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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Longest Bayou In The World Starts Right Here In Arkansas And It’s Breathtaking

Bayou Bartholomew in Arkansas is the longest bayou in the world, teeming with diverse aquatic life and wildlife.

Published Feb 21, 2017

Written by 

J.B. VanDyke

When you think of a bayou, you’re probably not thinking of anywhere in Arkansas, right? It brings to mind an ancient place lined with swampland in Louisiana. You’re not alone in thinking of it that way. The word "bayou" has become synonymous with a Cajun accent and huge cypress swamps where good old boys hunt gators. Perhaps that association is so strong because the word "bayou" comes from Cajun French. In fact, and I promise I’m not going to go full nerd and bore you to tears, but you might think a bayou and a swamp are exactly the same thing. You’d be wrong on that account.

There is something exceptional that you’ve probably never heard about bayous, and it has to do with the Natural State. The longest bayou in the world starts just north of Pine Bluff, Arkansas and winds a stunning 360 miles before dumping into the Ouachita River in northern Louisiana. Bayou Bartholomew is teeming with life, and it’s a great place to see something you can’t find just anywhere in the Natural State.

You can see Bayou Bartholomew from your car if you’re driving near Pine Bluff.

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Flickr/Counselman Collection

Though really, you’ll want to find a spot to get out and see the bayou up close.

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Wikipedia/Keith Yahl

You’ll even find a historical marker near Pine Bluff.

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Flickr/QuesterMark

Bayou Bartholomew is the second most diverse stream in North America, as it contains over 100 different aquatic species. It also serves as a winter home for waterfowl. The swamps surrounding Bayou Bartholomew are the best places to spot enormous turtles and alligators.

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Wikipedia/Bayou Bartholomew

You’re probably wondering about alligators, right? Yes, there are gators. This gator, for example, was killed in Bayou Bartholomew and now resides in a bank in downtown Monticello:

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Flickr/Farther Along

This ancient watercourse is exceptional in all the world, and most of it is located in the Natural State. So there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t spend some time observing this natural wonder.

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Flickr/Jonathan Ball

If you’re interested in helping to preserve the bayou, you should get in touch with the Bayou Bartholomew Alliance. You can find their website here.

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Facebook/Bayou Bartholomew Alliance

Bayou Bartholomew should definitely be on your Arkansas bucket list, which you can find here. You may also be interested in what's hiding in this Arkansas swamp.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Stunning Top-Secret Swimming Hole In Arkansas Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Published Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

If you live in Arkansas, we bet you've heard of or been to Falls Creek Falls, Walnut Creek, Gunner Pool, or Kings River Falls. After all, they're some of the best swimming holes in the state. But unless you live near Paris, I can guess that you’ve never heard of Big Shoal Creek or Shoal Creek as locals call it. This pretty nature spot in Arkansas is one of her best kept secrets. But now that the cat is out of the bag, we want to share this hidden gem swimming hole with you.

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Tucked inside the tiny town of Paris, you'll find a secret spot that not many folks know about. Big Shoal Creek is a small oasis filled with cascading waterfalls as well as pretty swimming holes, and it's perfect for a quick summer day trip in the Ozarks.

A serene river flows over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.
Travis Howk/AllTrails

The hike to get to this hidden gem is literally 0.1 miles, so it's only a short walk from the parking area on Spring Lake Rd. Or if you have an ORV, you can easily drive right up to it.

Off-road vehicles parked near a muddy stream surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.
Stephanie Jardine/Google

If you've driven on Spring Lake Rd in Paris, you might have seen Big Shoal Creek as you travel across the bridge. And if you've never stopped, be sure to do so next time you're in the area. You won't be disappointed.

Aerial view of a car driving over a bridge above a winding creek surrounded by trees.
Ronnie Hendrix/Google

What I like most about this nature spot is that there are rocky areas along the creek...

A serene stream flows through a rocky landscape, surrounded by lush green trees and a wooden bridge in the distance.
Russell McLaughlin/AllTrails

...so, if you have kids, there are plenty of places for them to play and wade in the water.

A man in an orange shirt walks along a creek, while a child sits on a rock and another man wades through the water.
Samantha Wilson/Google

Plus, there is a pretty little cascading waterfall. At only about 5-feet tall, what Big Shoal Falls lacks in height, it makes up for in beauty. Bring your camera as you will want to snap some pics here.

Two people stand by a rocky stream, surrounded by greenery, with water flowing over the rocks in a serene landscape.
Rodger Reber/Google

Depending on when you visit, you could have this secret swimming hole to yourself, so you'll want to take full advantage of it.

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A person sits on rocky terrain by a flowing stream with small waterfalls, surrounded by trees in a natural setting.
April Barnard/AllTrails

It's best to visit after a good rainfall, but even if the creek isn't flowing, you can still find a few spots to get your feet wet.

A serene river scene with smooth rocks, gentle water flow, and lush greenery reflecting in the calm water.
Russell McLaughlin/AllTrails

After your visit, chances are, this swimming hole might become your new go-to oasis.

So, did you know about this secret nature spot in Arkansas? Have you been to it? Let us know in the comments below. While in the area, how about you grab a bite to eat at this scenic Arkansas restaurant that's high above the clouds.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/restaurant-above-the-clouds-ar/

Also, if you need a place to stay after your day of fun, we found this affordable hotel in Paris that's a perfect place to rest.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Natural Water Park In Arkansas Is A Summer Dream Come True

Published Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

Truth be told, it’s not hard to find a natural water park in Arkansas. After all, with over 2,000 lakes and thousands of unnamed swimming holes, any of them can become a natural playground. Take, for instance, the Ouachita River Whitewater Park in Malvern that we are featuring today. With raging rapids, picnic tables, walking trails, and more, this epic Arkansas aquatic park is jam-packed with adventure. A day trip here will literally make your summer dreams come true. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, too. Come and check it out with us.

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At over 500 miles long, the Ouachita River is a natural playground that stretches from Arkansas to Louisiana.

A serene river scene with gentle rapids, surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Thomas Cluff/Google

Along the river in Arkansas, you'll find class I rapids, so kayakers have made this their summer playground for many years,

Located in Malvern, just 20 miles southeast of Hot Springs, the Ouachita River Whitewater Park is a great spot to access the scenic river.

A serene river scene with lush green trees, rocky shore, and a cloudy sky reflecting on the water.
Mark Corder/Google

Here you can spend the day lazily floating on the water...

Group of people relaxing on inflatable rafts in a river, surrounded by lush greenery and blue skies.
P.J. Martin/Google

...or for a more adrenaline pact day, you can kayak along the rapids.

A person paddles a red kayak through turbulent water, wearing a helmet and life jacket, with trees in the background.
Christopher Alter/Google

The park is fun for all ages and for all skill levels. So as long as you love the water, this outdoor playground will make your summer dreams come alive.

A child rides a green boogie board through a wave, splashing water around in a sunny outdoor setting.
Dee Elkins/Google

Don't leave the pup at home, they love the river too. They enjoy cruising the river on a canoe or boat.

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Two dogs in a canoe on a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.
P.J. Martin/Google

If you prefer not to cool off in the water, there is more to do here. You can find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the scenery...

A serene river scene with trees along the bank and a large rock in the foreground, reflecting calm waters.
Alejandra Gutierrez/Google

...or you can stroll on the paved trails that meander through the park.

A serene river scene with trees lining the shore and a walking path, under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Christopher Alter/Google

Be sure to pack a picnic as there is a pavilion with picnic tables. Plus, there are more picnic tables scattered throughout the park.

A spacious outdoor pavilion with a wooden roof, featuring picnic tables and surrounded by greenery.
Ouachita River Whitewater Park/Facebook

You can easily spend the day cooling off on the Ouachita River at this natural outdoor playground in Arkansas.

Are you ready to take your summer to the next level at this natural water park in Arkansas? If so, visit the Ouachita River Whitewater Park Facebook page to learn more about the outdoor playground.

If you're searching for more adventure this summer, how about you try this Stand Up Paddleboard tour on Beaver Lake. We believe you'll love it especially if you enjoy spending time on the water.

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