2017 Map of Lake Cheatham

About this map

Lake Cheatham and the winding course of the Arkansas River dominate this 2017 study of the riparian border between Arkansas and Mississippi. This low-lying delta landscape is defined by its complex hydrography, where the main channel meets the Mississippi River near Monterey Bend. The area is a labyrinth of backwaters and oxbows, including Little Jefferson Lake, Eagles Nest Lake, and the expansive Swan Lake. Landforms like Big Island and Wells Point illustrate the shifting nature of the river's path over time, while man-made features such as Canal Number 66 and Canal Number 81 indicate efforts to manage the wetlands. A network of rural routes, including Great River Road and Wargo Road, provide access to the various landings and agricultural tracts that dot the shoreline of Red Fork Bayou and Sutton Bayou.