Ashley County: Water Landscapes, Forests, and History
Accommodation in Ashley County
Ashley County combines extensive wetlands, forested river landscapes, and notable sites of regional history. Those planning a trip with nature experiences, water activities, and cultural discoveries will find a variety of ways to enjoy diverse days here. When choosing your vacation rental or holiday home, it is worth deciding first whether you primarily want to paddle, fish, learn about local history, or combine several interests.
Wetlands, Rivers, and Paddling Routes
One defining natural area is the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. It lies about eight miles west of Crossett and covers 76,000 acres. Rivers, streams, swamps, and lakes form a complex water system that supports a diverse range of native wildlife and plant life. For active days on the water, sport fishing, crawfishing, and frog hunting are possible. Several developed boat ramps and fishing piers are available for these activities. In addition, three self-guided paddling routes run through the waters of the Felsenthal Basin.
The Overflow National Wildlife Refuge showcases another facet of the landscape. Located in Ashley County, Arkansas, the refuge covers 13,000 acres of floodplain hardwood forests, reservoirs, and agricultural land. It provides habitat for mallards, wood ducks, and other waterfowl species. In the Longview Saline Natural Area, salt flats, upland forests, shortleaf pine–hardwood flatwoods, and floodplain hardwood forests alternate in a mosaic pattern.
Water Experiences with Different Character
The Little Bayou WMA is primarily characterized by floodplain and upland hardwoods as well as shortleaf pines. An access ramp leads to Bayou Bartholomew. Those who want to stay overnight in the area will find a campground with RV sites, although there are no electrical or water hookups. One specific paddling option is the Bayou Bartholomew Water Trail: From the access point at the Little Bayou Wildlife Management Area, the route runs 4.5 miles downstream to the access point at Arkansas Highway 82.
The Casey Jones WMA is accessible via highways and county roads. Its habitats include pine and hardwood forests in upland and flood-prone areas, as well as mixed stands of pines and hardwoods. Designated campsites there have neither electricity nor running water. The Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA is characterized by seasonally flooded floodplain hardwood forests, several pine ridges, and remnants of prairie. The Ouachita River, along with oxbows and tributaries, offers fishing opportunities; two designated primitive campsites are located along the access road on the west side of the river.
History, Festivals, and Local Discoveries
In addition to its natural attractions, Ashley County has a varied history. The Wiggins Cabin in Crossett is an exact replica of a structure built in the 1830s. The cabin grounds host the annual Wiggins Cabin Festival, featuring a 5K run, beauty pageant, concert, and vendor booths. In Hamburg, the Commercial Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 23, 2009. Hamburg also hosts the World Famous Armadillo Festival every year.
The Ashley County Museum presents exhibits on local history in the David E. Watson Home, built in 1918. The building is designed in the Neoclassical Revival style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Yale Camp Historic District is locally significant because of its connections to the timber industry and forestry administration. The Crossroads Fire Tower is considered a good example of a fire lookout tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps; it is 120 feet tall and the tallest surviving tower of its type in the state of Arkansas.
For a quieter outing, consider Crossett City Park at Lucas Pond. A 2.8-mile loop trail runs along the pond and features interactive panels about the park’s natural environment. Picnic tables, pavilions, and a playground round out the amenities; reservations are not required. Those interested in local products can visit the Crossett Farmer’s Market on Main Street, where local farmers sell their goods. The Crossett Experimental Forest has hosted tours of forestry science demonstration areas and research studies and was established in 1934 to research new forestry practices for managing regenerating stands of loblolly pine and shortleaf pine.
Guidance for Your Accommodation Search
The facts suggest several approaches to planning a trip: waterways and fishing opportunities favor an activity-focused itinerary, while museums, historic districts, festivals, and the loop trail around Lucas Pond can add cultural and more relaxed days. When searching for a vacation rental or holiday home, consider which experiences should be the focus of your stay. For further orientation, you can also visit the pages on Crossett and Parkdale.
For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.
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