BELL SLOUGH
Trail offers enjoyable, educational trek
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Kenny Vernon Nature Trail.
There’s one thing I can say with all confidence: There is no shortage of Wildlife Management Areas in Arkansas. In fact, more than 100 of these designated areas are situated within the boundaries of the state.
Each WMA, however, differs from the others in the sense that they are located in various sections of the state and, in turn, in an array of ecosystems. Some are located along river bottoms, others are nestled amongst slews, and there are those that are situated in mountainous terrain.
Of course, hunters gravitate toward these designated areas, as they are often bountiful with wildlife. However, there is also a select group of wildlife management areas that have much to offer to folks with other interests.
Bell Slough WMA is such a location. Of course, the 2,040acre section of property is important to hunters. Bow hunters take advantage of a healthy stand of deer residing on the property, squirrel hunters are apt to find their fair share of bushytails bounding from tree to tree and don’t be surprised if you hear a pack of beagles pushing a rabbit through the thickets.
Palarm Creek runs along the edge of the WMA, providing duck hunters with shooting opportunities, and turkey hunters try their hand at outwitting wary toms in the spring.
Yep, Bell Slough has plenty to offer to those who enjoy the sport of hunting. But this location is also a great destination for those who would rather enter the woods without a gun.
Of course, outdoor enthusiasts would value seeing each and every species mentioned above. And there are many more calling these acres home. And it just so happens that folks can get acquainted with this destination and its inhabitants from a designated path, as Kenny Vernon Nature Trail winds through a section of the WMA.
The trail begins within sight of a distant Interstate 40, near the town of Mayflower. But as the 2.25-mile path leads in the opposing direction of the busy highway, the roaring sound of big rigs and passenger cars soon dwindles, leaving nothing but the sounds and scenes of a beautiful and natural setting.
The trailhead parking area is fairly easy to find. From Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east to the I-30 intersection and head east. Travel 17 miles and take Exit 129 for I-430 north toward Fort Smith. Go 12 miles on I-430 and use the left lane to take Exit
13B for I-40 west.
Go 12 more miles and take Exit 135 (Highway 89) toward Highway 365/Mayflower. Take a left and cross the interstate onto Highway 365 at the intersection. Travel for a couple of miles and turn left at the Bell Slough sign. Follow the road for a short distance, veer right at the next intersection, and immediately turn left. Cross the bridge and the parking area will be on the left.
The well-designed and maintained path wastes no time leaving the sound of the interstate. Immediately entering a low-lying area, this section of trail consists of a boardwalk spanning somewhat of a miniature swamp.
The substrate is practically dried up at present, as a result of drought-like conditions. However, this is normally a great spot where one can scan the water for reptiles and amphibians during the warmer months of the year.
The boardwalk eventually ends, and the path continues through the woods for a short period prior to running alongside a migratory waterfowl rest area. This is a great location where one can take a few moments to scan the huge field for migratory waterfowl during the winter months, But again, the drier-than-normal conditions have resulted in a limited amount of water.
The trail continues alongside the field for a distance. Although a thick windrow of vines and saplings hinder one’s ability to see the rest area, this is a spot where one is apt to see songbirds of various species zipping to and fro.
In fact, those with a passion for birding might find it of interest to know that there are
117 species of birds known to the area. Of course, birders are limited to seeing some of these species only during the spring and summer months. However, those visiting the facility during the colder months of the year won’t suffer from a shortage of species.
The path will make its way alongside a couple of intersections throughout the hike. Each trail leading to the right simply shortens the journey. That being said, I would suggest those wanting to experience the entire loop remain left at each intersection.
The designated path will eventually make its way to a road, where it doglegs and heads back into the woods. This is a great spot where one can stop and enjoy yet another look across the aforementioned field.
We didn’t see any wildlife from this point during our most recent visit. But I can recall a previous hike along this trail when I watched a couple of Mississippi Kites navigating the sky and catching dragonflies from this particular spot.
From the road, the trail makes a hard left-hand turn, and up a short flight of stairs prior to leveling back out and meandering along the base of a predominantly oak hillside and through a large flat.
I found this section of the hike very interesting as deer sign was evident. In fact, their tracks were an indication they too had been utilizing the trail.
The path eventually led to another vista overlooking the opposing side of the field. This was a great spot where one could stop, wet their whistle, and read the interpretive sign pertaining to native wildlife that thrives in such an environment.
The route continued through a wooded area, eventually running alongside yet one more vista. From this particular spot, one could peer through the monocular on a stand and get a much more close up and personal perspective of any nearby critters.
The trail then made its way up a slight incline, entering a totally different environment. According to the interpretive sign, located within feet of a pergola, this area was an example of the results of controlled burns.
This procedure definitely lent to a wildlife-friendly environment, as the tall grass not only provided seeds as a food source for an array of species but also provided cover.
The trail headed slightly downhill shortly thereafter, meandering through a hardwood forest with very little understory. Again, this habitat was wildlife-friendly, as whitetails, squirrels and turkey find acorns an essential part of their diets.
The trail wound around for a short distance prior to returning to the parking area, deeming the hike behind us. Loading into the rig, I was somewhat disappointed that the dry conditions had adversely affected the number of water-loving creatures that we might have seen along the way.
But I was also aware that dry weather is but one of the obstacles that our native plants and wildlife must learn to endure. And despite the conditions, we still valued an enjoyable and educational trek into