Cache River National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeNearby: Mike Freeze Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area Sheffield Nelson Dagmar Wildlife Management Area
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of Arkansas and spans over 90 square miles.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It was established in 1986 to protect and restore the diverse wildlife and natural habitats present in the area.
There are several good reasons to visit the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, including birdwatching, canoeing, hiking, and hunting. The refuge is home to over 200 species of birds, including the rare and endangered ivory-billed woodpecker. Additionally, the refuge is known for its beautiful cypress-tupelo swamp forests, which provide a unique and serene environment for visitors.
Specific points of interest to see in the refuge include the Bayou DeView overlook, which provides stunning views of the refuge's wetlands and is a great spot for birdwatching. Other popular spots include the Black Swamp Boardwalk, which allows visitors to experience the swamp up close and personal, and the Cache River Wetlands Center, which provides educational exhibits and programs for visitors.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once home to several prehistoric mammals, including mammoths and giant sloths. The area was also heavily impacted by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812, which changed the course of the Mississippi River and created many of the wetland areas in the refuge.
The best time of year to visit the refuge is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and many species of birds are migrating through the area. However, visitors can enjoy the refuge year-round, with each season offering its own unique experiences and opportunities for exploration.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References