brinkley Office (870) 734-4581
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge (870) 347-2614
Map:PDF Map
WMA Info:Link to Details