Today’s article will be a two-for-one feature since the Dagmar State Wildlife Management Area has two fantastic bayous to explore. The Robe Bayou and Bayous DeView are two gorgeous water trails in Arkansas. Paddle along the trail or drive alongside the river for a unique escape.
Along the east side of the state, just off of I-40 resides a unique wildlife area.
Google Maps The Robe Bayou and Bayou DeView are both part of the Dagmar State Wildlife Management Area outside of Brinkley. For directions, use this map.
Although the bayous are more fun to paddle, you can still enjoy the view simply by driving through.
Flickr/US Fish and Wildlife Service, southeast regional office Just take Dagmar Road to follow alongside the Robe Bayou. The road follows the water trail for about four miles.
For the best experience, take a kayak out along the two water trails in the area.
YouTube/Bayou DeView Water Trail Causal kayakers would do best along the 4.5-mile Robe Bayou Trail. If you have more time, there’s also the 15-mile Bayou DeView Trail. The trails are well marked but it wouldn’t hurt to bring along your GPS.
Both water trails take you through the remnants of an ancient forest.
YouTube/Bayou DeView Water Trail This preserved wetland area is the what’s left of the 24 million acres of bottomland hardwood forest that used to cover a third of the state. The Big Woods area that includes the bayous is one of the biggest preserved sections in the nation. As you paddle along, you’ll be passing trees that have been determined to be more than a thousand years old.
All sorts of critters make their home within this area.
YouTube/Bayou DeView Water Trail Songbirds, eagles, and an assortment of reptiles and amphibians can be spotted along the trail. This is also the famed spot for the rediscovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker.
There’s more than just wildlife viewing though.
YouTube/Bayou DeView Water Trail In addition to simply viewing the scenic beauty and wildlife, paddlers can also enjoy fishing and waterfowl hunting.
No matter if you’re wanting to make a weekend trip of the 20 miles of water trails or simply need a scenic drive, this area is one unique showcase of Arkansas beauty.
YouTube/Bayou DeView Water Trail This entire area completely transports you to a different time.
For more information on these trails, watch this video from the Arkansas Game & Fish:
Google Maps
The Robe Bayou and Bayou DeView are both part of the Dagmar State Wildlife Management Area outside of Brinkley. For directions, use this map.
Flickr/US Fish and Wildlife Service, southeast regional office
Just take Dagmar Road to follow alongside the Robe Bayou. The road follows the water trail for about four miles.
YouTube/Bayou DeView Water Trail
Causal kayakers would do best along the 4.5-mile Robe Bayou Trail. If you have more time, there’s also the 15-mile Bayou DeView Trail. The trails are well marked but it wouldn’t hurt to bring along your GPS.
This preserved wetland area is the what’s left of the 24 million acres of bottomland hardwood forest that used to cover a third of the state. The Big Woods area that includes the bayous is one of the biggest preserved sections in the nation. As you paddle along, you’ll be passing trees that have been determined to be more than a thousand years old.
Songbirds, eagles, and an assortment of reptiles and amphibians can be spotted along the trail. This is also the famed spot for the rediscovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker.
In addition to simply viewing the scenic beauty and wildlife, paddlers can also enjoy fishing and waterfowl hunting.
This entire area completely transports you to a different time.
Have you been to the bayous? We would love to see your pictures 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.
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