Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge Water Trails

Maps:	Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge Water Trails Map (2.2 MB)
County:	Ashley, Union
Access:	Grand Marais Access GPS Coordinates: 33°03’30.7”N 92°08’40.7”W Driving Directions: From U.S. Highway 82, turn south on North Road (across highway from Jones Lake Access on Ouachita River sign). Travel 5.2 miles to stop sign at Dollar Junction Road. Turn left and travel 2.3 miles to a stop sign. Turn left on K Avenue and take the first left into the Grand Marais Campground and boat ramp. Deep Slough Access GPS Coordinates: 33°08’51.1”N 92°09’29.2”W Driving Directions: From Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, travel 6 miles west on U.S. Highway 82. Turn left into the parking area and boat ramp at the Deep Slough Access sign. Shallow Lake Access GPS Coordinates: 33°06’50.5”N 92°09’37.7”W Driving Directions: From Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, travel 7.5 miles west on U.S. Highway 82. Turn left at the Shallow Lake Access sign, bear left at 2.5 miles and continue 1.2 miles to the boat ramp.
Description:	A free Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge access permit is required of anyone using the refuge. Permits are available online, at access points and refuge headquarters on U.S. Highway 82. Water Trail Length Deep Slough Trail – 1 mile Deep Slough to Shallow Lake Trail – 3.6 miles Grand Marais Trail - 3.7 miles (loop) Float Time Expect to travel 1-2 miles per hour. Safety These trails cover flat water, although the current quickens as the Ouachita River rises. When the river level at Felsenthal Lock and Dam rises above 68 feet, expect flooding, strong current and debris. Check weather forecasts, wind advisories and river conditions before floating. Watch for powerboats. Take a GPS unit or compass, and map, and tell someone of your plans. 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, use attached litter containers and use floating holders for beverages. Wildlife and Habitat Felsenthal NWR is a bottomland hardwood forest with rivers, sloughs, swamps and lakes that gradually rises to upland forest. At normal level (65 feet), the pool covers 15,000 acres and can increase to 36,000 acres at full pool. Overcup, water, Nuttall, and willow oaks are common, with water hickory and sweetgum in areas that drain better. Bald cypress, water tupelo and buttonbush thrive in flooded bottoms. Mallards, wood ducks, teal, coots and hooded mergansers are plentiful in shallow water during winter. Scaup and other diving ducks frequent deeper, open-water areas. Watch for egrets, herons, wood storks and ibis during summer, along with prothonotary warblers and scarlet tanagers in shoreline trees. Bald eagles, woodpeckers and osprey may be seen all year. Beavers, otters, mink, diamondback water snakes and alligators are common. Hunting Wear hunter orange during hunting seasons. Stick to main channels and avoid paddling during waterfowl season shooting hours. Check the Arkansas Hunting Guidebook and the Felsenthal NWR Public Use Regulations brochure for hunting dates and seasonal closures of the waterfowl sanctuary. Fishing Bluegill, redear and largemouth bass frequent cypress tree trunks, and lily and lotus pads. Flathead and channel catfish hang out in deep holes by day and prowl the shallows at night. Camping Camping is allowed in primitive, designated sites on the refuge. Crossett Harbor and Grand Marais recreation sites offer improved camping. Emergency Contacts Ashley County or Union County EMS 911 Ashley County Sheriff 870-853-2040 Union County Sheriff 870-864-1990 Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge 870-364-3167 Wildlife Hotline 800-440-1477
NWR:	Visit Felsenthal NWR website