Chances are if you have lived in Arkansas, you’ve heard about many of the things that are unique to our state. They include a public diamond mine, quirky festivals, delicious culinary creations, spectacular landscapes, and of course, legends like Johnny Cash. But Arkansas is also home of the longest bayou in the United States. And best of all, you can experience it in three different ways. Are you ready to explore this ecosystem for an unforgettable adventure in Arkansas?

Bayou Bartholomew is a 360-mile oasis that begins in Pine Bluff and empties out into the Ouachita River in Louisiana.
Amanda Elaine Standifer/Google
The wetland was formed thousands of years ago, and it has played a pivotal role in the thriving timber and agricultural industries in the Arkansas Delta.
Additionally, the bayou was used as a major waterway to ship goods in the region prior to the development of railroads. So, as you can tell, it’s not your ordinary stream or waterway.
Jayden Ririe/Google
As for the locals, it was a popular area for picnics, swimming, fishing, and more, due to how pristine the water once was. Unfortunately, over time, the stream became polluted, which has led to recent conservation efforts.
Today, the bayou is managed under the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. And it’s an ecological system for migratory birds, waterfowls, snakes, gators, turtles, and more.
David Doggett/AllTrails
Plus, the swampy area is brimming with gorgeous cypress and tupelo trees. There are over 100 species of fish existing in the bayou, which makes it attractive for anglers to catch crappie, bream, catfish, and more.

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Grab a canoe or kayak and spend the day drifting on the scenic stream. There is plenty to explore and lots of wildlife and flora to admire.
Explore Pine Bluff/Facebook
You can easily spend the day exploring miles and miles of this serene ecosystem. There are multiple access points for the bayou, which allows for easy exploration.
While floating is the best way to experience the true beauty of the stream, there is also a hiking trail that meanders along the shores.
Explore Pine Bluff/Facebook
The 1.5-mile loop trail is an easy hike, and though the trail isn’t well maintained, it is worth the trek. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the wildlife lurking in the ecosystem.
If you don’t want to drift on the bayou or hike the nature trail, there’s another way that you can witness this oasis.
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook
Hop on your motorcycle or jump in your car and head to the Bayou Bartholomew Rohwer Memorial Loop in nearby Star City.
While riding down Highway 425 to AR 54, you’ll cross the bayou in Winchester. Eventually, you’ll witness the change between the Delta flatlands and the timberlands. It’s truly a remarkable site to see.
Arkansas State Tourism
So, the next time you’re looking for an adventure by water, land, or on a motorcycle, consider exploring Bayou Bartholomew. The journey will be one unforgettable adventure in Arkansas.

Have you ever explored Bayou Bartholomew? Did you witness it by land, water, or by vehicle? Tell us all about your experience in the comments below. 

And here’s a previous article about a scenic ecosystem in Arkansas that has a floating boardwalk.

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Featured Addresses
Bayou Bartholomew River Trail, 5401 S Olive St, Pine Bluff, AR 71603, USA