Birding near Helena

The closest birding is in the St. Francis National Forest and Mississippi River State Park, just north of Helena. The forest begins about 3 miles from the inn by way of the levee, 5 to 10 minutes by car. Its bottomland woods, lakes and Crowley's Ridge hillsides hold woodpeckers, warblers and waterfowl.\n\nFarther out is the Big Woods of eastern Arkansas, a large stretch of bottomland hardwood forest. It drew international attention during the search for the ivory-billed woodpecker, which has not been confirmed. The White River and Cache River National Wildlife Refuges and several Wildlife Management Areas are within reach for a day trip.\n\nSpring migration (April to May) and the winter waterfowl season are the best times to go.