Montgomery County
Lake Ouachita | Watchable Wildlife Trail at Denby Bay
From Mt. Ida, go 9 miles east or 25 miles west from Hot Springs on Highway 270 to Shangri La Road. Turn north at the Shangri La Resort sign. Go one block on Shangri La Road and turn left on Old Highway 270. The trailhead and parking area are on the left.
Quick Facts
Maps
Important Numbers
Montgomery County EMS
911
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
870-867-3151
Stop Poaching Hotline
833-356-0824
Distances
The 1.25 mile loop trail at Denby Bay offers great wildlife viewing opportunities and is a small portion of the over 40-mile Lake Ouachita Vista Trail.
The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) traverses about 40 miles along the south side of Lake Ouachita through mixed hardwood and pine forests. The trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers.
A small portion of the LOViT is designed to bring all users, including those physically challenged, closer to nature. The entire trail segment is a 1.25-mile loop including a level paved area with benches and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) elevated walkway allowing users to access a wild wetland area at the south end of the Denby Bay area.
From the lake shore during the winter months, watch for common loons, bald eagles, northern pintails and wood ducks. Migratory songbirds breed and nest in the woods along the lake in the spring and summer months.
Lake Ouachita is a popular fishing destination for black bass, stripped bass, walleye, bream, crappie and catfish. Fishing is allowed from the ADA boardwalk in Denby Bay. Check the current Arkansas Fishing Guidebook for details.
The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail travels through the Ouachita National Forest where hunters pursue deer, bear, turkey and small game. Check the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebooks for details.