Warren Prairie Natural Area, located in the Coastal Plain, consists of a mosaic of salt slicks, saline barrens, Delta post oak flatwoods, mound woodlands, pine flatwoods and woodlands, and bottomland hardwood forest communities. Soils at the site containing naturally high amounts of sodium and magnesium salts account for the sparse and irregular distribution of trees and the resultant dominance of grasses and other herbaceous vegetation in the barrens and associated woodlands. Stands of dwarf palmetto are distributed irregularly and lend a tropical aspect to the area. The natural area provides critical habitat for the state's largest population of the federally threatened plant, Geocarpon minimum. A breeding population of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker was reestablished between 2011 and 2012 through translocations from donor populations in Arkansas and Louisiana. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owns fee title to a 40-acre parcel surrounded by the natural area and a divided interest in 606 acres.

Length- 2.2 miles roundtrip
Difficulty- Moderate; not ADA accessible
Download Trail Map 

A trailhead near the parking lot contains a number of interpretive panels that share information about the flora, fauna, and management of the property. From the parking lot trailhead, visitors will meander through a pine flatwoods and saline barrens. After roughly a few hundred feet, the loop trail splits. There are many great wildlife observation opportunities.

 

From Warren, take U.S. Highway 278 East approximately 4.5 miles, across the Saline River, to the junction of state Highway 172. Turn right (south) and proceed 2.0 miles to parking lot and sign on left (east).

Specific types of hunting are allowed on this natural area. For details, see the Warren Prairie Natural Area WMA listing in the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook. Take all necessary safety precautions when visiting this area.