Paddling Grassy Lake Water Trail

The Grassy Lake Water Trail in the Bell Slough Wildlife Management Area just south of Mayflower is part of the Arkansas Water Trails system, an Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) project of mapped water trails throughout the state. The route contains a 3.3 mile loop and 1 mile spur trail you can paddle. The loop is marked by blue blazes and the spur trail with red. While paddling this cypress-tupelo lake you can see birds, amphibians, reptiles and wildlife like songbirds, herons, bullfrogs, water snakes, and beavers and listen to the sounds of nature.

Seasonal paddling is available on the trail and there is water there now if you are up for a canoe or kayak venture. The route is in the wetlands and is in the Grassy Lake Greentree Reservoir. According to AGFC copy, water is held there during the winter to provide habitat for waterfowl and released during the spring to avoid damage to hardwood trees.

It is easy to get turned around in the wetlands so making sure you are following the signed markers on the trail is key. Learn more about the Arkansas Water Trails.