Lake Ouachita | Rabbit Tail Water Trail

Trail sign map showing georeferenced trail. The georeferenced map must be downloaded to use the Avenza app. Click for view of Lake Ouachita with trail area marked.

Water Trail Length
Rabbit Tail Loop: 8.5 miles. Paddlers usually cover about 2 miles per hour.

Lake Conditions
Nestled within the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita offers 700 miles of undeveloped shoreline and more than 100 islands. Coves near Rabbit Tail Access provide protected areas for paddling.

Hazards
Wind can create substantial waves and rough water. Motorboat traffic increases on weekends and holidays. Stick to quiet coves and avoid open water. 

Wildlife and Habitat
Watch for wintering bald eagles and waterfowl, and listen for loons calling. Wading birds stalk shallow water in search of prey. Red and white oaks and shortleaf pine dominate the landscape. Migratory songbirds flit about blooming dogwoods, serviceberry and redbuds during spring. 

Bald eagle, Chris Newberry

Camping
The Army Corps of Engineers manages primitive campsites at Buckville and Avant. Paddlers may camp on the lake’s many islands (check Corps regulations) or along the shore in the Ouachita National Forest. Pack out trash. 

Fishing
Enjoy fishing for bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass and largemouth bass. The coves around Rabbit Tail Access offer ideal fishing opportunities with submerged standing timber and steep banks that drop into the water. Check Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fishing regulations.