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Wapanocca Wildlife Refuge
Registration is required before Friday, July 10, 2020 at 12:00 AM
Registration cancellations will be accepted
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Paddle Description - 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Adults only please, this is a quiet, relaxed bird watching and photography paddle for all experience levels. Bring your binoculars. The paddle does not require a shuttle.
Wapanocca Lake formed 5,000 years ago when the Mississippi River changed course. The lake is surrounded by old-growth bald cypress forest which remains flooded year-round. There is no cost for access to the refuge.
Before the Paddle
We will meet in the shopping strip parking lot on the north side of McDonald's in Marion, AR. There is plenty of parking for cars and trailers. You may wish to visit McDonald's. There is usually no access to restrooms in the Visitor's Center of the Wildlife Refuge on weekends.
We will begin the caravan from McDonald's at 7:30 am. In the lake by 8:00 am.
Other Details
This paddle is for Bluff City Canoe Club members and their guests. If you are not a member, we'd love to have you join. Membership is only $30 per year and includes your entire family.
You can join here --> Member Signup / Information
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- All fees and paperwork will be handled online.
- Participation is limited to 15 paddlers (a waiting list is available.)
- We will maintain social distance and wear masks during the launch and take-out.
- You should be able to load, unload, transport, get into and get out of your own boat without assistance unless you have arranged a paddle partner.
We will comply with American Canoe Association (ACA) safety and insurance requirements. Every paddler must a wear a PDF on the water and have completed an ACA Smart Waiver within the past 12 months.
Participants who are not a current annual ACA member must purchase a ACA Single Event Membership at $5/person. You will be able to purchase this membership during registration.
Directions (In case you get lost on the caravan)
From Memphis take I-55 North to Exit 21 (North of West Memphis) go East on HWY 42 through stop sign go under RR bridge 1/8 mile to Wapanocca entrance on right.
Address: 178 Hammond Ave, Turrell, AR GPS 35.366399, -90.252025
The Canoe Launch is over the bridge behind Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station.
In the past, we have not had access to the restrooms in the Visitor Contact Station on weekends.
Assistance Contacts
Medical and other emergencies: 911
Other assistance: The Crittenden Co Sheriff Dept (870) 702-2000