Felsenthal NWR, Shallow Lake Ramp, Arkansas A
Felsenthal is amazing. It’s a huge National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Arkansas just west of Crossett. There are numerous boat launch options, and lots of DIY paddling trails to be designed. A lot to do for sure, and the individual routes in this section are designated A, B, C…etc. The trail in the above map launches at the Shallow Lake Ramp in the Felsenthal NWR, Arkansas. This ramp is down a gravel road that goes several miles south off of Highway 82, a bit west of the Ouachita River bridge. Because it’s a ways from the highway this launch is less used. There is also a primitive camping area here, which I used, and which is quite nice. This trip was my first time here and to be sure of my bearings the kayak route hugs the west shore and kind of half follows a Felsenthal NWR paddle route published by the refuge (although there were only one or two markers so the route isn’t so clear actually). At Highway 82 I unfortunately couldn’t get further up Long Branch due to shrubs and vegetation so I turned around. It is nice to paddle into the clusters of cypress trees that grow in open water and sit and enjoy the shade and silence, looking out on the rest of the lake. A DIY self-signed access permit from the Felsenthal brochure is needed. Felsenthal is a BIG place and there is lots to explore on both the east and west sides of the Ouachita River.
Above: Shallow Lake Launch at Felsenthal NWR, Arkansas
www.SawdustRiver.com 