Lake Charles State Park’sKayaking Adventures
will introduce you to the wonders of nature onNortheast Arkansas’s largest man-made lake.Adventurers will observe a variety of animaland plant species on the tour.
The lake, within the Mississippi flyway, isused by many migratory birds such as thewhite pelican, double-crested cormorant andseveral species of ducks for a resting areaduring their migration. Great blue heron,belted king fisher, and bald eagle are regularlyseen here.
Deer, raccoons, opossums, and grey squirrelscan be observed as you glide silently alongthe shoreline of the lake. Kayaks are great forviewing wildlife because they allow you toget close without the roar of a motor. It issurprising what can be seen while gentlygliding on the lake in a kayak!
Lake Charles State Park offers guided andself-guided kayak tours. Kayaks are relativelyeasy to use and anyone in moderately goodcondition will have no trouble. Both toursinclude paddles and personal floatationdevices and last about1.5 hours. Bring along abottle of water to ease your thirst. Glasscontainers are not allowed.
Tours begin at the swim beach. The tourroute is marked by white buoys. Pre-register atthe visitor center. Participants are asked toarrive 15 minutes before the scheduled tourtime. We have a select number of tandemkayaks for those wishing to share. After ashort orientation, participants will launchtheir kayaks.
The tour begins along the shore of the day usearea, be careful not to disturb the fishermen.As you paddle toward the first buoy, the tourleads you into open water. Gliding along, theconversation may be interrupted at anytimeby a call of a bird or a fish seen. As youpaddle across the main body of the lake, stopand allow the kayaks to drift. This is a goodopportunity to watch birds that are in the area.
Follow the buoys toward Flippo Cove. Thecove is the largest on the lake and manysprings surface in it. Before the lake was built,these springs were used as a water source byresidents in the area. The cove has standingtimber that many birds use as a resting area.Most of the area is undeveloped with the oak-hickory forest growing up to the water’s edge.Different species of mammals may be seen asyou glide along the shore. Notice the green,erect plant that grows along the shoreline. It iscalled alligator weed. During the summer, itblooms with small white flowers. We havealligator weed but no alligators.
Follow the buoys to the back of the covewhere a small stream enters the lake. Keepyour eyes and ears open for wildlife as youquietly paddle up the stream for a fewhundred feet. At this point, observe the forest.Listen to the sounds of nature. This is a goodtime to reflect on what you have seen, take abreak and have a drink of water. More wildlifemay be seen as you return to the day use area.
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Guided kayak adventures are scheduled eachSaturday and Sunday morning from Aprilthrough October. Groups (maximum of eight)may schedule a private guided group tour withadvance notice.
Have fun and enjoy nature on one of LakeCharles State Park’s kayaking adventures!
Kayak Adventure Fees(Guided and Self Guided)
Adults................................$10Children (6 - 12)................$5Children under age 6.........Free when riding tandem with an adult.
Lake Charles State ParkMission StatementTo promote tourism by providing high qualityservices and facilities to all park visitorswhile preserving the resources within itsboundaries.
Lake Charles State Park3705 Highway 25
Powhatan, AR 72458(870) 878-6595
Lake Charles State Park
Fishing Pier
Swimming Beach
Flippo Cove
Dam
Bouy
Spider tree
Standing timber
LEGEND
Fishing Pier
Swimming Beach
Flippo Cove
Dam
Bouy
Spider tree
Standing timber
LEGEND
Kayaking Advendures atLake Charles State Park.
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