Mile 679.0 - Walnut Bend Boat Ramp (AKA Battle Axe Boat Ramp)

RBD 679 Walnut Bend Boat Ramp (AKA Battle Axe Boat Ramp)

A functional but primitive boat ramp located in a strategic place right bank descending at the bottom of Walnut Bend. Partly revetment, partly gravel, partly rock. Located on the Arkansas bank on the edge of a giant eddy. Those needing to make landing can swirl around the eddy and pull back to bank with the circular motion. Those headed out from the landing can put in and follow the flow back upstream to where the opposing waters meet at the edge of the eddy and dive into the strong downstream current wherever an inviting opening shows itself. Note: try to wait until you see an outpouring of water into the big water, maybe around a small whirlpool. It will make the entry into the main channel much easier. It is approximately a ten mile walk, mostly on the gravel top of the Arkansas levee, to the nearest town (Marianna). Three miles down the levee you will cross the St. Francis River at the Huxtabee Pumping Station. This freshwater pumping station was very busy during the flood of 2011. When the Mississippi River rises they shut the gates down and close off the St. Francis to prevent back flooding. As the waters of the St. Francis backs up behind the Arkansas levee they turn a switch and ignite the Huxtabee to pump the water back over the levee. Such are the complications of families, farms and floodplains in the Mississippi Delta.