Mississippi River State Park in eastern Arkansas exists to provide quality access to the St. Francis National Forest and to inspire personal connections with the River, Delta, and Crowley’s Ridge. 

Kayaking on Hornor Neck Lake, within the park, is always an adventure that takes you through beautiful Delta scenery and stories. Gliding among large bald-cypress trees, you’ll find wildlife making homes and get to glimpse into the history that this rare, naturally formed lake holds. 

Hornor Neck Lake is one of the most ideal places to experience the Delta’s landscape and witness how life adapts around it. Often, visitors will first focus on the beauty of the trees and the unique feeling of kayaking through a thick group of them. They begin to see firsthand the evidence of drastic changes in water level that has occurred here over time. They also start to notice other, smaller details: spots where woodpeckers drummed, small cavities that could be homes, which bushes the tiger swallowtail butterflies prefer.  

These Arkansas native trees grow along waterways, offering shelter to animals and soil erosion control during floods. Since the Mississippi River floods this area yearly, these trees are a safe haven to all! You can even see “high water” lines from previous floods on their trunks. 

Come autumn, the cypress trees’ bright green needles will turn brilliant yellow and gold before falling (hence their name bald-cypress). No matter the season, you’re bound to find something new each journey. 

Adventures in areas like this are becoming harder to find. Thankfully, Hornor Neck Lake is protected as a State Park and continues to offer a peaceful, yet exciting place to explore.  

If you’re interested in touring the lake or want more park information, visit our website and check out our online calendar of events! 

Video Description: In this unnarrated video, a kayak glides among large cypress trees as the sun shines through the tree’s green needles. Gentle sounds of the paddle moving through water are throughout, with songbirds calling in the distance.