Arkansas Post Water Trail

Arkansas Post Water Trail Map

Water Trail Length
5 miles

Float Time
Water hyacinth, an invasive non-native plant, can impede boat travel at Moore Bayou Access. Call the Arkansas Post National Memorial, 870-548-2207, or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 870-548-2291 for more information.

Expect to travel 1-2 mph. Vegetation may slow or block travel during summer; adjust the route to suit conditions.

Warning
Do not enter the Arkansas River channel at the south end of Arkansas Post National Memorial. Boat traffic and strong currents can be dangerous.

Water Conditions
At safe water levels, the bayous of Arkansas Post are flat-water paddles; a shuttle vehicle is not needed. Wind and waves can create dangerous conditions on the open water of Post Bayou and Post Lake. Moore Bayou provides more shelter.

History
American Indians, European explorers, hunters and trappers paddled this water. Arkansas Post began in 1686 as French traders bought furs from Quapaw villages. Deer skins were popular, and buffalo hides and salted buffalo tongues were in great demand, along with beaver, raccoon, mink, rabbit and fox hides. The fur trade drew settlers through 1819, when Arkansas became a territory. Colbert’s Raid, the only Revolutionary War battle in Arkansas, occurred here in 1783, and the Civil War Battle of Arkansas Post was in 1863. 

Wildlife and Habitat
Watch for songbirds, white pelicans, great egrets, bald eagles and waterfowl. Beavers, nutria, muskrats, deer and raccoons feed near the bayou. Watch alligators from a safe distance. Enjoy bald cypress, cottonwood, sycamore, hackberry and persimmon trees. American lotus blooms in late summer. 

Fishing
Catch crappie and bream with minnows, jigs and spinners on light line. Fish for catfish on the bottom of the bayou with worms, minnows and stink baits. Use lures and live baits in vegetation and cover for black bass. 

Hunting
Hunters seek waterfowl, deer, turkey and small game on Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area. Wear hunter orange during hunting seasons. No hunting is permitted within Arkansas Post National Memorial.

Conservation
Act 803 prohibits glass containers in canoes, kayaks and boats susceptible to swamping. Fasten cooler lids, attach and use a mesh litter bag, and use floating beverage holders.

Healthy rivers and streams supply water for people, agriculture and industry. They support wildlife, fishing, hunting and other recreation. Help keep them clean and maintain native vegetation.

Respect Private Property
Private property may be marked by fences, signs or purple paint; avoid intrusion. Be courteous and plan stops on public land. Launching or landing on Arkansas Post National Memorial ground is not permitted.