Bell Slough Wildlife Management Area

This is a relatively new WMA south of Mayflower just off AR 365. To reach Bell South turn left off 365 on to Grassy Lake Road. Follow Grassy Lake under I-40 and turn left into the parking lot just after crossing Palaram Creek.  The area may be flood in the winter and early  spring depending on rainfall. The north end of the WMA can be reached by turning east on 89 and going 0.4 mile to Dam Rd. where you would turn right and follow the road to the dam. This area is referred to as Bell North.

At Bell South the nature trail can be accessed just past the restroom.  There is a wildlife observation area at two locations and a photography blind on the lower part of the trail which is accessed by keeping left and two trail junctions. These areas look out over a marshy field which contains herons, egrets, bitterns, ducks and rails in season. This field is surrounded by a short levee which may be walked except for 30 days before and after duck season. The reason for this being this is a waterfowl rest area. If you take the right hand trail at the first fork it will lead you up the hill and through a dry hickory-oak forest with some glades and a view of the valley. The nature trail is 2.25 miles long and runs through some variable habitat which makes for good species counts during spring migration.

At Bell North there is no official nature trail. The area can be entered by crossing the spillway and finding a road where you turn to the right. This road will take you through some open fields, swampy areas and into a bottomland hardwood forest. Again, in spring and late winter the area may be flooded.  This area is also good in spring migration for warblers.