From Monticello, travel east 14 miles Southeast on AR Hwy. 35 to Collins. From Collins, travel south on Collins Line Road/county road 51. There are two access points for Cut-off Creek. For the Upper Weir Access, travel 5.6 miles and turn left onto gravel road managed by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Travel east to boat launch ramp. For the Lower Weir Access, travel south approximately 4.5 miles on Collins Line Road/county road 51 from the Upper Weir Access Road, to the Lower Weir Access Road, then turn east.
The Upper Weir area contains two ravines which flow generally eastward from coastal plain uplands to the adjacent bottomlands along Cut-off Creek. The ravines are forested with a pine-oak forest at their heads and a mixed oak and beech forest nearer the mouths. The bottomland into which the creeks emerge is forested with willow oak and water oak on higher sites and overcup oak and cypress on lower sites. This 377-acre area, which lies within the Cut-off Creek Wildlife Management Area is a valuable example of Coastal Plain to Delta. Primitive camping sites are located adjacent to the boat ramp.
The Lower Weir access is at the southern end of the 9,314-acre Wildlife Management Area. Cut-off Creek is mostly bottomland hardwood with some upland sites. There is one major stream and three major sloughs. Duck hunting is one of the most popular activities in the area, with approximately 2,000 acres flooded annually for ducks, with mallards and wood ducks most common. Deer hunting is fair, with an expanding population, and furbearers such as raccoon and mink provide good opportunities for trappers during the appropriate season. For state regulations on hunting use this link to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission https://www.agfc.com/en/explore-outdoors/wildlife-viewing/water-trails/cut-creek-water-trail/.
Bird Watching:
Watch for bald eagles, prothonotary warblers, Swainson’s warblers, fulvous whistling ducks, wood ducks, hooded mergansers, barred owls, great horned owls, great blue herons, green herons and eastern wild turkeys.
Wildlife observation:
Beavers, otters, raccoons, mink and deer are common along the water.
Fishing:
The creek offers fishing for largemouth and spotted bass, crappie and bream. Minnows, jigs, spinners and light line are recommended. Fish for catfish on the bottom of the creek with worms, minnows and stink baits.
Canoeing, boating and kayaking:
The boat launch ramps at both the Upper and Lower Weir Access points allow for easy access to the creek. It is advised to check seasonal water levels and hunting seasons for the best conditions for these activities.
Water Trail Length
Northern WMA boundary to Upper Weir Access - 4 miles
Upper Weir Access to Lower Weir Access: 4.3 miles
Cut-Off Creek flows south to Bayou Bartholomew
Float Time
Expect to travel 1-2 miles per hour, depending on water level and rate of paddling.
Creek Conditions
Cut-Off Creek is free of rapids, although high water can create dangerous conditions around trees and other obstacles; watch for snags, floating logs and cypress knees. The creek flows south; flow is minimal most of the year (expect to travel 1-2 miles per hour). At normal water levels, paddling upstream is an option. Respect private property marked by fences, signs or purple paint.
Camping
Designated campsites (marked by signs) are available along Upper Weir Road (Drew County Road 54) and at Lower Weir Access. Gravel pads can accommodate small and medium campers. To check on the availability of seasonal camping along the creek, contact the AGFC at 870-367-3553.
Notes
Don't Get a Ticket
According to Arkansas law, children 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and anyone on a boat must have one ready to use. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have a throwable life preserver (type IV) aboard. Glass containers are illegal in boats such as canoes that can be easily swamped. Paddlers must securely fasten cooler lids, use attached litter containers and use floating holders for beverages.