Felsenthal NWR, Beer Joint Access, Arkansas E

Kayak Route Map Felsenthal NWR Beer Joint Arkansas www.SawdustRiver.com

Another Beer Joint Access kayak trip off Highway 82 into the Felsenthal NWR. This route requires a mile or so flatwater paddling on the Ouachita River, going west then north, before you reach the interesting backwater swamp areas. But afterwards you get into some nice isolated lakes and dead-end passages with quiet water, big cypress, and even some big tupelo. Very impressive. Depending on water levels some of these logged backwater lakes can be pretty shallow, and there was a lot of paddle chopping into the mud to make progress. I high centered on cypress logs and stumps probably 20-30 times, and hard, which required using the paddle as a pole to push off, and which ultimately caused both ends of the paddle to split, which resulted in an excuse to buy a new paddle. Saw half dozen deer, lots of wood storks (no babies), and quite a few old beaver dams. Area access requires self-signed Felsenthal NWR permit.