St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area

The St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area offers multiple boat access points along the St. Francis River, a scenic and ecologically significant waterway in northeastern Arkansas. The river and surrounding wetlands were dramatically altered by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-12, which caused the land to sink several feet and create the "Sunken Lands" landscape.

For kayakers, canoeists, and small boaters, the Oak Donnick Access is a good option, located 1.3 miles down a levee road. This provides direct access to the St. Francis River and the interior of the management area. Other access points include Siphons Access, Stephens Landing, Mangrum Landing, Iron Bridge Access, and the Lake City Highway 18 Bridge. These boat ramps allow visitors to explore the flooded forests, marshes, and backwaters that now characterize this unique ecosystem.

The St. Francis River itself is a slow-moving, navigable waterway, making it well-suited for paddling and small motor boats. Boaters should be aware of occasional submerged obstacles and plan accordingly. The management area provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and experiencing the dramatic landscape transformed by the historic New Madrid earthquakes.