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Sunken Lands of the St. Francis River
About this event
Meet at the Oak Donnick Access Point for a small group paddle of 2 - 2.5 hours. We will unload our equipment out of the way of the launch ramp.
Oak Donnick is one of three access points to the St. Francis Sunken Lands Water Trail established by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. We will paddle out and back from the access point so no shuttle is required.
General Description
The St Francis Sunken Lands is a large open cypress stand.The origin and characteristics of the area are similar to Reelfoot lake. However, it’s closer to Memphis and the cypress stands are more open to paddling than Reelfoot or Wapanocca. Some background information about the sunken lands is here.
There is a good concrete launch ramp and plenty of parking but no restroom facilities. Access to beaches and other land area is extremely limited. The paddle may be unsuitable if you are uncomfortable being in a boat for 2 hours.
Here is a link to the rivergage at Oak Donnick. We have paddled at levels between 10 and 14 feet.
Like other areas accessible to the Mississippi River, there are Asian Carp present. They are harmless, but jumping fish, especially one that lands in your boat can be unsettling.
Powered fishing boats may be present in the open areas, but have not been a problem to paddlers during past visits.
On the way back to Memphis, we may stop at Tacker's Shake Shack for some lunch.
Directions from Memphis to Oak Donick Access (GPS 35.602520, -90.462260)
Take I-55 north toward St. Louis.
Take Exit 23 toward Jonesboro on US-63/I155
Take Exit 24 toward Hwy 463 south
Turn left (south) onto Hwy 463 about 0,8 mi to Tulot Rd
Turn left onto Tulot Rd and and continue until the pavement turns to gravel
Continue right onto Oak Donnick Ln (also gravel)
Ignore smaller gravel turnoffs and continue for about 1.4 miles to the launch on your left at GPS coordinates 35°36'09.6"N 90°27'43.1"W.
Rules
This meetup was initiated based on the principles of the Common Adventure Model for Recreational Activities, and will adhere to the recommended safe paddling practices of the American Canoe Association.
Initiator(s)
Michael Dale
Registration Info
Registration is required
Registration cancellations will be accepted until Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Capacity
10 Total Slots
2 Available Slot(s)
Invalid Quantity