The Bayou DeView Trail in St. Francis National Forest follows a bottomland stream through one of the most ecologically significant wetland forests in the Arkansas Delta. The 4.5-mile round trip is nearly flat, offering an immersive bottomland experience through bald cypress and water tupelo forest along a bayou corridor that gained national attention in 2004-2005 for reported Ivory-billed Woodpecker sightings.
The Bayou DeView corridor is part of the broader Cache River watershed, a major wetland complex in eastern Arkansas that is critical habitat for wintering waterfowl on the Mississippi flyway. The forest here is among the most intact bottomland hardwood in the state.
The Route
The trail follows Bayou DeView upstream from the County Road 9 trailhead through mature bottomland forest. Bald cypress, water tupelo, and overcup oak dominate the canopy, with the bayou providing a constant water feature through the route. The trail stays on elevated ground for most of its length, but wet-footed conditions are possible in some sections.
The turnaround at 2.25 miles reaches a bayou bend with good open water views.
What to Expect
Fall and winter (October through March) are the prime seasons. Waterfowl concentrations in the Cache River/Bayou DeView watershed can be spectacular in midwinter. The calls of thousands of migrating ducks arriving at dusk are one of the Arkansas Delta's defining natural experiences.
Pileated woodpecker, the large red-crested woodpecker that was the proposed basis for the Ivory-billed reports, is regularly present in this forest. Its loud calls and dramatic size make it one of the most impressive birds to encounter on a Delta forest trail.
Nearby
Brinkley, Arkansas, on US-70, is the nearest town with services, about 10 miles south. The Cache River National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is in Clarendon and provides wildlife watching resources for the broader wetland complex. Stuttgart, the "Duck Hunting Capital of the World," is about 30 miles south and reflects the cultural significance of waterfowl in this region.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.