World’s Longest Bayou Runs From Arkansas to Louisiana

When you think of wetlands or the bayou the first states that come to mind are Louisiana and Florida but did you know Arkansas is home to a portion of the world's longest bayou?

Bayou Bartholomew

That's right, the Bayou Bartholomew runs 364 miles long and stretches from Arkansas to Louisiana, Interstate 530 goes straight to it. When driving this route you will see some of the area's most diversified wildlife and exotic plant life in the United States.

Some animals you may encounter on your journey include alligators, otters, fish, waterfowl, turtles, and songbirds.

Bayou Bartholomew is considered one of the most underrated fishing spots for catfish in Arkansas. With over 100 species of fish, it is the second most diverse stream in North America.

The tall cypress trees that hang over the road and deep into the wooded forest swamps remind all of us of a time once forgotten. Bayou Bartholomew at one time was one of the most important waterways for transporting goods to the Delta region during the 1800s.

Today Bayou Bartholomew begins in Pine Bluff and flows to the Ouachita River in Sterlington, Louisiana, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Most bayous are murky and muddy and are very dangerous if you are navigating through one with a boat be on the lookout for hidden fishing lines, crab traps, alligators, and other wildlife that can be deadly.

So if you want to go on an interesting road trip down Interstate 530, in Arkansas you never know what you may encounter along the way. Wait a minute was that Bigfoot?