Arkansas is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring unique habitats that support everything from migratory birds and deer to black bears and even alligators. The ecological diversity of the land, ranging from heavily forested mountain peeks to marshy Mississippi Delta ensures that Arkansas wildlife is both abundant and varied.
Whether you’re hiking through the Ozarks or canoeing along the river trails, the Natural State offers ample opportunities to experience animals in their natural habitat. In this guide, you’ll find essential tips on exploring Arkansas wildlife. I’ve provided details on the best programs to help you get started, and a comprehensive list of the top spots for nature watching.
Arkansas Wildlife: Get In the Know
Arkansas State Parks hosts a “Watchable Wildlife” program that benefits beginners and seasoned wildlife watchers. This program provides information on the best spots and times to view native animals, educational resources, workshops, and events around the state.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission chose twenty-five state parks for the program. It focuses on responsible and respectful viewing with an emphasis on learning about Arkansas’s ecosystem and the behavior of its wild inhabitants. Sign up here for emails from the AFGC to stay updated on viewing opportunities and receive guidance on where to go and what to look for.
Arkansas Wildlife Fun Fact: Home to the Rare Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
Arkansas’s Cache River National Wildlife Refuge is thought to be the only place where the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker still lives. This bird, once thought extinct since 1944, was spotted in the park in April of 2005 and has brought birdwatchers from all over the world hoping to catch a glimpse.
Want more Arkansas fun facts? Check out “15 Crazy Things You Didn’t Know About the Natural State!”
How to View Arkansas Wildlife
From quiet nature trails to scenic driving routes, Arkansas has a variety of ways for visitors to view wildlife. Here’s a list of different ways to enjoy Arkansas wildlife in its natural habitat.
Nature Trails
Arkansas has miles of hiking trails where you can view birds, deer, and smaller mammals. Many of these trails include epic bluffs, river crossings on natural bridges, small waterfalls, Native American historic sites, and caves.
Example: The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is known for its birdwatching sites and views of Lake Ouachita. LOViT offers observation points for songbirds, eagles, and other birds of prey along the trail. While the entire trail is more than 40 miles, according to the U.S. Forest Service, the best wildlife viewing for families is on the 1.25-mile loop at the south end, near Denby Bay. This portion of the LOViT is part of the Watchable Wildlife Program and is accessible to all.
Driving Trails
Driving trails give you a scenic view of Arkansas landscapes, with opportunities to see animals like deer and elk along the way—without all that exhausting hiking and the pesky bugs.
Example: The Boxley Valley Scenic Drive is not only one of the most beautiful in the state but also one of the best for spotting elk, especially in fall when they gather in large numbers to rut. The Buffalo National River site provides seasonal updates on wildlife sightings along this route.
Arkansas Wildlife Fun Fact: Elk Reintroduction Success
Elk, once native to Arkansas, were reintroduced in the 1980s after nearly disappearing from the state. Now, the Buffalo National River area is one of the best places in the state to spot herds of elk, especially during the fall mating season.
Water Trails
Arkansas is literally awash with water! With over 2300 lakes and an estimated 90,000 miles of rivers and streams, the waterways of the Natural State are some of the best places to witness its wildlife. Paddle along Arkansas’s many rivers and lakes to see waterfowl, turtles, alligator gar, water moccasins, and even river otters!
Example: The Little Maumelle River Water Trail, flows south of Pinnacle Mountain, close to Little Rock, all the way to the Arkansas River. It is perfect for observing wildlife like broadwater snakes, bald eagles, warblers, and barred owls in a serene setting. Find more details at Arkansas Water Trails.
Nature Centers
For an interactive experience or hands-on service programs, Arkansas’s nature centers offer exhibits and trails, often with educational events for children where they’ll learn about safe contact with wildlife, the ecological services field, and the work done by state and federal agencies to protect wildlife.
Example: The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center is an urban nature center in the capital, Little Rock. It offers hands-on exhibits, viewing platforms, and access to the Arkansas River Trail. It’s one of the best places to learn about the services provided by the Game and Fish Commission and offers you the chance to see migrating pelicans, butterflies, and water turtles, in addition to one of the largest aquariums in the state.
Fisheries
Fish hatcheries let you learn about Arkansas’s fish populations, especially native trout and bass, and the current initiatives in place to benefit fish in Arkansas.
Example: The Norfork National Fish Hatchery provides educational tours and even fishing opportunities in designated areas. Check the Norfork National Fish Hatchery site for event details. Not only can you watch fish eggs hatch and learn about the lifecycle, but they are also currently participating in an interesting black vulture study.
The Best Places to View Arkansas Wildlife
Now that you know what you’re in for, here are some of the best places to explore Arkansas wildlife across this state. Each spot offers something unique. Whether you’re interested in spotting elk herds, observing bald eagles, or experiencing wetland habitats, there’s something on the list for your family. For this article, I’ve chosen fully natural environments to view native Arkansas wildlife. However, there are some excellent contained facilities for more exotic life like Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and Little Rock Zoo.
Word of Warning: If you’re not from around here and want to do some exploring outside the parks, don’t just go wandering around Arkansas without a plan. While we have a large amount of public spaces, most of the property in the state is private land. Some of the forested areas are even on military installations, so just pay attention to signs and always ask permission before hiking or driving into the Arkansas wilderness.
1. Buffalo National River (Newton County)
The first national river, this iconic spot is managed by the U.S. National Park Service. It’s known for its thriving elk population, especially in the Boxley Valley area. From September through November, you can witness the elk rutting season, where the large herds gather and engage in courtship behaviors.
The park also has a variety of habitats, from rocky cliffs to forested trails, supporting deer, otters, and over 200 bird species. In addition to elk, look for great blue herons and woodpeckers. It’s also home to the largest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachians, Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls, and some of the best family-friendly kayaking in the state.
Programs: Ranger-led tours and educational workshops including the national Jr. Rangers program are available seasonally. Visit Buffalo National River for more information.
2. Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge (Dardanelle)
This refuge is a sanctuary for migratory birds, including bald eagles that can be spotted from October to March. The refuge’s wetland environment attracts a wide range of waterfowl, making it perfect for winter birdwatching. Bring your binoculars for views of herons, egrets, and the occasional sandhill crane. The refuge also has a self-guided driving tour loop that allows for easy wildlife spotting from your vehicle with multiple hike-in access points.
Holla Bend is part of a large national wildlife refuge complex managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that includes other areas on the list like Cache River and Big Lake.
3. Lake Ouachita State Park (Mountain Pine)
This expansive park, home to Arkansas’ largest lake, provides a habitat for deer, raccoons, and various bird species. Hike or boat along Lake Ouachita for views of beavers and turtles, especially near the coves. Birdwatchers can spot ospreys and occasionally bald eagles. Trails in the park have observation points and educational placards, offering information on the local ecosystem.
Programs: The park hosts Eagle Watch Tours, Snakes of Arkansas, and Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat.
4. Petit Jean State Park (Morrilton)
With scenic bluffs, rock formations, and forest trails, Petit Jean State Park offers a chance to Arkansas wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and small mammals. It also boasts some of the best vista views in the state. Cedar Falls Trail provides overlooks where you might spot birds of prey. You can occasionally see black bears on the forested trails in the fall.
Programs: Nature walks and junior ranger activities during peak seasons include Bear Cave Hikes and Mammal Animals of Petit Jean.
5. Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area (Near Stuttgart)
Bayou Meto covers more than 33,000 acres and is one of the biggest state-owned wildlife management areas in the nation. Known as a top destination for duck hunting, Bayou Meto attracts migratory waterfowl in winter and offers scenic wetlands and photography opportunities. Spot mallards, teals, and several other duck species, as well as fish species such as bass in the bayou waters.
This is a managed hunting area, so please be careful. Also, if you plan to hunt in the area, familiarize yourself with the total bag limit, and you may need to provide proof of waterfowl stamps and alligator permits.
6. DeGray Lake Resort State Park (Bismarck)
This resort park is a top spot for bald eagle watching, especially during the winter months. They host an annual Eagle Awareness event each January, where rangers guide visitors to popular watch areas. Other wildlife, like deer and wild turkeys, are common in the forests surrounding the lake as well.
Programs: Interpreter-guided Eagle Watch Cruise and Snakes
7. Cache River National Wildlife Refuge (Augusta)
Famous as one of the last habitats of the rare ivory-billed woodpecker, Cache River attracts bird enthusiasts from across the nation. You’ll find waterfowl, turtles, and other wetland wildlife here. Explore the refuge by canoe for a unique viewing experience, especially during migration seasons.
8. Delta Heritage Trail State Park (West Helena)
The Delta Heritage Trail is a combination hiking and biking trail that when complete will cover almost 85 miles. This park is ideal for seeing deer, bobcats, and numerous bird species along a trail that stretches through the Arkansas Delta. The trail’s remote sections include interpretive signs along the path highlighting different animals and plants.
Programs: Guided nature hikes and educational events like Opt Outside and Speckled Kingsnake Feeding
9. White River National Wildlife Refuge (St. Charles)
White River is an absolutely massive reserve with wetlands, forests, and agricultural land. It’s one of the most important winter migratory locations for birds in the nation and is home to the only population of native black bears in the state. The refuge has observation decks where you can view these animals from a safe distance. The fall and spring are the best times to see migratory birds, while summer may yield sightings of alligators. The refuge offers great fishing, primitive camping, and hundreds of miles of ATV and hiking trails.
10. Arkansas Post National Memorial (Gillett)
This historic site along the Arkansas River is perfect for spotting wetland wildlife in a setting with rich historical significance as the first permanent French settlement in the region. The area has numerous trails and boardwalks through cypress swamps and riverbanks where you can see alligators, migratory birds, and a variety of fish.
Programs: Jr Ranger and guided nature walks available by reservation.
11. Lake Chicot State Park (Lake Village)
Located in southeastern Arkansas, Lake Chicot is the largest natural lake in the state and provides excellent birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations. The lake’s unique oxbow shape and wetland environment attract waterfowl, herons, and a range of migratory songbirds, while its calm waters make it an ideal place to spot turtles and fish.
You can rent canoes or kayaks to explore the lake up close or stroll along the boardwalks that extend into the wetlands for a more relaxed view. They offer a professional program designed to educate children and families on the unique ecology and wildlife of the area.
Programs: Current events include Owl Prowl and Snipper the Alligator Snapper.
12. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Manila)
This refuge is part of the Mississippi Flyway, making it a prime location for birdwatchers. It’s one of the nation’s oldest refugees, set aside by President Woodrow Wilson in 1915. It’s recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservatory. Each winter thousands of waterfowl, including snow geese and mallards, gather here, and you might spot bald eagles as well . Over 225 species of birds have been noted here as well as white-tail deer, bobcats, and river otters.
Programs: There’s a nice visitor’s center where you can ask questions about the animals and a viewing tower on Mud Island where you can get a panoramic view of the park.
Time to Find Some Critters!
Arkansas is blessed with both natural beauty and an abundance of life. If you’re interested in Arkansas wildlife our state parks and national refuges are a great place to start! However, no matter where you are in the state, keep your eyes peeled. You never know what might pop up in your backyard. It’s very common to see herds of deer, roaming coyotes, and gigantic bird flocks in the state!
For more fun Arkansas adventures, check out our article on “How to Winter in Arkansas: 25 Frosty Activities for the Whole Family,” and keep dropping by as we release a new Arkansas activities article every Tuesday!
See you next week!