Little River: Chalk Cliffs, Forests, and County History

Chalk cliffs above the river, bottomland forest with dwarf palmettos, and a lake considered a major fishing destination: Little River County reveals very different facets of its landscape and regional history. Those who include nature and culture in their travel plans will find concrete points of interest here – from seasonal opportunities to observe migratory waterfowl to historic sites in Ashdown and near Alleene.

River Landscapes and Distinctive Forest Areas

At White Cliffs Natural Area, a 100-foot-high chalk cliff rises above the Little River. Palmetto Flats Natural Area offers a different kind of landscape: it is the largest continuous remnant of bottomland forest on river terraces in Arkansas’s Red River Valley. Its habitats include rare wet hardwood forests and pine-hardwood flatwoods; dwarf palmettos grow in their understory. Together, the two natural areas represent distinct landscape features – the striking chalk formation by the river and the diverse bottomland forest.

Directions to Palmetto Flats from Ashdown are described. First, travel about 5.2 miles west on State Highway 32, then about 5.6 miles south on Richmond Road (Little River 21), followed by 0.25 miles on an unpaved road. A parking area is one mile north, on the east side of the road. Flooding can affect seasonal access; check access conditions before setting out.

The trails also offer different experiences. The Waterfowl Way Trail passes through a marsh, across Prairie Bumps, and through pine and hardwood stands. The Wildlife Lane Nature Trail is four miles long and designated as a multi-use trail for hikers and cyclists. It passes through several hundred acres designated as a wildlife refuge. These landscapes offer different points of reference for planning a day outdoors.

Millwood Lake: Fishing and Migratory Waterfowl

Millwood Lake in Millwood State Park covers 29,260 acres and is considered a major fishing destination. Fish species found there include largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The lake is also part of the regional Arkansas Southwest Waterways network: Howard, Little River, and Sevier counties share Millwood Lake. This makes it a regional point of reference, not just a single day-trip destination.

The time of year also changes how visitors experience the lake. Many species of migratory waterfowl use it as a stopover on their long migrations in fall and winter. Those interested in this seasonal aspect can take it into account alongside fishing when planning a trip. Although the Waterfowl Way Trail passes through marsh and forest landscapes, Millwood Lake itself is the stated stopover site for migratory birds.

County History in Ashdown and Near Alleene

The Two Rivers Museum opened in 2005 at the corner of Constitution Avenue (Highway 71) and Main Street in Ashdown in Little River County. Its exhibits include the military history display “Freedom’s Heroes,” with uniforms, medals, and firearms from World Wars I and II. When volunteers are available, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; check in advance to confirm that a visit is possible.

Another notable point of reference for county history is Freeman Cemetery near Alleene, Arkansas. It has local significance in connection with the early settlement of the area around Alleene. The first court session in Little River County was held in 1867 on the porch of William Madison Freeman’s house. The Little River County Courthouse is considered one of the most impressive county courthouses in Arkansas and the county’s most prominent building. Murals in Ashdown are also promoted as photo opportunities for visitors.

Which Area Suits Your Travel Plans?

Specific locations can help you choose a vacation rental: the Two Rivers Museum and the murals are in Ashdown. Those making the lake their focus can look to Millwood Lake and its fishing and migratory bird attractions. Culture in Ashdown, the bottomland forest landscape of Palmetto Flats Natural Area, and fishing and migratory bird attractions at Millwood Lake appeal to different travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Clark County, Jackson County, Grant County, Poinsett County, Jefferson County, Sevier County, Hot Spring County.

Return to the main travel overview: Arkansas.