white river national wildlife refuge

This is a nice place for driving through a type of habitat that has disappeared from much of the state and do some wildlife watching. The refuge preserves bottomland hardwood forest along the White River. I make a point to do some driving around here every time I visit the area. My most recent visit this winter was no exception. Roads are mostly unpaved and the area is undeveloped except in the area of the refuge’s Visitor Center in St. Charles. The Refuge can be accessed at many points along its 90 mile length. So far, I’ve mostly done so at various points between St. Charles and south of Tichnor. Roads lead to the river and to many of its associated bayous and oxbow lakes. It’s a good idea to take a map with you when driving in the refuge. Although there are signs, you may have to take turns you didn’t expect since various roads close seasonally and it can be difficult to impossible to get a satellite signal here. On this visit, we were there when the river was at flood stage and many roads were closed due to flooding, so we ended up doubling back some. Still, this is one of the best times for spotting wildlife and it’s worth the effort.It’s not the place for people who are wanting a well-developed park experience, but it’s a good place if you want to get out in the middle of nowhere, feel what the area was like before it was settled, and see some wildlife. Even if you think exploring the Refuge isn’t for you, make a point to visit the Visitor Center. It has some excellent exhibits. (I’ll be reviewing it separately.)I have seen deer, beaver, raccoons, owls, hawks, migrating waterfowl, and bald eagles here. I once saw a black bear in the southern part of the Refuge along the road that goes along Arkansas Post Canal across from Merrisach Lake near Tichnor. I always look for another one when I’m there, but I haven’t seen one yet.