Watchable Wildlife Trail Update

Work on the new Watchable Wildlife Trail located just off Shangri La road is proceeding rapidly. This portion of the LOViT trail is designed to bring all users, including those physically challenged, closer to nature. This level paved trail is approximately 1 mile in length and will include an elevated portion that will allow users to access a wild wetland area located in south end the Denby Bay area of Lake Ouachita. The trail circles a large open field following along the banks of Gap Creek as it flows in to the bay. The trail then ducks beneath the towering canopy of a densely wood area that changes from woods to marsh then open water.

The paved portion is currently open for use but the 1/4 mile long elevated walkway is still under construction. When completed this walkway will include thirty-foot bridge across Gap Creek that will connect a new section the LOViT Trail that will lead around Denby Bay to connect the Denby Point Campground and Shores Resort with the LOViT Trail system.

Most of you have followed the construction of the new highway bridge that will replace the sixty-year-old bridge that crosses the Lake Ouachita at Denby Bay. Once the new bridge is completed the old bridge will be closed to traffic and will become a hiking, biking and fishing bridge as a part of the LOViT Trail. The Traildogs negotiated an agreement with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department and the US Army Corps of Engineers to transfer the bridge to the Corps as part of the Lake Ouachita Compound for use as part of the trail.

The new Watchable Wildlife trail will include a new restroom, picnic area, parking and an information Kiosk with details of the history of the Trail and the Lake. Plans are being developed to develop habitat for field and wood birds including planting seed producing grasses, wild flowers, fruit trees and native berry bearing bushes designed to generate year around forage for birds and wildlife all along the new trail.

The Traildogs and the Montgomery County Master Gardeners are planning guided interpretive hikes along this section of the trail once completed. If you would like to take a short hike on a newly paved trail take the short trip east of Mt. Ida to Shangri La Road. Go one block up Shangri La Road to the first road on your left, Old Highway 27 Rd, go two blocks and you will see the parking area and information kiosk on your left. This would be a great place to begin developing your walking skills will enjoying the areas wildlife.