Pond Creek, Pond Creek NWR, Arkansas

The boat launch I used for this kayak paddle route on Pond Creek is at Stag Lake Campground on Crane Lake Road within the Pond Creek NWR, Arkansas (I think I’ve got that right). There are several nice sites for primitive camping in the refuge, one of which is Stag Lake. This area is about 15-20 miles or so from town (for me that usually means where the Walmart is). The water level was very high this trip, although the current itself on Pond Creek was minimal except at most northern end. The Little River, on the other hand, was a stampede and too much for me. But the route here was great, it follows Pond Creek exactly, first north to a turnaround point, then south to a turnaround point, and finally back to the launch. The route has long open ponds separated by narrow shady channels and while it was sometimes brushy there was no problem finding an open path. The photos give a pretty good idea of the general appearance. Because of an earlier storm, some of the refuge roads were blocked by fallen trees, limiting access options. Maybe it would be a good idea to carry a saw in the car. On a later trip the level of Pond Creek had dropped several feet, so this trip was done when the creek was especially high. Good float. Access requires a self-signed DIY Pond Creek NWR Permit.