Cache River National Wildlife Refuge

Cache River National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area in Arkansas that spans across the floodplain with bottomland forests and lands being restored to their natural state. The terrain includes water channels, mature trees, and open fields that together create habitat for diverse wildlife.

The refuge received protected status in 1986 after local hunters opposed plans to alter the river during the 1970s. Their action preserved the land and helped establish it as a conservation area for future generations.

The refuge takes its name from the river that runs through it and has shaped how people connect with this land. It remains a place where visitors come to observe wildlife and experience the rhythms of a working wetland ecosystem.

Entry is through a visitor center on Arkansas Highway 33 where you can learn about trails and viewing areas before exploring. It helps to arrive early in the day and check conditions, since water levels can make some routes impassable.

Researchers reported possible sightings in 2005 of a woodpecker species that had been considered lost for decades. This discovery attracted worldwide attention from bird watchers and conservation experts.