Wildlife Observation
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to watch wildlife and is a designated Important Bird Area by Arkansas Audubon. Whether it's hiking or paddling you are in the mood for, ease your cravings here. Our self-guided land and water trails provide visitors an opportunity to get out and explore.
We recommend visiting our hiking trails or water trails for photography. Wildlife of all shapes and sizes can be found in our bottomland hardwood forests, upland pine forests, and all throughout the lakes, rivers, creeks, and other waterways of the refuge. During the spring and summer months, many different kinds of flowers can be seen blooming in the forests. Pollinators associated with the flowers are also great subjects for photography.
Boats provide the best way to see many refuges. Visitors have access to several improved boat ramps throughout the refuge. Visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s website for the most up-to-date information on boating laws within the state of Arkansas or for information about boat registration.
Felsenthal NWR offers three self-guided water trails for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Paddling: There are three self-guided paddle trails within the refuge that offer visitors a tour into the waterways of the Felsenthal Basin. The trails have no markers. Download the geo-referenced map to follow trail routes.
Water Trail Lengths:
- Deep Slough Trail -- 1 mile
- Deep Slough to Shallow Lake Trail -- 3.6 miles
- Grand Marais Trail -- 3.7 miles
Click HERE for all relevant paddle trail information to know before you go and to download maps.
