Temporary Closure of Lake Ouachita Vista Trail Head at Tompkins Bend for Construction of ADA-Accessible Walkway and Fishing Pier

MOUNT IDA, Ark. – The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail Head at Tompkins Bend (Trails End Lane) will be temporarily closed to the public from September 15 through December 31, 2025, due to construction of a new ADA-accessible Watchable Wildlife elevated walkway and fishing pier at Denby Bay. The paved ADA Watchable Wildlife Loop will remain open.

The closure is necessary to ensure public safety during construction activities. Rowdy R. Construction, the contractor leading the project, will be operating heavy equipment in the area throughout the construction period. To maintain a safe environment for both visitors and workers, no public access will be allowed at the Tompkins Bend trail head during this time.

The new elevated walkway and ADA-compliant fishing pier will replace the walkway and pier that was demolished three years ago due to extensive damage caused by flooding. The new pier material is reinforced polymeric lumber and EcoPile PVC pilings designed to withstand flood events. Grants were awarded from Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDoT) and Owens Corning to help cover the cost of materials and construction.

Once completed, the elevated walkway and pier will offer beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities along the walkway and a place where users of all abilities can possibly catch some fish from the pier. Lake Ouachita Vista Trail welcomes thousands of visitors from across the country each year. While we understand this temporary closure may inconvenience some trail users, this improvement project represents an important step forward in ensuring that the lake and its amenities are inclusive and accessible to all.

The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) is the product of many remarkable partnerships and the tireless dedication of the Friends of Lake Ouachita and the Trail Dogs volunteer groups, who continue to support and maintain the trail for all to enjoy.

Trail users are encouraged to explore other trailheads and access points along the LOViT during the closure.   For more information, please contact The US Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Ouachita Field Office @ 501-767-2101.
           

The USACE Vicksburg District is engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges. The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana that holds nine major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees. The Vicksburg District is engaged in hundreds of projects and employs approximately 1,100 personnel.