Byrd Lake is an oxbow lake that still interacts with its parent stream, Bayou Bartholomew, in times of high water. The natural area is representative of the natural boundary between the Coastal Plain and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Bald cypress trees surround the lake, while adjoining lands support bottomland plant communities that respond to fluctuating water levels and rich alluvial soils. The slopes north of Byrd Lake are well drained and support a contrasting mixed pine-hardwood forest. A paved foot-trail provides visitors with access to the site. Due to its location within the city limits of Pine Bluff, development of nearby private land has the potential to impact the ecological integrity of the natural area.
TRAIL
Length - 0.5 mile roundtrip
Difficulty - Easy; ADA accessible
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Byrd Lake nature trail begins at the natural area parking lot. It winds through an upland mixed pine-hardwood forest then gradually drops, looping visitors through a bottomland hardwood forest. A spur off of the loop leads to an overlook of Byrd Lake. There are benches at the overlook.
DIRECTIONS
From Interstate 530 in Pine Bluff, take exit 43. Travel north on Olive Street approximately 0.5 mile to Main Street and turn right. Travel 0.2 mile to 52nd Street and turn right. Travel east on 52nd Street 0.2 mile to the parking lot on the right.
HUNTING
Hunting is prohibited on this natural area.